Instead of running a mid plate between the block and bell housing, I am thinking of putting a plate between the bell housing and the transmission (5 speed manual). The Quicktime housing has extra bolt holes that I can use to fasten the plate to independent of the trans bolt. The reason would be for easier removal of the engine without removing the tranny, or the tranny without removing the engine. Any reason why this won't work? Does this go against NHRA or IHRA rules?

The reason for the mid plate is to hold up the back
of the engine if you blow the trans.. back there it
wouldnt help.. put the mid plate where it needs to be..
if your concerned about engagement .. put washers between
the flex and conv pads
EDIT
maybe just send the conv back, all the others say
you have to

Mr P. It's a stick, so I'm out on this "Converter spacing debate". If the tranny breaks in two, the engine would still be supported at the back of the bell housing. Likewise, if the engine needs to be removed, the tranny and bell housing can remain in place.

The only problem with pulling the engine with a mid
plate is you need a removable trans tunnel to get
the trans bolts(to make life easy)... to be honest
when you said you wanted to put it in the rear I
dont think that would pass(if they look)

I can't see how this gains you ease of anything, except fewer bolts. AND if you need to service the clutch, you will have to remove your mount and support engine. If you want ease of maint, just put the midplate where it should be and put the trans on sliders, so that instead of having to remove it, you just slid it back out of the way, while you remove bellhousing and plate holds up back of engine

I put sliders on my Lenco for this very reason. Added benefit is it lines it's self up when you slide it forward.
The mid plate only comes out of my car if the block is removed.

AND if you need to service the clutch, you will have to remove your mount and support engine.

Oh, yeah. I completely forgot about that clutch thing. I hate getting old.