I noticed this on my lsj (Saturn Redline). What is its function?

 

consider it like a gasket that you need for proper alignment

 

neccessary for the f35

 

I use duct tape to hold it in place lol

 

Its usually called a starter plate its just like a shim for proper alignment or flywheel and starter teeth.

 

It's just a plate, it doesn't have shims on that plate. I think it's just so when you separate the engine from the trans it doesn't corrode together. Keeps the edges clean when reinstalling

 

being the starter is bolted to the block it has nothing to do with starter/flywheel alignment.

its a shim, only used with the f35 tranaxle (ss/sc and ss/tc) to put the transmission in the proper location. my guess is without it the input shaft would hit the crankshaft or more likely the slave cylinder would bottom out and possible preload the fingers on the pressure plate

 

This, essentially the input shaft hits the crank without it