327 and 288 interchange

Posted by David Grubbs On 2009/11/11 21:26:01

I have a 51 200 with a 288 engine that is running, but a bit tired. I recently bought a 327 5 main bearing engine and just finished tearing it down to vat and magnaflux. It looks like there is a small crack in the water jacket, just above the oil dipstick hole. There doesn't appear to be a crack in the cylinder wall. If the block is cracked, can I take the 327 crank and/or rods and put them in my 288 block to make a 327? Also, any recommendations on using the hydraulic lifters versus the solid lifters? The 327 has been sitting since 1962, and it was a lot of fun getting the old valves out. The engine has been overhauled at least once, and has .30 oversized pistons.

Any suggestions gratefully accepted.
David Grubbs - Billings MT