Jim,

I agree, I don't think I'd lose too much sleep over that dowel alignment hole. It looks as if there is enough there to do the job.

Here's to #8 on the tranny pull. I hope it all goes smooth.
Bobby

 

Thanks Bobby Ill just use it as is. I was doing a little research on ford block plates in general. Dave mentioned cutting a slot in the bottom of the plate so it could be slid down behind the flex plate, only requiring separating the trans a few inches. I have found that some of the later Ford (70s I think) plates came stock with the top open all the way down to the crank hole. I don't see why I can't cut the slot in the top of the plate, allowing me to slide it in from underneath. I like Daves suggestion, as the only purpose of the plate is as every one has pointed out is for separation, starter issues and lower trans support. Like previously stated it wouldn't effect anything. Does anyone have any other thoughts on this slotting of the top of the block plate? The plate I got is a universal plate that can be used on 157 and 164 tooth flex plates so I'm pretty confident that it has more to it than is actually needed to perform its designed intentions.

 

The dowels in the block might keep it from sliding up, I don't know how much room there is between the flex plate and block. Otherwise I see no problem.

 

Thanks Scott

 

Jim,
I see no reason that you can't slot the plate as necessary to ease the slipping it into place. I think that the main function is the separation and starter alignment.

Go for it
Bobby

 

As long as the split plate doesn't oil-can and touch the flex plate... Is it really that much more trouble to pull the flex?

 

The dowel pins will be in the way. I doubt ya can get it on slotting or not with the flex on it. Do it right and do it once I say.

 

The dowel pins will be in the way. I doubt ya can get it on slotting or not with the flex on it. Do it right and do it once I say.

 

The dowel pins will be in the way. I doubt ya can get it on slotting or not with the flex on it. Do it right and do it once I say.

 

Could you repeat that please????????

 

JB•Weld would be a reasonable product to use. Glue it once and glue it right.

 

Hey Artic, do you hear an echo in here?

 

Ok the plate, and the dowels were delivered. And just for the heck of it I called "P/A" the maker of the plate since there is so much interest. There tech. said, as long as you leave the area around the starter intact it wont affect anything to slot in a different area. That said I have no Idea what I'm going to do until I get in there, but, I like to have everyone's opinion on any task that I'm about to undertake. Onward and upward!