Hi Guys another rookie question and a funny story for you, so we are installing the 502 yesterday and when my brother hands me the back mounting bolt I drop the spring down the y-pipe, We tried everything to get it out and then stuck an air hose in deep well, that got stuck also. After 20 minutes of trying we pull the engine then the y-pipe then almost quit and called to order a new y-pipe when he was able to pry the hose loose. After a marathon 5 hour mission we finally got it installed then I was so frustrated when I pulled out I cut the corner and put half the trailer in the ditch. The lesson here? let the pro's do this kind of work.

Ok here is my question, the oil cooler on my 502 is positioned up high at the back in front of the distributor, its big but I don't recall every seeing one there. Is this normal?

Yes, some were mounted there, especially when it is just the dedicated oil cooler without the built in PS cooler. The combo ones are usually located down next to the oil pan on the port side.

"Pros" do the same stuff all the time..

Yep, and some do it more than others...