Russ, All engines must be certified by the end of Speed Week. If you set your record on the last Friday morning better haul the mail to get the engine done before we close up shop. If you do it near the begining of the week there may not be a problem. I do not like a go-no-go style of gauge. I would rather not see a device that cannot prove the ligimacy of the cubic inch of the engine.
The words "Jack D. said on the website" does not carry much/any weight in impounds. He is not there in any capacity to judge an engine. Actually in the last 10 years I haven't seen him at all at Bonneville. Mr. Warner and his designees are the ones in charge. All question should be directed to him. Yes, each of us has measured an engine with the pan removed, not thru some hole. This NOT the preffered method and is very rarely used.
Each of the competitor should feel very lucky the Dan and his group has purchased tools to do this and allow desigated members to seal partially assembled engines. Where I started in 1975, all engines were torn down after the record and before you could change classes.
The motorcycle group handle their own engines and at times we help each other. I do not see them post here. Good Luck...J.D.