If I use the rc crossmember with a 351W does it mater if the engine has a rear oil sump, or do I still need a front sump motor?
A pan designed for this type of swap can be bought from Canton. I used one on my Cleveland with the MII swap. The new pan will still have a small front sump to house the oil pump in the stock location but you will need the longer Canton pickup tube to reach the new deep rear sump where the majority of your oil will now be located A stock front sump pan will not work as the front sump is located right where your new crossmember and steering rack is located.
Click on my "images" and there are a couple of pictures of this Canton pan. You can see how close it still sits to the crossmember and rack
I even made a bracket to drop the steering rack so I could get the engine down lower in the chassis. Then I had to buy a Baer bup steer kit to re-level the rack ends out. One thing after another.
Bob, A bit OT, but you did an excellent job on that cage! I didn't put one in mine because of the "intrusion factor", but yours is so well fit that it doesn't detract at all. I'm guessing that's all your design and work?
Yup, bent everything on my trusty Pro Tool bender Working on a PM so we don't go way too far off topic LOL!
