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I didn't see this anywhere else in the forums, I think I know the answer, but where would I fing the engine serial number ojn a 327 Thunderbolt? Is it right on the top of the head?


Some background info:
I bought my car from a reputable classic car dealer in West Chester, Pa. While he's not a Packard expert and not the original owner of this car, I basically got a good car for a good price. In my post-purchase research, which seems to consume more and more of my free-time, I got the notion that the block color on the 53's should be grey. I guess I got that idea from ill Hirsch's catalog where the engine paint is listed as grey for a '53. But never really thought much of it, plus I couldn't really get to the garage much in the winter (its an off-site garage I am renting on a short-term lease).

I did notice on a visit to the car in February that the date 5 20 53 was cast on the front left of the head. I thought that was cool because I know my car is a 2662 body style and serial number 23480, so from that I assume it was made rather late in production, as something like 26,000 of these were made for 1953. I had NOT previously noticed, until today that the exhaust manifold has the remnants of grey paint on it.

So, last night in advance of my visit today to the car, I downloaded the Engine Serial number reference from the forum directory, since I had seen a number cast above the PACKARD on the top of the head.

So I eagerly checked it first thing and found this number:

Attach file:

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If that is a serial number, it doesn't match up with anything on the Serial number reference list

It will be on drivers side of block just below head and stamped on a smoothed area either around distributor toward rear of engine or just above the starter.

446018 is the part number for a 1953 8.0 to 1 compression head. Following Packard practice the casting number is one below that.
The engine in our 52 Mayfair was gray. I think most 51-54 engines (excluding 359) are gray.

Randy, you are correct. All 1951-54 288 & 327 engines are gray. The only exception is the 1954 359 which is bronze.

Ok, Thanks guys for the info so far. So I'm at least looking at a repainted engine, probably a rebuilt.

As I had metioned, I had never paid much attention to the exhaust manifold, I always thought it was rust-colored. In close examination today, I saw faint traces of grey paint on it, but the engine is green, and in nice shape.

I'll update this weekend after I hed to the gargage tomorrow with my engine serial number. I just got a package from Hirsch- Semi-Sealed Beam Halogens. I hope I can put those in this weekend but I'm working shift work, so it may not be till Monday. I have a load of minor work to do ahead of the All-Packard Swap Meet in Md. in May.

I hope to make the Frederick meet also. If you see me, give me a poke in the ribs. I'll buy the coffee.

Just an added note on the casting number; there are instances where a single casting produced more than 1 finished part, so the finished part# isn't necessarily always just 1 digit higher than the casting #.

Randy,

I'll keep an eye out for you!!