Re: New Member: My '39 120 has strange engine number. Help??

Posted by HH56 On 2010/10/11 13:12:59

As you mention, Packard only went as far as M so the N and the CAL are the strange ones & may well be a service engine. CAL may be for California if it has always been here. Believe the DMV used motor numbers then on registration and that may be someway to designate a replacement. Any old paperwork might shed some light if available.

The letter suffix after the number usually designate something different in the drivetrain from what was originally specified when the car was introduced. Some 1940 engines for example had an A when the clutch plate was different and a B when both clutch and pressure plate was of different design and manufacture than originals. Some years had oversize pistons or lifter bores to enable use of otherwise wasted castings with a suffix designating the change. I don't have a reference to 39 to help with the C & E but maybe someone else can shed a light..