The Ford 302 has a front oil pump that interferes with the placement of the motor in a Miata. The front sump of the oil pan is one of the limits as to how far back and how low in the car the engine can be placed. So, it's common to modify the pan for optimal placement. These pics show the beginning of the process, marking the pan for subsequent cuts. This essentially duplicates what I did when I installed the 302 in my BRG several years ago, but since I didn't take good pictures at the time, I'm taking this opportunity to document the process.
The idea is to place a vertical wall at the rear of the oil pump as close as possible to the pump body. It can actually touch; there is no relative movement, but that's poor form, so a little clearance is suggested. Then the placement of the horizontal floor is determined by the internal rotating assembly, pretty much by turning the crank so the connecting rod bolts (nuts) are at their closest point to the pan and allowing some clearance. This is a moving part so some clearance is required. Maybe 1/8" or so. I fit the pan very close with no gasket, the gasket thickness then determines the clearance.
The modification only needs to be in the area of about 2" or so behind the oil pump, as the only interference is the very top and front edges of the round steering rack tube.
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