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Sounds like they used a common casting across the line and perhaps machined to actual application. Also if the pre-1951 blocks (288/327) are the same casting number.

I would imagine the 9 bearing motors are a different casting, wonder if the hydraulic lifter 5 bearing ones are different than the solid lifter ones.

Maybe. The 48 Keith posted has a different number but that is probably more for the different mount accommodations. Guess it wouldn't hurt to get a few more and see what the pattern might be.

That's what I figured. I know the 51-54 blocks had all the proper holes in the front of the block to accommodate front mounting in the pre-1951 chassis. But obviously not the other way around. This was probably so they could be used as service motors.

One can change the 48-54 engines from 288s to 327s and vise versa without a moments care as the castings are the same. Its just a change of crank and rods. Likewise with the lifters--one need change only the cam and lifters and change the size of the bleed hole in the front plug of the cam gallery. When Packard charged you extra for the 327 they made a nice profit as there is hardly any extra cost in the engine.

Are the 48-50 blocks already drilled for the side engine mounts? I thought that was the difference.