I don't think it is helping strengthen the block like a main girdle and not all the stock oil pans are cast. The only thing I see it doing is a little strength to support the transmission as well as noise suppression witch I would be it the real reason the factory has them... I bolted the one on my 2011 ram while it was running and it was impressive how much quieter the trans sounded while bolting it on, same with the stupid plastic cover on top of the intake.