Block Plates/ Starter Locator Plates

These plates have been referred to as block plates, starter index plates, block savers, locator plates and “that sheet metal thing between the engine and transmission”. Regardless of its name, the plate has a vital purpose, accurately locating the starter pinion in relation to the flexplate or flywheel ring gear teeth. In some instances, the plate is not installed when using an aftermarket bellhousing or adapter. At that point, the only thing locating the starter is the attaching bolts. The bolts are designed to hold the starter to the bellhousing, not locate the starter. That is the function of the starter locator plate, having an accurate register hole to prevent the starter from being shoved outboard during cranking or when the engine “kicks back”.

The KFM Starter Locator Plates use O.E. design coordinates to locate the starter exactly where the factory intended. Factory bolt patterns are used to ensure a perfect fit. The plates are CAD designed and precision CNC laser cut from hot rolled steel and protected by gold zinc plating.

Plates for automatic transmission applications are approximately .075” thick.

Plates for manual transmission applications are approximately .105” thick.

Custom plates for Big Block Fords of different material and thicknesses are available as special orders.

Part # 1325926 - Big Block Ford 429-460 - .075" Steel - Closed Lower w/ plate - Price $90
This plate was designed to work with C6 or aftermarket “Powerglide” type adapter bellhousings such as the JW Ultra-Bell and a 164 tooth flexplate. The closed lower bell prevents foreign debris from entering the converter area for street, truck pull or mud race applications. A removable plate provides access to the torque converter bolts.

Part # 1325928 - Big Block Ford 429-460 - .075" Steel - Open on Left Side - Price $75

This plate was designed to work with C6 or aftermarket “Powerglide” type adapter bellhousings such as the JW Ultra-Bell and a 164 tooth flexplate. The open area on the driver side promotes air circulation for natural cooling of the converter area.

Part # 1325729 - Big Block Ford 429-460 - .105" Steel - Stick Bellhousing - C9AZ Car - Price $90
This plate was designed to work with manual transmission, passenger car O.E. bellhousings with a casting number C9AZ and a 184 tooth flywheel.

Part # 1325829 - Big Block Ford 429-460 - .105" Steel - Stick Bellhousing – D7TZ Truck - Price $90
This plate was designed to work with manual transmission, passenger car O.E. bellhousings with a casting number D7TZ and a 184 tooth flywheel. Starter clocking is different between car and truck bellhousings.