Types

• The term "block plate" can refer to one of three different things: an engine mount plate, a bell-housing protection plate or a fuel pump block-off plate.
  
  

Safety Regulations

• Almost all race sanctioning bodies have adopted SFI safety standards. SFI is short for SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) Foundation Inc. One of the first regulations enacted by SFI was the requirement for a plate to cover the open area in front of 302 transmission's clutch, which can explode when subjected to the stresses of racing.
  
  

Fuel System

• Many racers opt for electric fuel pumps, which are safer--since they can be shut off--and offer higher flow than engine-driven fuel pumps. However, removing the mechanical fuel pump from a 302 leaves a hole in the engine block. A fuel pump block-off plate bolts in place of the stock mechanical pump to keep leaves, dirt and other objects out of the engine.
  
  

Engine Plate

• A rear engine plate bolts onto the back of the engine between the block and the transmission, while the front engine plate bolts onto the front of the engine at the timing cover, accessory drive and, in some cases, the water pump bolts. An engine plate replaces the stock motor mounts, allowing the builder more flexibility in crossmember--the car's main, front and side-to-side frame support--steering and exhaust pipe design.