360 LA roller lifter hold down

Hi!
I'm just about to finish the build of my -89 360 based 408.

I am using a hydraulic roller Lunati cam with new stock-style hydraulic roller lifters and the stock "dog-bones".

When I bought the block it was already in pieces, so I don't know how these are assebled. I have only worked on flat tapper LA's before.

When i try to screw the hold down spider plate flat against the bosses in the lifter valley, I notice it has to bend quite a bit!
Is there supposed to be any spacers between the block and the hold-down spider plate, or should it just be forced down?

/Magnus

No spacers, just screw it down. That plate puts quite a bit of tension on the dog bones.

OK, thanks
My next problem is that parts of the plate are a bit rusty (the guy who took the engine apart didn't protect the parts vey well).
Since it will have quite a bit of tension, I'm worried the rust spots may be crack starters... Do these plates ever fail in stock engines? Where could I find new or better used ones?

Clean it up as best you can, then check condition. If it worries you, grab a different plate off a 5.2 or 5.9 Magnum engine- they're the same. Dealer may even be able to get new ones yet.