Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I’m looking at an engine without the serial number stamp. Is there a way, any other markings, to identify it short of taking it apart to measure the bore?

Not a great photo but even with a bore scope camera and wire brushing, the boss where the stamping should be is blank which often happens with replacement engines as this must be.

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What type of engine is it (V8, I8...), what car?

You have probably seen this document, but some engines have casting numbers.https://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=2727

Also, did you try cleaning the grime off? 😉

Thank you! Yes, it's a V8 (that’s why I posted in this section) and yes, the boss was cleaned. There was actually no grime at all on it with the cast texture very visible but I wire brushed it anyway just to be sure. No, I had not seen the linked document so thank you for that and I’ll have a look. That is, yes, I’ve seen this document before but didn’t realize it had other ways of identification as I have never looked at its V8 section!

I have a 288 w/o a serial number. The head was off and it turns, so I measured it with a carpenter's tape. Close enough for this purpose.

Yes, with the head off it’s easy but this V8 is fully assembled.

If a V8 simply check the casting number (first page top right) for the displacement. Note however there is some question whether all the 320's have the 320 casting number. I have a 55 Clipper Deluxe, obviously with a 320 from the factory, but the casting number is for a 352. Have not been able to check yet what the actual displacement is.

P.S. IIRC the correct VIN is stamped in my engine, which is usually not the case except for factory engines.

I found what I needed on the front of the block, passenger side, with the engine number stamped there right below the head. This confirmed that it not only is the proper engine but that it is also original to the car it’s in.

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