Re: Engine Number Questions & Proper Running & Intake Manifold

Posted by JWL On 2009/9/25 8:51:34

51Packard, 1951 288 cu. in. engines had numbers in the J200000 series. Whether the engine numbering sequence started with 001 or 000 differs with various "sources". I believe they started with 001.

There should also be a casting date on the lower part of the engine just above where the oil pan surface is and just ahead of the bell housing.

Your engine has a 3 1/2" bore, a 3 3/4" stroke, and develops 135 bhp at 3,600 rpm. The standard compression ratio for your engine and the 327 cu. in. engine is 7.00:1. It would seem that a standard compression ratio head for a 327, if fitted to your 288, would result in a lower than 7.00:1 ratio. A high compression head was offered in 1952 that was 7.50:1 and boosted the bhp to 138 at 3,600 rpm.