Finally got around to installing my 503 cam but i noticed that when i was cleaning the surface of the timing cover i got a few pieces of gasket material in the oil pan (yes i put rags there).

I have to drop the oil pan to replace the gasket which i tore.. but i dont see WHERE to attach the chains and hooks to actually life the motor enough to get the oil pan out.

Is there a good spot to lift from?

 

Just jack up the motor from underneath. Use a block of wood and stick it under the accessory bracket. You will probably have to drop the k-member a little to get the pan out.

 

I would consider leaving the gasket material where it is. I've jacked the engine up many times. The only way to get the oil pan out is to pull the motor mounts and drop the k-member, i.e. cradle. And this means you lose your alignment. I've found stuff in the bottom of the oil pan the times I've had it out, little plastic bits, and little pieces of old rubber. Once any debris gets under the baffle I don't think it has much chance of going anywhere. If I were you I would just leave it. It's too much work, stuff that gets down there I think pretty dependably stays down there because of the baffle and the screen on the oil pump, and it's not metal, just soft gasket material. But the place to jack the engine is with a block of wood on the damper. Jack it up slow until you feel the slack stop; don't crank on it of course. What hits first is the rubber bumper on top of the transmission.

 

I thought about just leaving it.. its only a very few small pieces.. would i would hope would just come out with the first few oil changes once i fire up the motor...

I would definitely not be comfy jacking the engine up by the balancer though! I still have to replace the gasket.. which means i may still have to jack up the motor a bit to be able to flip the gasket over the top.