Here is a BBQ grill I made from a SBC oil pan and pistons and rods. The top grate is hinged so you can flip it out of the way for adding charcoal.
HaHa! That's nifty. Tried it out yet? So does it have internal baffles to help circulate air flow through the coals?
Yup, it has a grate inside for the coals to sit on and I have grilled on it. I grilled twenty bratwurst on it last week. It has 220 sq inches of grilling area.