Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

That's the first Packard I have seen with Lake pipes!

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the site, let us know how we can help you with this car.

So wrong vlv covers and air cleaner, different engine? Was it an option to have something bigger than a 320?

No other engine option.

Check the engine number located on top of engine near oil filter. If original to car, engine number will be the same as number on door post and will be a 320.

If a different engine then you can determine what car it was from and size by that engine number. Bore size can also be determined by a casting number on top of bellhousing. (There is a discrepancy on the 320 casting number in documentation as to whether the last digit is a one or a seven.)

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Have you checked your engine number with your vehicle id. tag on the driver's door jam? The engine number is on a machined flat at the front top of the engine near the oil fill tube. The 320 was fitted to the '55 Supers and Deluxes, and the 352 was fitted to the Customs and Packards. If the engine and vehicle numbers match (e.g. 5542 XXXX) then you have a 320, if they do not then most likely a 352. Tell us what you find and we can help identify the engine for you. The 320s came with Carter carburetors and Auto Lite distributor, generator, and starter. The 352s were fitted with Rochester carburetors and Delco electrical equipment. Hope this helps.

(o{}o)

Edit: Howard's reply beat mine, but was not there when I began to write. Good job Howard.

The door plate says 5542-7778

If it has the original 320 engine that same number will appear on the engine at the location on top near the oil filter. It is stamped in the metal and may be covered in grease or be faint but some cleaning should make it appear. If the engine has been changed a different number will be on the engine. If it is the original engine then someone has upgraded some of the bolt on items using senior pieces.

Can we assume this is a non-torsion bar car?

If it is a tb car, how was it lowered?

It's a torsion drive, I apologize for the really late reply.