yes you can use different caps and line and hone the block, but if it is not done properly... and it needs to be PRECISE, then you get problems like crank walk and crank spin.... nobody needs to risk those problems...
If I were to sell a block, and I wasnt sure if the caps are needed on there or if they are supposed to be taken off, I would either ASK, or leave them on there because I have no need for them, and they came with the motor. I said I wanted a block with crank... as soon as I say the word block or crank, ir pretty much means a motor with with no head, pistons, and rods..... everything else stays on... if you didnt know you should of asked somebody... or left them on since you have no use for them...