Re: 53 327 engine

Posted by David Grubbs On 2015/2/20 9:20:58

First, check the engine number to determine if it is a 5 or 9 main bearing engine. Look in the Packard Info section on the menu to get the engine numbers. The nine main bearing version was used in the senior cars, and was optional in the mid level cars. It is a very smooth and torquey engine. A bit more expensive to rebuild, but not much. The 327 five main is a good engine as well, just not quite as smooth. Both engines can take some power upgrades such as boring, 4 barrel carbs (assuming you have the correct manifold), hotter cams, porting and polishing etc. A hotter cam will make the idle a bit lumpy. The engines are both good engines, and very durable and forgiving as long as you aren't into smokey burnouts. One weakness of the straight eights is possible exhaust manifold cracking due to careless torquing of the manifold bolts, and overheating of the rear cylinders due to clogged up water tubes. Both of these issues can happen but aren't extremely common.

Parts are fairly easy to obtain at a reasonable price. Most people can't tell the difference between a prewar 8 and a 53 8 (except for the guys that frequent this website). Plus you don't have to chop up the frame like you would with installing the Chevy V8. Main difference on prewar and 51-54 engines is the location of the engine mounts. Prewar has the mounts up front; 51-54 has them on the side.

Keep looking at this website, and try typing in questions in the search bar. This is a great source of info. Also look at the Packard Club website as well.http://www.packardclub.org Also, joining the Packard Club is another good idea if you would like to find out about Packards. Don't know if there is a local Packard club close to you, but if there is, that is another good source of info. If you are somewhat close to Salado Texas, the meet there will be coming up shortly and that is a great place to visit and learn about Packards.