Re: 288 swap for 327 - what's involved?

Posted by HH56 On 2019/9/7 17:48:49

I believe the blocks are essentially the same as far as most bolt holes in the front and rear but since there were two side motor mounts for 51 you will need to transfer the plate and probably timing cover -- essentially all the items for the single mount that are bolted to the front of the 288 block over to the 327 in order to provide the structure for the front motor mount. The water pumps are also different because the lower hood and wider radiator in 51 needed the fan repositioned so that will also need to change over.

If the 51 engine has an Ultramatic the bellhousing will need to change and if a standard, there may be a difference in length for the bellhousing because I believe the rear mount on the trans also changed to a single rear point in 51 so check that carefully or just change it over as well. Not sure how much of the clutch mechanism is the same so something else to think about.

Check the width of the fan belt. 51 may have a narrower belt or different pulley alignment than the 48 so the vibration damper may also need to swap. Don't forget to check the cleanliness and condition of the water distribution tube while you have the water pump off.

If the 48 has the Electromatic Clutch I am not sure if the bolt holes for the power cylinder mount will be drilled in the 327 block and also since the 51 has a different shift linkage the holes for the 48 linkage idler bracket assy may also be missing.