How to Assemble the Front of a Small Block

easymotorspo said
Should a 318 that has been found to be without a drip tab, or a bolt with the whole in it or oil plugs, should it be retro fitted as I am in the middle of changing cam,lifters,timing chain,heads and intake? This article is great for a gear head and do it yourselfer!!

I have the required plugs(Dorman 555-009), I believe I could fabricate the drip tab and the special bolt....

Thank you, Erick

Sorry I didn't find this until now, but I would recommend using a drip tab if possible.

If you can't find a bolt with a hole in it, and not be able to drill one, then I would leave the top hole for the oiling open, and then try to use a bolt in the other lower hole where the anti-rotation tab goes. I would open the hole in the thrust plate a little more and re bend the rotation/lock tab so it will fit with the bolt in...