[rotorwrench]

I still use the rope seals. I never knew them to be problematic on those engines that use them. many of the older V8s use just a slinger on the rear with the drain back tube like the 4-cylinders so I can see why someone might want to change since others have added rubber seals before. It's a lot of work to do what the OP did. It would require pan mods too.