Bestrotary* has the BEST deal in town, 6 plates/gasket/bolts for a great price, and hey he's from Rhode Island too...

At the risk of sounding like a complete newb, what are block off plates? (what is their function)

block off plates are simply used to get rid of the uneeded parts on the motor..if you have no problems without emmisions then you can really take quite a few parts off the motor...and then you can remove the air pump the right way.

Try this link. I just got some made of SST. Ask for a sub-zero plate, I know he's got them.

http://www.2751engineering.com/2751parts.html

I disagree with utilizing stainless for two reasons:

Aluminum dissapates heat faster than stainless steel or tool steel

Aluminum has none of the electrolytic corrosion problems associated with stainless steel especially when the two alloys meet.

Screwing stainless steel bolts into your manifold CAN be detrimental. Meaning the two metals combined can cause electrolytic corrosion which intern permanantly fuses the SS bolts into the manifold on your car resulting never being able to remove them from the vehicle.

Oh by the way guys and gals, bestrotary* makes OMP plates too just ask. (Man to think, I taught that boy how to make these plates)

Check the good guy/bad guy forum for mike's positive feedback.