[blykins]

Because I'm lazy...there's already a Lakewood block plate on the engine...and of course to change it, I would have to remove the flywheel. I don't like laying under the car on a concrete floor when it's 30 degrees outside for any longer than I have to.

If in fact the Mcleod block plate is thicker, then I wouldn't be able to use it...I'd say they rely on that to get the right depth for the transmission mounting.