engine block plate needed?

[High5]

is the engine block plate needed? the vortec 350 and th400 i ran in my old rig did not use one. i do not currently have one for the 302 and c4 i am going to put in my new project so i am trying to find out if i really need it. what is it's purpose? thanks

[Lars915]

One thing it does is keep crap out of the bellhousing. Of course, another thing it does is trap crap in the bellhousing. Not sure of the purpose, but I think keeping junk out is the main reason it's there. GM uses removable covers, Ford doesn't.

[RTM]

It locates the starter and it adds to the proper spacing of the trans to the block. I would not run with out it. I also seem to recall the C4 trans having two or three different C4 trannys meaning they all had there own starter location and torque convertor which means the block plates are different as well.

I recall having this problem years back on a 77 mustang II.

[82F100SWB]

There are a few different bellhousings for the C4, to attach it do diffferent engine families. And, maybe 2 for SBF apps...
Anyhow, you need the block plate... It locates the starter, and spreads the load of it over the bellhousing... If you neglect to install it, the rotational torque of the starter can, and will crack the bell. Chevys, with the starter bolted to the block, don't require this.

[GMCTruxrule]

One thing it does is keep crap out of the bellhousing. Of course, another thing it does is trap crap in the bellhousing. Not sure of the purpose, but I think keeping junk out is the main reason it's there. GM uses removable covers, Ford doesn't.


The above statement is wrong, Ford does indeed use removable covers and it doesn't trap any more junk in there than Chevy or dodge. Maybe you are talking about the mice that build nests in your POS parked in the weeds, that would happen.:flipoff2:

[Lars915]

The above statement is wrong, Ford does indeed use removable covers and it doesn't trap any more junk in there than Chevy or dodge. Maybe you are talking about the mice that build nests in your POS parked in the weeds, that would happen.:flipoff2:
Nope, talking about packing the bellhousing solid with mud, something you'd know if yours ever made it out of the driveway :flipoff2:

[82F100SWB]

Ford uses removeable covers with an auto, with a stick, it's fixed, except for on a diesel, and maybe a 460(havent' had mine apart, but the bell is very similar to my diesel)

[High5]

thanks for the replies! i guess i need to locate one.

[GMCTruxrule]

Nope, talking about packing the bellhousing solid with mud, something you'd know if yours ever made it out of the driveway :flipoff2:

Mine doesn't get stuck in the mud long enough to allow the bellhousing to get packed solid with mud.
And Ford used removable covers on their auto trannys and manual trannys.
I know, worked on both many times.
Had 3 of them, 1977 F100 with the NP435, had a removable cover, a 1970 with a 390/C6 had the removable cover, and a 1977 LTD 302/C4 with a removable cover.
Crazy isn't it? :flipoff2:

[Jrod-13]

every ford truck with a stick has used a solid plate, except for my 7.3

and yes, if you run without it... plan on dropping the tranny after the first run to wash the bellhousing/clutch out..