K member notching question

Ive done a lot of reading about K member notching but I’m a little confused if the notching is only nessary if the engine is installed from the top with the oil pan in place. If the K member is out of the car and I atach It to the engine defore it goes in the car will a milodon street strip 7 or 8 quart pan fit without notching the K member. I ask because I want to get the K powder coated but the engine is not done to check things. Thanks.