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Since I am having little luck finding a replacement block that would keep it in the same time period, I thought I would head in a different direction.
Since the restoration will be a touring driver, I thought about going with a later year motor that has various improvements.

I know in '41 the valve train was improved, but my question is at what is the latest year that will swap without major modifications? How many years post-war can I look for a replacement motor?
I've lost about 6 months on my rebuild trying to find an early '40 motor, so I'm exploring other options?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

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As far as the latest postwar engine that can be made to fit, Packard discontinued the 356 and made the then current 327 9 main available as a service replacement. They detailed how and what was needed for installing the later engine in 42-50 Custom Eight models but perhaps there is enough information in this Service Counselorpackardinfo.com/xoops/html/downloads/SC/SC-VOL27NO7.pdf you can get some guidelines and determine what would be needed if you wanted to put one in your car. There were minor follow up articles and corrections in Vol 27 #9 and Vol 28 #9.

Steve, perhaps I misunderstood your question, I took it to mean what later 356 engines can be used. If that was your question I believe the answer is 356 motors thru the 22nd series. 23rd series 356 engines (the last except for a handful of marine conversions) were exclusively supplied with the Ultramatic transmission and IIRC the crankshaft will not accept a prior 356 standard transmission flywheel.

There will be some differences, one that comes to mind first is the sensing for the dash temperature gauge, your engine as I recall uses the Bourdon tube type and later engines used a resistance electric unit - I believe the port in the cylindrr head is threaded differently.

Steve P

This fellow has a weathered '50 Custom Eight that he is parting out, might be worth investigating.

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=23263&forum=16

forums.aaca.org/topic/347757-1950-packar ... tom-8/?tab=comments#comment-2077409

Steve

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate the input.
Dave, sorry for the confusion....I reread my post and I was confused!
I'm just looking for a suitable replacement (without a lot of modifications) that I can drive reliably.
I got hung up on complete originality, but after thinking about, I decided it wouldn't really matter.

Howard,
Thank you for the input and the link.....I read through the bulletin and it appears to be a very involved and a major ordeal.

I'm looking for a swap that will involve very few mods as I will continue to search for an early "40's " block.

Any experience or input would be appreciated.
Regards,

One other minor difference is that 42-50 used Carter Carburetors rather than Rochester. Carter 531-S with the CarterCarStarter switch.

There is a complete 40 356 available in PA. Has already been rebuilt according to the seller. I found it on packard club's Facebook page and can put you in touch with the seller. He's asking $7k for it which is not bad for a rebuilt 356. Shipping would be pricey but you're not that far from him compared to me in So TX.

An update to the search of a 356 block......

After many months of searching, I was able to find a replacement block that fit the criteria of being very early 1940.........casting date of 06 29 39 with a serial number of C500140. It was in great shape with the exception of a scored cylinder wall.
After the block was chemically stripped, magnafluxed, it was determined that a simple sleeve would repair the score and the balance of cylinders were bored .030 over to fit a new set of pistons.

Today I was able to partially disassemble the original motor and will finally be able to continue with the project.

One question that I have is the removal of the plugs in the oil galley. I would be much more comfortable removing them and provide a through cleaning of the channels prior to the rebuild.

Any recommendations on removal? Heat? They appear to be very very tight as I was unable to budge them with a punch and hammer. Amy input would be greatly appreciated.

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