The plate could be made to fit directly on the manifild, but it is a bunch harder to construct that way. Warpage and other clearance issues will have to be delt with, and the throttle linkage and fuel line would also need some creative thinking. To me such challenging little projects are the fun part of this hobby and I would try something. BTW - Have you thought about addressing the root problem? Setting my 460 engine down lower was one of
the little projects I worked hard on with my car. I had to use a custom Stefs
oil pan, but Armondo and others can rig you up a custom pan, and the costs were not really any more than a catalog pan when you really think about it. Addressing this issue now will give you wiggle room latter on, when you want to play other games,,,,,,,,,
cobrashock