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

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Depending on the radiator used, yes. It will bolt directly up to the '51 and up block if that's what you mean. But like I say, the hose fitting is on the opposite site as compared to later engines. At least it was on my '48 288. The '48-'50 (and possibly earlier) have the lower hose on the passenger's side of the engine, whereas the '51-'56 have the lower hose on the driver's side of the engine.

Interesting tidbit: You can put a later model '51-'54 straight eight in the '50 and back chassis, but you can't go the other way. The '50 and back engines did not have provisions for the side motor mounts, and mounted at the front of the engine. I personally prefer the side mounts, as it balances the weight of the engine better. When I removed the trans from my '53 Clipper parts car, I left the engine in it. I figured it would slam back into the firewall, but nope, it didn't. It's balanced pretty well.

Eric the inlet on my '54 points towards the passenger side (see pic). Are you thinking of the 55/56 units?

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Interesting, I could have sworn that the '48-'50's were opposite the '51 and up engines. I do remember some differences between the water pumps, as I put the timing cover plate and front motor mount from my '48 engine on a '51 288 that I had. I could have sworn that the pumps had opposite hose nipples. But from all the pics I could find on the internet, it appears that I apparently need to go back and fill up my crack pipe!

I was suggesting that you find an alternate location for the air conditioning condenser. I realize moving the radiator is impractical. However, not having the air conditioning cooler in front of the radiator will reduce the load on the radiator.
Good luck with the radiator change.

Not for the purist, but I would think the besides a good core, the best thing you could add to an old car that you are planning to put a modern A/C system into, would be an electic radiator fan. Most overheating is going to come when the car is sitting stop and go traffic, or idle at a stop light. With an engine driven fan, the speed is relative to engine RPM. That is were an electic fan really works the best because it comes on relative to engine temp, and is not governed by engine RPM. Also most electric fan controllers usually have an A/C trigger also so they come on when the A/C is running. A good electic fan with a proper shroud, and a good condition radiator will go along way to keep things cool.

I am going to run the engine driven fan when I first get my car going. But when I make the move later to A/C, then I will switch to an electic puller fan, and remove engine driven fan.

Classic Auto Air has what they call the Power Condenser. Fan, different sizes, appears to mount horizontal, vertical or in between--not necessarily in front of radiator. Not sure where else it could go on a Packard unless flat in front of radiator with lower splasher removed.

Kevin. can u flop a tape measure down on that cylinder head and tell me how long it is from front to rear. +or- an inch is close enuf for my calculations.

A late-model Packard straight eight is 44" from the rear of the head to the tip of the water pump, give or take an inch.

Thanks Eric. But i need the length of the cylinder HEAD only.

The head length on my '54 327 with a 288 head is about a hair over 34 1/2 inches. The picture is dark as I just ran out there and snapped this pic, and with the garage door open, it blocks the light in the part of the garage.

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