Enging Knocking and Pinging from a thrown rod

I have 1998 Z28 Camaro w/ a V8 5.7 Liter. I recently threw a rod in the enging (from low oil like an idiot) so its knocking and pinging like crazy, it sounds horrible like its ready to blow out the block, anyways ive been told that with a Z28 you have to cherry pick the engine out

and turn it over to get to the crank and rods, causing alot of labor hours, i was quoted at 21 hours of work. is this true or can you take the oil pan off and get to the rod from the bottom saving a lot hassle and money??? please please respond i owe $12,000 dollars on a car i can't drive. Need help.