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Hoping someone can help me out. Found out today that my 48 Deluxe 288 engine is on its last leg. Advised to start looking for a replacement. Was hoping someone out there has a spare 288 engine or larger in good working order I can buy off you and install in my car. Sad way to start the season. 😢

This was posted on FB a couple of days ago.facebook.com/search/top/?q=1954%20packard%20288%20staight%208

What is wrong with the engine?

#3 cylinder has a large crack, starting at the exhaust valve seat and working its way down the cylinder.

Ouch!

Cracks or not, it can very likely be rebuilt. Sleeve the cylinder(s) and if necessary replace the valve seat(s) if the cracks run into them.

Fully agree but not economically feasible plus upon inspection it was most likely caused by inappropriate amount of antifreeze as the car came from Canada. Where there is one crack there is bound to be more.

Pipesarge, why not install a (Packard) 327 instead? Bolt in proposition, more power. While you're at it, get a four-barreled 327 from a 1953 or '54 donor. The 288 is a good mill, and will wind, but lacks even a two-barreled 327's oomph. Packard service departments made such changes, just as if you brought in a prewar 120 needing an engine, they'd replace the 282 with a 288.

While Olds, Cad, Chrysler, even Studebaker about to unveil or working on new ohv V-8s, a waning Packard addicted to fat War II defense contracts was more interested in more lucrative, less hassle govt. and jet engine business, so instead only offered a pair of revisions of their 1935 One Twenty engine. The 288 and 327 were excellent flathead straight eights for the benefit of today's hobbyists, if diminishing Packard's stature in their day. Take advantage of that situation.

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Be aware though that a '53/'54 engine ia not a straight drop in into your '49. Engine mounts changed at some stage between earlier year 288/327's and later year 288/327's. I don't know the change date/year, but it happened. Maybe one of our more in-depth/knowledgeable Members can supply more specific information?

I agree with Mal, I installed a 54 327 bored out to 340 and run a Holley 600 and Packard R6 OD into my 1938 Richards 1601 ( 120). I literally tore all of the spot welds from the axle tube doing a "rabbit" getaway ( diff rotates and separates the drive train). There should be plenty of good serviceable going 327's in the big pond that is the US. In OZ and NZ we have a very small pond with not too many Packards. The $700 Packard 327 on offer should do the trick. Peter T

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