Bumming through You Tube today I came across a video from a Canadian man who rebuilds jet engines. He had a Packard built GE J47 turbojet engine that was built in 1953 and it was brand new in the container, never used!!! It was very cool! It had all the inspection tags and marking still attached and the builders plate said "Packard Motor Car Co."
He did a series of videos of them going through the engine and ultimately running it on a test stand. Up to that time the only run time on it was at the Packard facility for testing. These engines were used in the Boeing B-47 bomber and the North American F-86 Sabre Jet. I never even knew that Packard built Jet engines! Just wanted to share, thanks!

kleroy here, don't worry, nothing like that for my old girl! she will remain stock through and through!!!!!

I was just wondering, were the 48-50 Packard engines prone to high failure rates? It seems like quite a few have had later engines installed. Mine has a '54 engine and a '49 parts car I looked at not far from me also had a later engine in it as well.
I rode along with a buddy today on a 360 mile round trip to look at a 1939 Buick LWB Model 90 (which he bought)and we were talking cars. He has a 1929 Packard dual cowl phaeton so he knows something about Packard and he told me he had heard that the 48-50 engines were prone to failure. I had not heard of that but, from what I have seen, there seems to be something to it. So, I was wondering if some one here could give me some insight. Thanks!
Kevin

Thanks for the input guys! From what I've read there were about 850 Super 8 limousines built. There is another one listed here on the registry supposedly owned by Mae West. Also that limos serial number is only seven later than mine, so they were probably built on the same day. Actually I wasn't really a fan of the '48-50 Packards at first, but the look has kind of grown on me and I think that the extra length of the LWB series does a lot to improve the appearance. My dads very first car was a 1947 Clipper and I would have liked a 39-40, but this one came along at $2500 and I couldn't pass it up!
As for restoration, I don't have the plans or resources to do a judging quality car. I want to as much of the work as I can by myself, the good news is the previous owner had the engine rebuilt. I will be trying to stay as authentic as possible as well, using a correct Packard color for that year as well as a close as possible to original style interior. I would just like to go with a different color, most likely a blue or green and to use brown leather in the front instead of black, but we'll se, It's going to be awhile before I get that far.
Kevin

It's a 22nd (early 49)series Super Eight.

Hi guys,
I was just wondering as to if most or all came in a standard configuration, i.e color, interior options etc. or if the could be special ordered by the buyer at the dealer? Mine was originally black with black leather/ leatherette front compartment with a beige broadcloth interior in the rear. It's still a long way off before I get to that point but I would like to go with another color and maybe a brown leather front seat and door panels. I would just like to get some input, Thanks!
Kevin

Thank you Owen! That's what I needed to know.
Kevin

Hey everyone,
Where is the correct engine mounting point for the ground cable on the '49 models? Also, what is the correct style, flat braided or regular type cable? Thanks!
Kevin

I have a 1954 327 engine in my '49 and I put the '48 style water pump on it with no problems at all, bolted right on.
Kevin

Thanks guys! I'm pretty sure there are "oilite" bushings in my starter, I'm familiar with them as they are used in the copiers I work with in the field. The bushings are in great shape and don't need replacing. I will clean them up and then soak them in 10w oil before reassembling. There appears to be no way of lubricating them without disassembling the starter.
Kevin