This engine was running and I am stripping it down when I saw this hole. Is this a concern ? It is a 455

 

It is supposed to be there for oil drainage.

 

If rebuilding motor you can you smooth it out to make the oil run better. Pic is view from front.

 

Yeah the castings are really rough and they just left them that way from the factory.

 

thanks guys...I was hoping that was the case. The rough opening had me second guessing.

 

Yeah looks terrible doesn't it!!! Lazy buggers.

 

Man im glad you posted this. I just broke down a 68 455 because it was making clicking noises and when I saw that hole I almost crapped my pants. I was hoping I didnt have to find a new block. I thought to myself that this couldn thave been done intentionally because it looks so ragedy. But I guess so. So thanks for the post.

FYI, The noise was the #3 rod bearing had been worn down.

 

Hey guys, just like Dan showed in that picture...take a dremel before you send the block off to be machined and smooth that hole out. Use that picture as a guide but take it a little further down on the bottom, make it look like something that would allow liquid to flow right through it. That will help oil return to the pan.