Well I quit procrastinating and got to work on converting the engine to dry sump. Photo 1 shows something few have ever seen, the inside of a NEW Lycoming engine. Pretty anticlimatic actually. I got the drain tubes removed and plugged Photos 2 and 3. I had to drill holes in the heads for the safety wires.
I could not find the 90 degree elbox that attaches to the new sump block off plate, will have to call the factory and get one on the way. I plan on welding this to the plate to save room.
The factory ordered my engine for me, and like all the ones before, they ordered it without a vacuum pump. What is the problem with that you say? Well I don't have a vacuum pump but I do need the drive adapter for my alternator. Thankfully Bill McMullen of Robinson Helicopter Governor Conversion fame, had one he did not need. Saved me a ton of money.