[tirwin]

Yes it was a problem with the casting.

I've been thinking about the rubbing. There is a little play with the motor and trans mounts but I'm not sure it would account for that. Is there any chance the crossmember on the front of the engine is slightly bent? If it was, I suppose that would cause the motor and trans to sit further forward. I'm not sure how the trans mounts would line up though. Maybe when you put the engine back in you can find someone to help be a spotter to see if you can align it a little further back.