Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Dave, The tailpipe on my 46 clipper deluxe is 1"and 3/4". The tailpipe on my 47 super clipper is 2". Your car has the incorrect size tailpipe. I would also check muffler outlet -it should be 2" id.

Both of my 49s are 2". However, at least one of the exhaust system suppliers insists they should be 1-3/4 for the tail pipe. I'm not at home so I can't check the parts book. But I believe, I saw both sizes listed. It could just be my memory playing the old-timers trick on me again.

Barrie, Most 23rd series Packards (1949-50) had 2" tailpipes. The standard 8 and super 8 used a 2 and 1/4" head pipe, muffler with 2 and 1/4" inlet and 2" outlet. This would be as original. Good luck

Custom 8 used a 2 and 1/2" head pipe and muffler with a 2 and 1/2" inlet and 2" outlet.

Thanks a lot guys for all your wonderfull replies!

I would never have known about the routing above the 5th shock but it now all makes sense as it definitely can create problems! I know a young guy at a specialist exhaust shop. He will definitely be able to fabricate the shape required. Also I think I will definitely go for the thicker pipe. That will be 50mm/2" and is exactly the same I used for my 1961 Chev Apache 10. It sounds great. The exhaust will probably be the last thing to be fitted as I still have lots of painting to do.

I just completed installing a new repro exhaust system on my 1950 2301 Touring Sedan. The tail pipe is 2" diameter. The problems I ran into are:

1. The front exhaust hanger attached to the side of the engine flywheel housing interfered with the automatic transmission kickown rod. This jammed the throttle linkage. I corrected this unsafe condition by removing the exhaust pipe bracket. It didn't do anything anyhow because the rigidly clamped exhaust pipe was way stiffer than the flexible hanger strap with rubber in it.
2. The front pipe between the manifold and the muffler could only be installed through the frame with the oil pan removed. I solved this problem by cutting the pipe in a straight section and joining the two pieces back together with a slide-on sleeve from an auto parts store and two muffler clamps. I suspect the repro pipe was formed very slightly differently than the original pipe.
3. The repro system has an extra joint in the section over the rear axle. I doubt if you could install the new pipe without that extra joint. Perhaps Packard put the tail pipe in the car before they put in the axle or the fuel tank.
4. To improve things I put a pretty exhaust deflector tip on the end of the tail pipe. This deflects the exhaust downward away from the bumper. The chrome on the right side of the bumper has badly peeled off, I supect because of 60 years of living with exhaust gas.

I hopes this helps.