All, I have an extra oil pan which I would be glad to send to whomever is eager to do this investigation. I know that quite a few folks here (including myself) would be very interested in the results.

Now, the catch is that this pan has a small puncture (that's why it's no longer on my car!) but it should be fairly easy to patch up temporarily for the purposes of the test.

Anyways, if anyone is interested, just send me a PM.

Black '98.0 GL V6/MTX, tints, SVT airbox (sans fender boot), stock muffler replaced with spiral racing muffler, A6 side markers, Cougar 16" polished wheels w/ bald 205/50/16 Yoko A520's, Mobil 1 5W30, Castrol SATF/Ford FM tranny cocktail, 9005 high-beam bulbs all around, re-aimed stock foglights