Stupid oil pan

I've got a 96 camaro rs 1800. I'm following the Haynes manuel. I've got the motor mounts disconected and lifted and unbolted the oil pan. But i cant get the oil pan or driveplate inspection cover out. Their unbolted but wont slide out. It looks like im gonna have to remove the exhaust but im really not trying to go through all that hastle. Any tips or tricks would be extremely helpfull.

Ok. Now I've got it off and have found the problem is a bad connecting rod bearing. I'm going to put new bearings in I'm just wondering what insight my fellow users may have on future performance of the motor. I'm about to deploy and need to drive the car from Savannah, GA to Virginia Beach for storage. Should I prepare for future problems or should it be OK?:uhoh:

What was wrong with the rod bearing?

I was driving up an onramp and it felt like the car was dragging so I stomped on it. It downshifted to second but it wasn't accelerating any faster. I let off and started hearing a clicking like a loose rocker arm. The noise continuously got worse so I parked it and towed it home. I realized the clicking was coming from the bottom of the engine so me and a few friends figured it was either the main or connecting rod bearings or the torque converter. After finally getting the oil pan out I felt the last connecting rod which had a lot of play. I removed it and the bearing was thrashed. I've got a good mechanical sense as an Helicopter mechanic but this is the first time I've gone this in-depth with an automobile. Haynes is my right hand man but Im realizing sometimes things arent 100%.

I think it wasn't getting enough oil.