I need info on installing the 455 engine with a 7 1/2 quart pan into my '72 cutlass. I have tried twice to do install the assembly and have not been successful. I have come to the conclusion that I have to separate engine from the trans and would like to see if there if any special bracing/ support brackets required to make the install go smoothly.

 

Are you trying to install the pan with the engine in the car? It can be done, it’s not terribly difficult. Remove the distributor cap, remove the fan shroud, raise the engine as far as possible, remove the engine mounts, and remove the pan bolts. The crank may need to be rotated for counterweight clearance.

 

On my 64 F-85 I tried to install both engine and trans and failed. I installed the trans first then drilled 6 holes in the firewall for the trans bolts it worked then. I plugged the holes for engine removable. That deep pan hit the crossover. After the trans was in I put a jack under the trans and drilled the holes thru the bell housing and firewall.
Gerald