L-3 L-4 Packard Straight 8

[Rattpac]

Can someone tell me the difference between the L-3 and the L-4 Engine?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I once tryed to find data showing exactly what the L-4 was (which was in some vintage sales literature) but could never find a reference to displacement or years produced. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ???

[Guest Randy Berger]

OK, my curiousity got the better of me. What are you referring to? I have never heard of an L-3 or L-4. What does that signify?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> What does that signify? </div></div>

That's What 'We' Want to Know !!! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've only seen that designation in Dealer Sales Brochure. Referring to the 'New and Improved L-4 Engine'. I assume the 'L' means L-Head type engine (combustion chamber in (L) shape, valves to side of cylinders), and the '4' means the Fourth generation design, but just guessing.

[Guest Randy Berger]

OK, now I don't feel any dumber than usual <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest Randy Berger]

My friend Dave poked me in the ribs with this:

What sales brochure? What year? Can you scan the reference and provide? Might it refer to the early Packard 4 cylinder engine?

Inquiring minds want to know! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I'll try to find that. No, it was 8 cylinder engines.

Been several years ago, can't remember the details.

If I remember correctly, the L-4 was late '30s, so the L-3 was probably early '30s.

[Rattpac]

This question originated from a Packard engine 4-sale on Ebay (currently) and a buyer had asked the question regarding the 327 if it was the L-3 or L-4....

[Guest 1956Packard]

Do you know the auction number??

[Guest JT]

Is the L-3 & L-4 suppose to be in reference to the 327 5 main or 327 9 main in the 49-51 era?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

I found it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1953-PACK...1QQcmdZViewItem

JT, your's is a Logical guess, but why wouldn't they have called them L-5 and L-9?

I can't find the reference to L-4 in my '37 brochures so it must Not have been late '30s.

[Packard8]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can someone tell me the difference between the L-3 and the L-4 Engine? </div></div>

I believe the person is asking if the engine S/N is L (1953) 3xxxxx, a 327 5-main with 2bbl or L4xxxxx, a 1953 327 with a 4bbl. The 327 9-main would be L6xxxxx.

[Guest Randy Berger]

I believe you've answered the question, John. Although it is obviously a two-barrel, I can understand the question now. I wonder why the fellow just didn't ask for the serial number? I've never heard that nomenclature before and other Packard nuts hadn't either. Good sleuthing John!

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Was it only '53 that used the 'L' designation or was that for all 327s? I sure don't think it was a '53 brochure that I saw the L-4 in, but it may have been? Packard and their dealers must have used that designation widely, since it was in the sales brochures?

[Guest Randy Berger]

Rick,

22nd series are all G------ engine serial numbers

23rd series are all H------ engine serial numbers

skip I

24th series are all J------ engine serial numbers

25th series are all K------ engine serial numbers

26th series are all L------ engine serial numbers

54th series are all M------ engine serial numbers

The second digit denotes engine size/main bearings/carburetion, etc.

They start a new series in 55 with the first four digits denoting year and type for engine.

It's easy to figure out after Packard8 points the way <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Packard8]

You?re right Randy, it would have been easier to ask for the S/N, but as you know manifolds & carbs can get switched around over the years. If I remember correctly, the ?3? motor would have had solid lifters like the 288, and the ?4? motor hydraulics like the 9-main.

[Packard8]

Hi Rick, I believe that numbering system was used from the 22nd/23rd thru the 54th Series, with the succeeding years using a higher letter of the alphabet ?.e.g. 1949 used ?H?, 1950 was ?I?, 1951 ?J?, 1952 ?K?, 1953 ?L? and 1954 ?M?.

[Guest imported_Speedster]

Great, Thanks for the Info, Guys. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

No wonder I couldn't find it again, I was looking in the Wrong Year pile!

[Guest JT]

I guess an L2xxxxx in 53 would be the 288 engine.

[Guest JT]

Rick, could you have been thinking of the 1904 model L with the L head 4?

[Guest imported_Speedster]

No, I remember it was for an 8 cylinder, so it must have been the 26th Series.

I'm still trying to find the brochure. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[Rattpac]

Thanks for the help on that one. I picked up a 327 with the 9 mains and 4bbl to rebuild for my 53 clipper deluxe. Is that engine a good choice?

[Packard8]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for the help on that one. I picked up a 327 with the 9 mains and 4bbl to rebuild for my 53 clipper deluxe. Is that engine a good choice? </div></div>

It?s an excellent engine, although not 100% ?correct? for your Clipper. A good choice if absolute authenticity is not an issue for you. That version was used in the 1951-53 Patricians and senior commercial chassis. It?s a very smooth and torquey motor, the crankshaft alone weighs over 100 lbs!