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without a doubt it has to come out & your local machine shop will have to rework the block. if you have access to it john lingenfelters book on modifying small block chevys would be a decent read for you. the more you learn about these things the better choices you'll make when it comes time to do engine mods. the other thing is the engine is EXTREMELY simple to remove in our cars. i remember you did a clutch job awhile back, if you were able to acomplish that the engine would be cake. once the transmission is out & you unhook all the wires you have 2 engine mounts and it will come out...no joke. either 2 long bolts or 6 short ones, your choice of what you unhook.