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I know the top end is a little rough but...
Can it not be decked cylinders bored maybe even sleeved?
Everything in the crank case was coated in a half inch grease and after a quick clean look pretty good.

All thoughts ideas appreciated.

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Yes.

As several people have already said, I don’t think that the engine is salvageable as it is far too heavily rusted and deeply pitted. If it’s rusty like this on the outside, the water jackets may be equally corroded nearly through from the inside too so any machine work on it would just be throwing money away.

Even if you took off enough metal to clean up the top, it would be so thin that the valves would hit the head and you may even break into the water jacket so really no point at all. If you want to spend big bucks to get it XRayed then go right ahead but I can almost guarantee when the end result will be!

Haul it to the machine shop and let them tell you. Internet is only good for some things.
From the pix, looks like there's way more than 60 thou damage on the flat surface and that's about all it'll deck assuming the head is "ok". Too many gaskets and it may not seal and you wanted to "hop" it up put more stress on it. All cylinders will have to be sleeved, you'll be into it for more money than a replacement ans still have a boat anchor motor.
There's usually a reason they sit. Unfortunately, they don't leave notes and often deteriorate further sitting. When it's so old and not working, it's not worth the coin to even store them correctly. Something to watch out for picking projects. Last we discussed value, a decent L8 was only worth in the $500 range, so a much better option and may still have some chop time and expense. A crate motor isn't much more. Might even find a P V8 someone will part.

Yeah looks like it to me. I mean, there's still water sitting in the intakes as you take the picture so I'd be surprised if it's not rusted completely solid. Obviously it may be possible to salvage some parts off of it but the block looks toast so me. Like Jim said, especially if you want to put a turbo on it you'll want something that is mechanically sound in the first place.

Where are you located? I would take Ross's offer in your other post if you're nearby. Or there are other parts dealers dotted around the country if not.

Also what are you using/needing a Packard engine for, if you mind telling us? We can give you the best advice if we know what your end goal is.
(c.f. the X-Y Problem)

Was talking to a coworker and he insisted it would be rebuildable, but would cost like $5000 in machining.

Enough said

I wouldn’t count on the inside of the water jackets being intact. They could be paper-thin given its outside condition.

Good afternoon...I believe that Don is correct and you need to locate another engine to play with. I have not rebuilt Packard engines, but do work on Model A Ford Engines on a weekly basis. When they come in looking like your engine...they are not normally capable of being rebuilt...about one time in 50 or so...Ernie in Arizona

Man, I'm sorry. I think the guys are right and you'll be dollars behind with what's left of your engine. It happens sometimes.


Contact Ross about his 327. If you're anywhere near Kentucky or Virginia, I lap through both from time to time, and I might can schlep your new to you or certainly closer, as Ross (likely) isn't that far from me. If you're hellbent on having a 288, your crank looks salvageable and should drop into a 327 block. Or use the 327 crank as a factory designed stroker kit.


I fear that block is lawn art.

PackRat, where are you? I have a 288 in South Jersey at my sister's place doing nothing. It's outside but covered with plugs in. Condition unknown. Came out of a '49. Yours if you would like to make a donation of your chosing to this site. There is an engine lift there but would need something to roll to driveway. PM me if interested.
Mike