there is a plug on the front side of the block. it looks like the plugs from the back of the block which can be swapped for ones with nipples so you can use them to evac block pressure. is the front plug the same? could i use this in conjunction with my breather system? thanks

 

That's the water jacket plug, it's very useful for draining the coolant out of your block.

 

thanks. just found out. this confirms it.