I've got my 64 El Camino up on jack stands, and I'm pondering taking the oil pan off my 283. It looks like my only hope will be to unpin the motor mounts and jack the engine up a couple of inches, using the balancer as my jack point. Is there anyone whose tried this and knows whether it will provide enough clearance to get the pan in & out? Any suggestions appreciated.

Jack, that is the way to do it. You will need to pull the distributor also and the converter cover if it is an automatic,if not auto I dont know if it has a clutch/ flywheel cover or not. After you get the engine jacked up put a 2x4 under each motor mount.

Jack, don't jack on the balancer though, it will most likely ruin it. I know, I tried it before and ruined one myself. It will probably move the balancer outer rim over the rubber.