Can someone tell me if I am going nuts.

Tried to install the oil dipstick into a rebuilt 292 motor but it (the dipstick, NOT the dipstick tube) hits metal.

I poke a small screwdriver into the hole circled below and it goes in like 1 inch before hitting a hard stop.

When the original motor was being rebuilt (312) we discovered a cracked main bearing web so switched to a 292 block. I assume they are all the same as far as the dipstick location. Can anyone tell me what I am hitting?! I REALLY don't want to have to drop the oil pan as that will mean dropping all the steering out from underneath again.