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

Good afternoon!
So, I'm having a 51 Packard Patrician 400 shipped from NH to Texas. It has 54k original miles on it. Question to those who've done it or thought about it. Will a 4 barrel 359 ci fit on the 327 ci ? My future plan is a 374 Packard big block with a GM 700R4 tyranny on it. Just taking it a little at a time. With exception of the tyranny, I want to stay Packard as much as possible. Thanks in advance for the replies....

HotRod

You'll need a 4bl intake manifold. There are 327 versions as all 51-53 Seniors were 327 motors.

So....thec359 won't fit the 327 ? When you say "versions" are you talking aftermarket ?

HotRod

327 was offered with 4bbl carbs and intakes in 1953-54. I would think a 359 intake would fit, but the carb would need to be reworked for a 327 engine.

A standard 327 (junior and older models) came with a 2bl carb, with a 2bl intake manifold. The later 327 Senior and 359 motors had 4bl carbs and manifolds. Not sure if there is an intake runner length difference between the 327 and 359 4bl manifolds or not, but the mounting is the same. Regardless, the flange side is the same between all 288/327/359 blocks, so they physically all can interchange. The main difference is in the carb mounting surface, smaller rectangular 2bl mounting pattern with 2 intake holes vs larger square 4bl pattern with 4 intake holes.

You could mount either on either (2bl on 4bl, or 4bl on 2bl) with an after-market adapter of course, but not obviously there is probably a difference in flow characteristics as well.

Ross would be a good source to discuss pros and cons of different setups as he would have the most experience there.

I thought all the 327's from 1953 & 54 came with four barrel carbs. I compared my 1953 327 to my 1954 359 and the intake manifold looks the same to me.

The '54 Clipper Deluxes have a 327 2bl setup. I think the Supers are 327 4bl as they have a bump in HP. But both are 327 5 bearing motors.

Correction, Deluxes and Supers are 327 2bl 5 bearing. Cavaliers are 327 4bl 5 bearing.

The 359 manifold will bolt on any 48-54 engine. Prepare to be underwhelmed.

Also you spoke of a 700R4. Bendtsen's Speed Gems has a kit to connect those to Packard Straight 8's. I will be doing the same this spring summer, but 4L60e.
Best Regards,