Front plate/ water pump question

I got to thinking about my front engine plate and water pump as I assemble my 340. The front plate will sandwich between the timing cover and electric water pump. I'm intrigued about possible turbulence or air pockets that may happen in the void in the cover where the mechanical pump impeller would normally sit. It's around 1/4" deep there. Seems like welding up a dam across to isolate the inlet and outlet holes in the cover would benefit flow.
Anyone have thoughts or experience on this?

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