For those of you who are using or have used motor plates, mid plates etc. on your Mavericks, I would like your advice. I've never used a plate so I was wondering about the Pro's and Con's. Also, pic's, size, how wide and tall would be great as well. Thanks in Advance Rick
I run a front and mid-plate. Not really sure what the pro's and con's are but here is some thoughts: 1) Motor is solid mount, less HP loss due to twisting under exceleration. 2) Easier to pull and install motor/tranny 3) Cost was comperative to the cost of v8 frame mounts. really Todd or Dave H. would be (IMO) the ones to help you with this. Here is a couple pics.
I too run front & mid plates. The good: easier to pull the motor. Easier to pull the transmission. Ties the motor to the frame--makes the entire front chassis stronger generally more consistent ET's just by going to plates instead of rubber mounts takes the stress off the sides of the block and shock towers front plate makes a good way to mount certain accessories (fuel pump, etc). more room around the sides of the engine (no mounts)-easier header installation, as long as the rear plate isn't in the way (see below) better clutch operation if you're using mechanical linkages (as opposed to cables or hyd) better shift quality on manual transmissions-shifter doesn't move with acceleration/engine torque The bad: Ford front plates usually sandwich between the pump & timing cover. Kind of a pain to get a few things set up right initially. Getting it to seal up requires some mechanical knowledge-but it's not rocket science. There is also a plate that goes between the block & cover but then you have to space out the damper, which throws pulley alignment off--and 99% of those I have dealt with, the damper bolt won't stay tight for whatever reason. cam changes are almost out of the question without removing the front motor plate depending on the rear plate, some plates don't offer an easy way to change the starter depending on thickness of the rear plate, you "may" have to run a slightly different torque converter (mounting ears are thicker)...or spacers setting them up & getting the engine in the right place can be a bear the rear one seems to always be in the way of headers-usually have to trim the plate a little. Steering box is in the way of the rear plate-again, lots of trimming must use flexible trans mount. Solid trans mounts are good for nothing except cracking trans cases & bellhousings can't use stock accessories-front plate is in the way of most of them.
Thank you both for the feedback, good stuff. Where would you guys suggest ordering them from. Thanks again Rick
I cannot help you there. I had mine made. I know Summit and Jeg's both offer plates for SBF but I have do not know anything about them.
I just got this one for the Cleveland but have to get the front down bars in before I can trim it to fit. I have used engine plates on oval track cars, that I built, and it pretty much uses the engine itself as a large part of the chassis. Makes the chassis very strong and rigid and helps control a lot of the flexing.
