Does anyone know if this plate serves any purpose other than keeping debris out of the clutch area?

 

spacer (think of it like removing a shim) for starter, also effects the distance between the block and trans (therefore the clutch mechanism)

 

Now, if one per say forgot to put this item on, but the car ran fine - Would this have any ill-effect on the knock system by chance? ...meaning, would this induce any abnormal vibrations that the knock sensor may pick-up as false knock, or cause any other unwanted issues?

...I left mine out for about 2k miles before finding it behind my tool box somehow. I just pulled my tranny last night so I can put this back on. Was hoping it was more important than a dust shield.

 

Its there for a reason man...find one, bend old one back, dont leave it out. GL!

 

Anyone else have any thoughts on my second post?

 

maybe the clutch is causing some harmonics?

 

yes or the starter was making slight contact when it wasnt supposed to or the TOB was rubbing excessively.