Re: How available are 356 engines?

Posted by Dave Kenney On 2009/4/26 8:47:44

If your engine is running well it may not be worth the time, money and effort to find and then possibly rebuild a 356 engine (not cheap!)since all Packard engines of the period are excellent and made good power.
My 1947 Super Clipper has the original 356" engine. In my opinion the 356 engine is worth having if you can find one at a good price that has been rebuilt or an excellent original as they are powerful and smooth running and one of the finest engines Packard made. Although the 288/327 engine is very similar in dimensions to the 356 they are distinctly separate castings. It has been my experience, however, that some parts are common to both engines. The bores of the engines are all 3.5" but the stroke lengths are different (3 3/4 vs 4 1/4"). The 356 has 9 main bearings and the 288 has 5. Fewer 356 engines were made than the 288/327 variety so are less common but there have been a 2 or 3 offered for sale on Ebay since I have been watching so they do exist.
I have a 1947 Custom Super parts car but I suspect it has a 288/327 engine replacement engine so I can't offer you the one in the car until I verify which engine it is although I doubt you would want to pay shipping. I hope this helps. I do not profess to be an expert on Packard engines and only write from what I read in factory manuals and from personal experience so other more knowledgeable members may have other ("better"?) information to add.