I think it all depends what size pan you are using. The pan that was on my 454HO was a 7 QT pan and the 8.1L has at least a 7 QT pan if not bigger. On the other hand, we have a 427 in a ’78 4x4 tow truck that does not rub the cross member at all.
With the ORD engine cross member you don't need a short fuel pump. In fact, if look you at my 454HO picture I have a Race Pumps high zoot piston pump mounted in it, which is pretty big. Check out
www.racepumps.com sometime.