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As I have read various threads for a good while I see mention of various engine mods. such as the V8 oil pump(which the dedicated thread has proven very interesting and educational), challenges with block and head cracking on early generation 8's, hydraulic lifters collapsing on 327 & 356's. These are obviously all worst case scenarios.

My question of the day is, in the opinions of any and all, what is the best, most reliable engine Packard built. No holds bared 2, 4, 6, 8, or 12 or V-8. I am confident there will be many opinions and explanations as to why. This could be a very interesting read.

Jim

Although I take a back seat to no one in my appreciation of Packard's V8, their best engine from all I have read was the nine-main bearing 356.

I concur with the 356. It is very smooth with great power. I own two of them and have built 3 others. I compare it against the 320, 288, and 327s. However the power to weight ratio would probably be the 327 in the 120" wheel base cars.

Small block Chevy. GUFAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK how about the 426 hemi?

I would have to say the postwar straight 9 main eights, simply because they have all the improvements that Packard could do to the straight eight. You don't have to remove the distributor to remove the head like you do on the older straight eights, the '54 359 has more HP than all the prewar engines, including the V12, (I can't find figures on torque, other than the V12 having 322 lb-ft) and parts are cheaper as well as readily available. Their simplicity of design and ease of workability makes it the best Packard engine, IMHO. (With the V12 running a very close second, followed by the Packard V8)

I also like the 356 engine. It was used in the senior cars for 10 years and during that time Packard offered the most horsepower of any American production car. The 327 and 359 9 main and even the 288 and 327 5 main engines were based upon this engine. It is reliable, sturdy, smooth running , quiet and has plenty of torque. My other favorites include the original Twin Six, the 385 Super Eight engine and the Twelve which were magnificent in their respective time periods.

In their respective eras I think the Dominant 6 (the "48") and the first Twin Six were Packard's finest automotive engine accomplishments, followed very closely by the 32-39 Twelve. In the postwar era I think all the 9-main L-8s were superb. Of those I think the 356 probably ranks first with the 327 9-main and 359 close behind.

This is proving most interesting. Seems the 356 is a favorite among many. I share the same sentiment. The only drawbacks I have ever heard in the 356 is collapsed lifters. This seems likely because of neglect and lack of oil changes.

Randy, I have always admired V-8's from afar, but since visiting this forum and reading V-8 threads, I have begun to really admire the V-8 engines. A number of our local PI region members tour in V-8's with superb speed and reliability. The oil pump issue seems to be beatable. I can honestly see a V-8 car in my future.

Turbopackman makes an excellent point about the leap in development after the war. I had a 288 in a 51 and a 327 in a 54 and both seemed to work well. Great point about distributor locations as well.

I personally think the 282 when compared to the 320 was an excellent engine in the '39 and earlier cars.

An interesting thread, thanks to all who contributed so far.

i only have limited experience with the straight 8s, but i love the way my friends 54 288 runs! for me, its a tossup between that and my 374 V8.

the PT boat v-12s were pretty awsome too!