Re: 1938 Packard engine parts enquiry

Posted by kevinpackard On 2020/9/16 16:02:57

Like Jim said, I've been "helping" my dad with his 1938 Super 8, and it's been a struggle. We found out first hand that most of the components on the engine for this car are one year only. The '37 and '39 Super 8's don't share much with the '38.

Talking to different vendors and restoration specialists, the general consensus is that the upper block is prone to cracking on the '38's. Something about the metallurgy for that year. The '39's have more water passages to minimize the problem.

We're trying to graft a '39 upper block unto a '38 lower and there are all sorts of issues with the pulleys in the front. Water pump is also different. Finding a '39 water pump is like the Holy Grail. Heads are different between the years also. I believe the fuel pump and such are also different between years. When ordering gaskets you will need to be sure of what engine you have because of the subtle differences...it's possible the wrong gasket can block water passages and then you've got a real problem (happened on our first block).

I'm no expert on these cars, just sharing our experience with the Super 8.

-Kevin