Re: Packard V8 Engine Size

Posted by Jack Vines On 2008/7/17 10:37:43

FWIW, the cost to rebuild any of the engines is about the same, so no one besides Eric would waste his time with a 320" ;>) Build a 374" and have bragging rights. The good news is most of the Studebaker-Packard (but not Hudson-Nash version) 352: and 374" engines came with a compression ratio in the 9:1 - 10:1 range.

On most of the heads I have measured, the combustion chambers are in the 78-83cc range. If you are not building a performance engine, either the '55 or '56 head will be fine.

I am in the process of rebuilding two 352" blocks and boring them to 4.125" so as to use Packard OEM 374" pistons. I completely agree with Eric, Egge Machine replacement pistons are OK for for show cars and casual street driving if clearance is at least .003"-.0035", but definitely not a performance application.

Also, I have two .030"-oversize 352" engines already rebuilt and on the shelf. If you are interested in any of these, let's discuss it off-forum.

thnx, jack vines