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

Hello all, I have added a second Packard to the fleet a 1950 2392-5. it is a typical base car in all aspects except it has a 356 in it? is this possible? or has the engine been replaced at some point?

Must be a replacement engine as the 2392 is a Eight or Eight Deluxe body style that came standard with a 288 engine. No reason why the 356 wouldn't fit though and should give the old gal a lot more oomph.

Someone may have put a 356 cylinder head on it. The bolt pattern is the same as for the 288 and 327 heads.
Easiest way to confirm a 356 is to check the engine number.

Or, just look and see if the distributor is under the center freeze plug, if it is, it's a 356. If it's between the 2nd and 3rd freeze plug, it's not.

E.R.

I'm pretty sure a 356 head won't go onto a 288 block. The 356 block is longer beside being way heavier. Remember the Custom 8 is on a 127" wheelbase, which 7" longer than a 2392. The difference is all in front of the firewall. The space is filled up with machinery, not empty air like some of Pacarkd's competitors were guilty of.

I know of one 2392 in Connecticut with a 356. It belongs to a retired restorer. He was bored one day, saw the car in the garage, saw the engine sitting along side it....

He spent quite a bit of effort making things fit. He claims the front springs can handle the extra weight but the front is noticeably closer to the ground than my car! If memory serves me correctly he put power steering in it but he's been guilty of that before.

I asked him how it was to drive and all he said is "Its like nothing else I've ever driven"

Regards


John Harley

E.R

the 356 has an Autolite reduction gear starter on it too. I thought of it because of the picture of one hanging off a lift that is on the random picture section right now


Regards


John Harley

Quote:
Eric,

I know I asked before in an earlier thread when you introduced yourself as the new owner of a '49 2372 Super Deluxe Touring Sedan to include it in the Owner Registry here, together with a pic, any known history and how you acquired it. Normally I don't ask a second time (Another Eric, aka Turbopackman, has this misguided perception that I'm harassing new members to include their Packards in the Registry) but seeing you've bought a '50, it gave me the perfect opportunity to ask again, both for the '49 and for the '50! So how about it, please?

Quote:

Yes it will, I've done it.

Quote:

Heavier, yes. Longer, no. It IS taller, however. The manifolds and head will all fit from one engine to the next between the 288/327/356/359. The 356 ports are larger than the 288/327's though. BUT, the heads WILL fit from one engine to the next.

As for Mal's statement of my "misguided conception", not true either. He WILL harass you until you put it in the Registry. Don't believe me? Try it!

Quote:
Eric, Eric, Eric,

A gentle reminder, usually no more than once although an exception was made in this instance, should not be misconstrued as harassment.

Thank you all for your input, I will get the engine numbers today and do my homework, I just brought the car home last night. I promise to post pictures and data in the registry I am remiss for not doing it on my 49 to date. I hope to drive her for a few weeks before the snow flies here in NH.