I'm in the middle of my cam swap right now. We just RTV'd the block set the gaskets down and torqued the intake. Everything went very smoothly, until I noticed that we didn't bolt on the oil pan/tray thing that bolts to the bottom of the manifold!! The one that went bolted up correctly would sit just above the lifter retainer.

Does anyone have any idea if I could just leave it out, and what it's real purpose is? Shoebox? I really don't want to have to pull the intale again. Please help...

 

It keeps hot oil from splashing on the bottom of the intake manifold. It helps prevent oil mist from getting sucked up in the PCV system.

 

So I imagine it would be best to take it back off and install it with the pan. Is that what you would recommend?

 

It would be best to have it on there. You will probably get more heat soak in the manifold with it off.