Block Dowels, Block Plugs and Stud Pipe

A shaped plug/cover, known as the "Valley" plug, is installed to the top of the engine block at the centre of the "Vee" formed by the angle between Banks 1 and 2 of the cylinder block.

Ring dowels
Ring dowels are used as follows:
To assist in the location/installation of each cylinder head to its respective location on the block.
Two are used to locate the main sump body to the cylinder block.
Two are used at the rear of the engine block to locate the mating face of the transmission housing.
Two are installed into the casting at the front, one on each side, to locate and align the timing cover and two more each side of the front face to locate the VVT bush carriers (where installed).
Two are installed each side near the front to locate the accessory mounting bracket and the generator mounting bracket.

Block Plugs
Two core plugs are installed in the rear face of the engine block.
Three flanged, threaded plugs with micro-encapsulated sealant and a sealing washer are installed, one into the front face of the block behind the water pump, one to the rear face adjacent to the two core plugs and one to the rear of the left hand side.

Stub Pipe
A stub pipe in the centre of the raised part of the block casting for the thermostat housing, accommodates one end of the heater return hose.