I "hope" someone out there has an answer. I went out and bought a World Castings "Merlin III " block...right from the factory warehouse.It is a big block 427 block,4-bolt main. The problem that I am having is that I can NOT get a oil pan on the engine !!! The back of the pan is hitting the back of the maincap and the oil pump housing.It is not hitting the pick-up. I have tried a Rick's First Gen pan and a Moroso pan...still hits.I called World Castings and they swear that I do NOT have one of their blocks...they have quality control...bla bla bla. They won't own up to a problem.The block DOES have Merlin III embossed right on the front of the block and was a new one.Problem is that I have a $21,000 motor sitting here that I can't put a pan on.An 8-quart pan will not help.ANY suggestion or help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!!

...A local engine rebuilder in my area knew of the problem with these blocks. He recommended a shop over in Jersey that builds custom pans. They were WELL aware of the "issues" wi the World blocks, and actually had one of their quality f###-ups in their shop.He was able to fab one up...to the tune of $495 bucks.It got to be an expensive block to put a pan on....considering I had already bought two others that were 'supposed' to fit.The new fab-pan is a piece of art.They did magic with it.I am VERY impressed.Considering the only other options was to go ANOTHER block..and be out the cash for the World block.The money I'm spending..I could have bought a re-do of the ZL-1 all aluminum motor..LOL