thanks Justin and Dougal.
I think I would prefer to weld a pipe onto a plate than try and drill and tap a hole in the block. Is 17mm o/d pipe sufficient for oil flow?
Dougal I intend using a GT2560 which is water cooled. I dont understand the problem with the coolant.
I would have preferred a low mount manifold, but there is no choice. A top mount will fit. A low mount would be more room and allow use of stock nissan dump pipe (if I used journal bearing T). Even when you ring Isuzu parts they reckon they can't tell you if the $440 manifold they sell will be top or low mount, garrett or IHI. PIA. I suppose one option is to chop the horizontal flange and tigweld a new vertical flange (90 degrees).

