found a good deal on a new oil pan kit. comes from a hummer and gives enough clearance to where i dont need to cut my crossmember. PN# 19212593. comes with the pan, dipstick/dipstick tube, windage tray, pick up tube, gaskets and bolts. 132 shipped.

also trying to work a deal on a used MSD 6012 ignition and air cleaner. hopefully we can come to an agreement. this long term project is happening a little faster than i planned lol.

as for the transmission, i think phantom talked me into a full manual valve body 80e.