eBay car pics.. amazingly simular to the above pic of the dirty MV engine! notice how there is paint on the pad only at the left... I'm starting to like that pad cover story But with a twist/// I bet it was a sloppy job!

another angle.. I see no evidence any paint was ever resprayed to this cars engine..

Whats with all the silicone in the last pic? Is it just a goober or is that casting broke and extra silicone squesh out?

Finally I got around to getting the pic of the engine markings on my untouched 68 Camaro.

As you can see it too has never been painted there and you can also see a distinct line where it appears it was masked or something placed so the paint didnt hit this area.

Dont forget this is a LA 68 Camaro.

Another angle.

There is a little paint on the RH side but no straight line or anything....

Another angle...

That method as described by John and Ron is starting to be a reality.. I like how its getting consistant that theres a little paint on the passengers side of the pad.. Nice work. I love when a thread becomes fruitful like this!