The pickup screen must be at least 1/4" away from the pan bottom, or it will restrict suction.
3/8" is preferred, but some pans are not deep enough to have enough oil volume above the pickup to keep it submerged no matter what the car does (wheelie, hard braking, spin out). If the oil level in the pan was a foot deep, 3" from the pickup to the pan would be safe.
What is funny about this; is the Service manual does actually say touch the pan. The way the pickup head is built even if touching pan there is access for flow. Most builders do recommend a gap though.
