thanks guys for the posts....yes all the lifters are removed, the fuel pump pushrod it not in there either. It's got to be the rear cam bearing stuck on the cam. I'm pulling the engine for the 6th time now. I haven't tried turning the crank yet, I didn't think that would even matter...does the crank or rods even come that close to the cam that would prevent it from coming out?
Maybe it's time to give up on the Chev powerplant and go back to the cars roots "PONTIAC"!!!!! I can't believe I've had this many problems w/ this motor. That goes to show you--DO IT YOURSELF!!! Anyone else.....