I spent another 6+ hours in the garage today. Finally got around to dropping the oil pans and drilling the block.

I didn't get the angle I wanted for the oil return. I think it will work, but it's dangerously close to the pan seal. I don't think it will be a problem, but we'll see for sure in a couple weeks.

I decided I'd quit when I got the lower oil pan back on. I won't be able to work on the car for a week, so the RTV will have a full week to seal. The last, and seriously the LAST bolt in the lower pan that I was tightening broke. Sheared the head right off the thing. It doesn't look promising on getting the shaft out either.

I'm going to attempt to run it as it sits. I don't see how the one bolt would cause a leak, but only time will tell for me.

I had to vent. Not sure if I feel better, but at least I got it out.

I have had engines with broken bolts before, and in my experiences it doesnt mean its going to leak for sure. I think one of my engines had 1 upper oil pan broke off and 2 in the lower. I ran it for quite a while with no problems. As long as you get a good amount of gaskes sealer on there it shouldnt matter.

There is alot of sealing area where we drill the pans, i think mine was very close the first time i drilled an sr, and it didnt have any problems.

Thanks for the reassurance. I will find out if it holds this weekend hopefully.

yeah just make sure the rtv has enough time to set up. Also take your time when you clean the surfaces to be gasketed.

drill it and helicoil that bitch.

Or drill and try an easy out before you consider it unsalvagable.