ok- Think I have the drivetrain aligned in the horizontal axis- i'm inside 1/16 from pinion centerline to crankshaft centerline at front of engine.
yep, things are tight on passenger side, will cut/dimple die some access areas for plugs on passenger side.

now- can anyone tell me what the engine angle is supposed to be in the vertical plane when setting up these cars?

I will be measuring pinion angle this morning but can say its not bad now.

Just wondering if there is a "rule of thumb" for engine pitch before a start working on pinion angle.

Thanks for any info.