Michael Schumacher replied quickly to my email sent to him last night and, after looking at this thread, he had the following comments:


Based on the thread a little background might help. First the ProPart Headers were designed in the '80s and like CPPA these headers were designed based on the old Direct Connection motor mount platform, at the time really the only big block set-up out there. As you recall these mounts while a great design caused the motor to sit about .75" too tall. Remember all the complaints about the fenderwells and 727 trans hitting the floorboards? - thats what that was all about.


The "187" oil pan was originally designed for the '66 and up "C" body. It was a happy coincidence that we found that it works with the A-body conversions. Now this pan works quite nicely (in fact I have one in my car) in approximately 90% of our big block conversion kits. The other 10% have the same issue as you are experiencing. The reason for this (the best that we can tell) is frankly sloppy tolerances from the factory. In the '60 and '70s K-members and some other suspension parts were welded by hand and the perches are not always consistent from one to the next. Now all of that being said...we still recommend this pan, but we have also started to recommend the "971" pan. This is a pan that was originally designed for a '73 and newer "B"-body and is shallower in the back than the "187" and usually fixes any and all of the issues that you have encountered. The other thing that I like is that it is still available new and can be had from a number of sources - including us.


As far as the installation of the mounts from us - it looks to be correct. (the horizontal placement of the insulators is intentional) The trans mount lines up fairly close but I can see that it would be nice if it was back about .25". This can be accomplished by loosening the insulator from the motor bracket and sliding (the hole is slotted to accommodate the tolerance issues I stated above) it as far forward as it will go. This will push the motor back so as the trans will line up a little better. Now of course you can if you wish elongate the bracket hole more so you can push the insulator further if you wish. It is just that we haven't need to do this in the past.


The height issues like I said in an earlier email can be handled easily with the shims we carry for just this reason and can send to you anytime if you wish.


It appears that you are doing a great job and are very close. Hopefully this address' every issue you have.


Sincerely,


Michael