With the mounts on the side of the block, and the tranny, the belhousing becomes the weak link (Aluminum belhousings), with the mounts on the front of the block & on the belhousing, it doesn't tend to bow at the belhousing.

Most all racers use that type setup. you can also drop the tranny with only pulling the driveshaft & shifter handle. You can even change the clutch & pressure plate without pulling the belhousing.

I got the V-Gate shifter I have now, new in the box at a swap meet fo $25.00 mine is a Mr Gasket, I believe. It's packed in the shop with everything else.

Pat