Red,
The only answer I know is that the pick-up should be 3/8" or less from the pan bottom. My Canton has the
oil temp sender in the side of the cheek, it's always in
oil.
A bigger question would be, does your Milodon locate the pick-up in it's "well" in the same location as the ribbed pan's well. You may have to lengthen/shorten the pick-up tube. I'm assuming each of the pans has trap doors and baffles.
Your Milodon sure looks nice and performs well.