The block plate started in the 1963 model year for all FE’s, and continued through the end of production, and it’s needed because it positively locates the starter. Prior to that the early bell housings had a provision to locate the starter. A 428 would have had one originally. The same C3AZ-7007-F block plate was used for both automatic & manual transmissions, and for both cars & pickups. There were running changes in the amount & location of clearance holes that were punched, and the location and style of the stiffening rib over the years, but any FE plate you find can be modified to work. For example around the 1968 model year Ford started using rear screw in oil galley plugs on the blocks more, and there were extra clearance holes added for those, so if you find a plate without them just drill the needed holes.
I’ll add, most FT big truck applications use a different block plate, due to the much larger flywheel and transmission bell housings they use.
