Just curious, what brand of lifters were you using?

Hey Kurt. The lifters that were in the motor were stock HP500 stuff, Crane hydraulic rollers, I believe.

I'm going with Morels as part of my cam/carb upgrade.

Brian

I have seen the bottom of some intakes hit the GM valley tray and push it down ck this when you install the intakes. Most HP intakes have nothing on the bottom to hit though. I have also used the Moroso ones with no problems you will need a good pair of tin snips to use it to cut it out around the lifter holes.

I'm with you. There is no need for that extra work if the trays are not deformed and installed correctly. Should be able to drop that motor off the 5 floor balcony and the trays will still be in location. Ain't no water rough enough to dislocate these, no matter how hard you drive.

I wonder if the builder notched the intake gaskets for the pan? And if not, maybe the intake and gasket pushed it down below the head maybe?

Oh please; Everyone knows that tray is to keep the competition from seeing your cam design while your engine is being assembled.

Roby