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

Just reading through the chart, Packard rated everything at 3,600 RPMs for many years. In 1953/54, the horsepower peak was 4,000 RPMs. Yes, the compression was increased, but only the port design and camshaft duration really changes the horsepower peak. Did either of these change in '53? What year was the first use of the 4bbl?

thnx, jack vines

Jack, 1953 was the first year a 4 bbl carburetor was used. It was only used on the 1953 senior cars. The Clippers with the 327 engine still had the 2 bbl carburetor. Does this help? I'll leave it to the '51 - '54 experts to expand on this.

Jack are you starting to look at working on Straight Eights now?

"Eight in a row makes it go."

Hi, Kev,

One literally showed up in front of the machine shop and I thought, "Why not?" I've always been interested in them, but never had one to play with. It's a 4-bbl engine so guess that makes it a'53/54 327" or a 359". I'll be pulling it apart soon to see if it is worth rebuilding.

Due to Eric's bad influence, I keep thinking it really needs a turbo.

thnx, jack vines

Quote:

Hell, I think my lawnmower needs a turbo, but just can't justify it on an Eric propelled push mower!

Jack, what's the engine number on it? That'll tell you what it is.

Pretty sure it is a 327" cause that's what I could read cast on the head today. Did any of the '53/54 327" 4-bbl engines have 9-main bearings or only the 359"?

thnx, jack vines

Yes, '51-'53 327's in Senior cars were 9 main. They also made a 5 main version which is why I asked about the stamped ID number.

One thing I've learned about the straight eights is NEVER trust what the head says.

Jack,

51-54 Heads are all interchangeable (as in and head will bolt to any block). Only difference really is the compression chamber. The manifolds are all interchangeable also (bolt up wise). So you could put a 4 barrel carb manifold on any of the blocks.

I actually have a 288 AT head on a '54 327 5 bearing/Solid Lifter block.

The engine number which is located on a machined pad on the block, just below the head on the drivers side of the engine towards the back will tell you exactly what motor you have, and what year it was from. It will be in a A####### format.

The first letter is the year the block is from:

M####### = 1954
L####### = 1953

The next digit is the type of motor:

2 = 288 5 Bearing Solid Lifter
3 = 327 5 bearing Solid lifter
4 = 327 5 bearing Hydraulic lifter
6 = 327 (359 in 1954) Nine Bearing Motor Hydraulic Lifter

The rest of the digits are just the sequential engine production number.

So my motor is M3#####, which is a 1954, 327 5 bearing Solid Lifter Motor.

Hope this helps.

Hi, Kev and Eric,

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out as soon as the rain stops.

Next questions:

1. Do the I8 lifters, either solid or hydraulic, have a hardened button about 1/4" thick on the bottom? This type lifter can usually be reground. Those lifters with a one-piece body usually cannot.
2. Is Egge still the only source for 327" pistons? Rumor has it their quality has improved, but I had so many bad experiences way back when with V8 pistons, I haven't bought any Egge lately.
3. Any difference between Egge and Kanter complete engine kits? Kanter seems to be a bit less expensive, if $1500 can be considered a bargain. Any other source show have a complete kit? I haven't seen any.

thnx, jack vines

#1, no, it's a more or less one piece body. The plunger comes out of the body,(on the hydraulic) but there's no "button" on the bottom.

#2, I would say yes, unless you go for custom pistons from one of the major piston manufacturers. Keith Black Silvolites might be a good place to try for stock pistons.

#3, Not that I'm aware of.