Re: 51 Packard

Posted by Fred Puhn On 2010/10/22 14:12:54

When I got my 1950 series 23 Packard I was scammed by the seller who told me it had a 327 engine. The standard engine for my Deluxe 8 is a 288. After I got the car I found out where to look and discovered the original 288 engine number. I was pissed, and wanted my money back. When I found that was not possible I analyzed the situation technically. The only difference apparently was a longer stroke in the 327 engine and a small increase in power. The car revs fairly high on the freeway with its 3.9 rear axle ratio, so the shorter stroke 288 engine is an advantage. Shorter stroke reduces the piston speed and thus reduces wear on the engine. The lower power of the 288 would be an impact going up hills, but the difference is quite small. It makes me OK with the 288 engine. A good tuneup is probably more important than having the longer stroke engine.