360 Pan and Gasket Question

I dont know specifically about either question. However there is an easy way to check the pan fitment. If you have a stock style pan laying around - Try it on the engine ! If it fits and you want to get an idea how close it is to the crank - Take some clay or playdoe and rotate the crank throws to the lowest point of travel on #3 and later #4 crank throws (cyls 5&6, 7&8) - put a lump of clay on the throw(s) and put the pan on, allow it to crush the clay, remove the pan and inspect the clay to see the thinnest portion. AS far as how much or what is acceptable ? I'm not sure. I'd like to see at least a 1/2 inch, of course more would be better. I dont know if 1/2 is enough - but I would think it is.