In need of a engine measurment

....You may be able to cut away that section of the pan with a vertical radius on both sides, & use a piece of exhaust tubing of equal diameter to weld in & form a cove to clear the linkage. Install engine with the wheels turned to give wiggle room. Just a thought....good luck..

Ok, I have to be honest, I hadnt considered that. And I have seen custom pans like that used in the past. That may be a alternative solution to my problem.

thanks,
John