Yes...the thickness depends on what type of bellhousing you're using. Scattershields use .125"-.25" block plates for block protection in case of a flywheel/clutch explosion. Otherwise you can use one of the little thin flimsy backplates for starter location and dust protection.
Yes, you need a backplate. They are tough to find though. Ford doesn't make them anymore and most junkyards throw them out when they separate the engine and transmission when they are dismantling a car. The fourth junkyard I went I finally found one.
As the others said, they sure do. If you purchase any race bell housing you should get a replacement shield.
The standard race housing that I got fit just fine, but I believe it was set up for either a 351W or 302, which have different diameter flywheels. So there is a spacer for your starter on the plate.
I only bring this up because the documentation was less than clear, but at the same time fairly obvious. At least after you try to bolt on the starter the first time and it bangs into the flywheel.
One that will fit 351 C or W, 302 and 289 should work.
Goes between the block and the flywheel during assembly.
With the engine on the hoist without the flywheel installed, put the cover on so the starter hole is on the correct side ( right ). The positioning studs will hold it in place until you bolt the flywheel on. Do the clutch and then bellhousing. There will be anywhere from one to four 1/4 x 20 bolts that hold the cover to the bellhousing.
That should do it.
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351w engine backplate
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