We cut the cross brace off our mounts and placed a SS 1\8 inch steel plate across the bottom stringer to stringer. It's 1' wide centered at the motor mounts. It has never been touched.
We put in an armondo's 10 quart pan after figuring out the Milodon marine pan was causing
our oil pressure drop at about 4000 rpms.
This is like the 3rd person I've heard this from (Actually, 'lectro and I have a running arguement on this) on the Milodon pan. Granted, My experience has been one, so has 'Lectras, but mine worked, to 6500 rpm, and still works flawlessly. I think the wrong pickup is being used (on the wrong pump, in one case I know of) or attention not being paid to the close proximity of the dipstick to the hole for it at the front of the windage tray upon assembly. Hence false oil readings. Not gonna go into what happens when way too much oil is in the engine. Have to be REAL careful on the 460 to bend or form the oil stick tube to direct the stick to the very front of the engine with these, or the Armando, or Dooley, pans........ I have all three, trust me, it is a COMMON PROBLEM. Careful asembly, is all I can say. I installed my Milodon 3 times on the engine stand before I figured out what was going on with the diptick, among other things.
I cut the same center cross member out and used a piece of resined plywood to support the 1/4 stringers when I did it. worked fine. Once Moo is back together (Unrelated issue blew it up), it will be extremely similar and run as it did for the last almost 2 years. Do NOT be afraid of the JBP or Milodon Pans!
Ray