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Simon, you may want to do some research on your project. There are some things that are one year only on your 1938 320" Super Eight engine.
Before you get too deeply into the project I suggest reading this link to Kevin's adventures with his '38 S8'
Be sure to read the ending.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... =flat&type=&topic_id=22327&forum=10

The most important thing I would verify on your engine is the cast iron cylinder block's condition as they seem to be prone to cracking.

The engine lower ends also require some specialized parts and procedures.

Dave Flack (the Flackmaster)was a tremendous source of
help with my 39 Super Eight.

Best of luck.

Jim

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

Many thanks everyone, just trying to add some photos

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STAMPED NUMBER

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HEAD

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HEAD

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CHAIN AND GEARS

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SIDE VALVES (ACTUALLY, NOT QUITE SURE OF THE CORRECT NAME)

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Thanks Jim, that was a very useful link that I'll pass on to my engineer, quite dramatic at the end though!

Good Morning...Just as a question...If this 38 had been brought to a Packard dealer in 1950...what would they have suggested...perhaps using a current year replacement engine? If the car is to be a reliable driver...then perhaps a more modern Packard straight eight would be a good solution...Seems like a lot of work has happened and the result has not been good...Just a question...don't pretend to know the answer...Ernie in Arizona