While reassembling my Amazon I've come across a puzzle.

This 122 was originally an automatic and converted to an M40. (hope to switch to M41 but that will be later) While under the car bolting up the starter I noticed flywheel peeking out at me. This didn't seem right.

So after checking Haynes I noticed that the casting that bolts under the block and also to the bellhousing was missing. Think they call it a reinforcing plate.

I located one from a 140 and it bolted to the block fine but doesn't line up with the bolt holes on the bellhousing. However it does fit flush against the bellhousing.

My question is: Does anyone know if this part is simply to keep crud off of the flywheel or is it doing something structural? Since it seems like it is going to keep the crud off the flywheel, it seems to be fine.

But since the original was engineered to bolt to the bellhousing and it is called a "reinforcing plate" I'm wondering if I'm looking for trouble. I know Volvo also made a part that only bolted to the bellhousing and was just a cover plate. I don't know if the more simple one was leading to problems or if I have solved my missing part problem.

Is this reinforcing plate on all Amazons?

Thanks,

-Mario