Ron, I bought my girdle from flatlander racing, but it is basically the same. 1/2 inch thick steel. The Moroso pan fit right over it as I recall. I also use the Mellings HV pump, which also fit.
As for the Boss, I am keeping my fingers crossed! The 535 has been great. Very lo maintenance and tons of power and torque. I came across the Boss thru a friend who was clearing out his shop and retiring. He had been on FoMoCo's payroll back in the day, and had this practically new Boss sitting, still in the OE crate! Walter and I have been friends a long time, and he made me an offer I could not refuse...less than he paid for the motor in the 70's! Once I had it, I sent it off to stroker school, and have sublet all the machine work, but will do the ass'y myself. It will take some creativity to get the monster in my EM, but i'll damn sure be unique! I just hope I can get it to perform as well as my 429SCJ based 535 has done!
I hope to have the motor in by year end, and get whatever problems come up fixed by the time my driving season starts..March or so.