Packard Forum Index » General

In your opinions, what is the most reliable Packard engine (years made) and what is the most economical?

ive started my 1956 374 Packard v8 as low as 28 degrees fahrenheit with absoluely no problems. ive only owned the car sice the mid summer, but had no problems that werent caused by the teething of getting an engine back in shape.

my friends 1954 288 has proven quite reliable as well.

Personally think the 48-54 288-327 style engines are hard to beat. They are all basically the same, 5 vs 9 main bearings & lifter style being major difference so parts fairly easy to come by.

I know I tortured a 51 when going to high school with very little in the way of service and it never let me down. There was also another 51 locally that had gone well over 200k with nothing more than routine service. Probably still going strong if it's new owner drives much. Given the least bit of regular service think the whole series serves well--maybe not the 54 aluminum head however.

As to economy, well that is not something Packard was particularly known for--especially with an Ultramatic. There were a few endurance races & Mobil economy runs in the early 50's however where the juniors did fairly well.

I can tell you which one isn't the most reliable! I totally agree with HH56's synopsis.

I vote for the 245 cu. in. 6-cylinder engine. Tough, reliable, economical, easy to service, and good power.

I'm with you John, mine has never let me down. It starts easily no matter how hot or cold, and I average about 16 mpg on regular pump gas. In my opinion, the 245 Packard 6 is one of the finest engines ever built.

Quote:

mikec,

Did you mean 28 degrees below 0 fahrenheit? Minnesota winters put our V8 Packards through a mean test, and they came through very well, except for a tendency to flood if the driver got too ambitious with the gas pedal.

Also, I don't know about the in-line engines, but the V8s never seemed to be bothered with high ambient temperatures, either. Never knew any of our 3 '55s that ever overheated. And, contrary to common belief, Minnesota summers can be as hot as almost anywhere in the country.

How an engine performs in extreme conditions says a lot about its engineering. But the V8 had its difficulties with durability due to "teething" problems that would ultimately have been solved. It was still a real tank when maintained, with regular oil changes. Economy? Overall, from 60 mph on up, it seemed to deliver about 13 mpg.

Oh, and don't forget: 25,000 miles averaging 104 mph including stops... Never saw a gas mileage figure for that run, but it wasn't an economy test!

no, regular old 28 degrees F. it started so easily though, that i could definately see it running fine much lower. i also agree with the statement about hot weather. that engine has some serious cooling capabilities.

Kevin, would it be too much to ask to have a polling place where folks could place their vote for their choice of the most reliable Packard engine? It would interesting to see the data from this voting. Thanks

Sure!

I can setup a poll. I just need someone to give me all the possible engine choices before I can start it.