I'm in the midst of replacing a 1998 merc 454 and discovered my stock, steel, oil pan is toast. Replacing with a pan from merc seems pretty expensive ($370!) and probably not what I want anyway since I operate in salt water. Anyone know an inexpensive source for oil pans that would fit a gen VI bbc? Should I stick with steel, or switch to aluminum?

make sure it is 8 quad ar larger pan you get.

Ebay has everything

I know the GM number for the merc mark 4 pan but not the gen 6. If you have a good GM parts guy he might be able to find it for you.