I need another one of these please....any one got one?

Zetec been now since 2001 (2 engines in truth) and never bothered with a sandwich plate. Just made up some small plates to keep out stones.

+1. I didn't bother either.

I modified an old pinto plate.
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You misunderstand me I am modifying my type 9 gearbox to fit the zetec starter motor.....
And need the plate for accurate bracket positioning. ....
As shown below.

What you are doing is potentially doomed to failure.

Welding onto a brittle cast manifold is not a good idea when the starter needs to be rigid when it tries to transmit power to the ring gear.

If the welds snap it could do untold damage.

Why not just but a new correct bellhousing. They are much lighter and designed to do the job properly.

Well......I know of two other cars modified likewise. One for over 3 years of hard use and about 8000 miles summer and winter, with out any problems.
And I like to have a go myself. After speaking to a welder on welding to the steel bell housing he was of the opinion that it would be safe enough and we'll up to the stresses imposed by the starter motor on engine starting. The forces being applied at relatively low engine speed and besides to a standard engine. We're I to go for high tuning perhaps a different solution would be better.