The primary reason for running the adaptor plate is so that you can gain fan/radiator clearance when running a later model 235. The notorious "short pump", incorrect pulley diameter, clogged radiator and that particular flex-fan are going to keep you grasping at straws until you decide to FIX the problem. The plate and early pump combo will move your fan back away from the radiator. In addition you will get the correct sized pulley that comes fixed on the early pump so you're creating proper flow. Using the adaptor plate/early pump will also let you use a decent fan (did I say ditch the ss blade?)
Drilling/tapping the block isn't rocket science. It can be done with a battery powered drill and a couple decent bits following the instruction sheets I have in my webshots album. You use existing bolt holes in the block to bolt on the adaptor plate which centers the area to be drilled. The block drills like butter and if you can screw a top on a jar you can cut some threads. Even if you have to buy a new drill bit and a tap (less than $10.00) and follow the instructions you could have done the job in less time than you've spent on this thread.
And btw.....there are some of us who actually have our trucks on the road every day and have gone through many of the same trials and tribulations you're facing. In addition, some of us are Old Farts......been building and modifying vehicles since Moby [censored] was a minnow. We understand that theory and conjecture have their place, but often simple serve as distractions when seeking an answer to a real-life issue. You would be better served to improve your skills at sorting out the tried and true suggestions from the canned smoke. When you reach that point you'll be able to correct your problem and be able to focus on enjoying your ride. The choice is now yours.
Dave
