'Stat Housing Question- LA 360 Torker II vs. Rpm Air Gap

The offset t-stat is because it clears the more modern ac compressor. The threaded hole to the left of the t stat is for the compressor rear mount.
I only discovered this due to my 86’ van I’m building in the shop now. Without the offset, the ac compressor does not fit.
My 86 is an early one with a LA 318 not a magnum :(