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Brians Machine Shop Cradle Guide for Small Block Chevrolet

COMPATIBLITY TABLE

BMS Cradle Comparison

Lower Cradle

  • ✅ Mid Plate Compatible

  • ✅ Distributor Protector Compatible

  • ❌ Halo Compatible

  • ❌ DP-to-Halo Connector Bars

  • ❌ Integrated Oil Pan Protector & Side Bars

  • ❌ Can Become a 100% Full Cradle

Standard Head Plate Cradle

  • ✅ Mid Plate Compatible

  • ✅ Distributor Protector Compatible

  • ✅ Halo Compatible

  • ✅ DP-to-Halo Connector Bars

  • ❌ Integrated Oil Pan Protector & Side Bars

  • ❌ Can Become a 100% Full Cradle

Head Plate Cradle with Integrated Oil Pan Protector

  • ✅ Mid Plate Compatible

  • ✅ Distributor Protector Compatible

  • ✅ Halo Compatible

  • ✅ DP-to-Halo Connector Bars

  • ✅ Integrated Oil Pan Protector & Side Bars

  • ✅ Can Become a 100% Full Cradle

Complete Full Cradle

  • ✅ Mid Plate Included

  • ✅ Distributor Protector Included

  • ✅ Halo Included

  • ✅ DP-to-Halo Connector Bars Included

  • ✅ Integrated Oil Pan Protector & Side Bars Included

  • ✅ 100% Complete Full Engine Cradle

Understanding the BMS Modular Engine Cradle System

The Brian’s Machine Shop (BMS) Modular Engine Cradle System is designed so you can build your engine protection over time instead of purchasing everything at once. Each component is engineered to work together, allowing you to upgrade your Small Block Chevy engine cradle as your budget and build evolve.

Every BMS Head Plate Cradle serves as the foundation of the upper engine protection system. The Halo mounts directly to the Head Plate Cradle, while the BMS Mid Plate serves as the foundation for the Distributor Protector. The Distributor Protector cannot be installed without the Mid Plate. Once both the Halo and Distributor Protector are installed, the DP-to-Halo Connector Bars tie the two assemblies together, creating one rigid upper engine protection system that helps distribute impact forces throughout the cradle.

Understanding Your Upgrade Options

BMS offers several Head Plate Cradle configurations, but it’s important to understand the difference if your long-term goal is a 100% Full Engine Cradle.

The Head Plate Cradle with Integrated Oil Pan Protector is the only modular Head Plate Cradle that can eventually become a 100% BMS Full Engine Cradle. That’s because the Oil Pan Protector and Side Bars are permanently integrated into the cradle during manufacturing and are not available as a separate upgrade.

You can start with the Head Plate Cradle with Integrated Oil Pan Protector and add the remaining components over time:

  • BMS Mid Plate

  • BMS Distributor Protector

  • BMS Halo

  • DP-to-Halo Connector Bars

Once these components are installed, your system is identical to the Complete BMS Full Engine Cradle.

Of course, if you want every component from day one, you can simply purchase the Complete BMS Full Engine Cradle, which already includes the integrated Oil Pan Protector, Side Bars, Mid Plate, Distributor Protector, Halo, and all related components.

Standard Head Plate Cradles

All other BMS Head Plate Cradle styles use the same modular design and can also be upgraded with the Mid Plate, Distributor Protector, Halo, and DP-to-Halo Connector Bars.

However, these standard Head Plate Cradles cannot become a true 100% Full Engine Cradle because they do not include the factory-integrated Oil Pan Protector and Side Bars. Since those lower components are built into the cradle during manufacturing, they cannot be added later.

This means a standard Head Plate Cradle can be upgraded into a nearly complete engine cradle system, offering the same upper engine protection as the Full Cradle, but without the integrated Oil Pan Protector and Side Bars.

Which BMS Cradle Is Right for You?

If your goal is to eventually own a 100% BMS Full Engine Cradle, you have two options:

  • Purchase the Complete BMS Full Engine Cradle.

  • Start with the Head Plate Cradle with Integrated Oil Pan Protector and add the remaining modular components over time.

If you choose any other BMS Head Plate Cradle, you’ll still have the flexibility to add the Mid Plate, Distributor Protector, Halo, and DP-to-Halo Connector Bars as your build progresses, creating a nearly complete modular engine protection system. The only difference is that it will not include the permanently integrated Oil Pan Protector and Side Bars found only on the Head Plate Cradle with Integrated Oil Pan Protector and the Complete BMS Full Engine Cradle.

Lower Engine Cradles

The BMS Lower Engine Cradle is the entry-level engine mounting system, offering strong lower engine support at the most affordable price point.

Unlike a Head Plate Cradle, the Lower Engine Cradle does not include the Head Plate foundation required to mount a Halo. Because of this, a Lower Engine Cradle can never be upgraded into a Full Engine Cradle and cannot accept a Halo at any time.

However, a BMS Mid Plate can be added at any point. Once the Mid Plate is installed, it provides the mounting foundation for the BMS Distributor Protector, allowing you to add rear engine protection without replacing your existing cradle.

Lower Engine Cradle Upgrade Options:

  • ✔ Add a BMS Mid Plate at any time

  • ✔ Add a BMS Distributor Protector (requires the Mid Plate)

  • ✘ Cannot accept a Halo

  • ✘ Cannot use DP-to-Halo Connector Bars

  • ✘ Cannot become a 100% BMS Full Engine Cradle

If your long-term goal includes running a Halo or eventually building a complete BMS Full Engine Cradle, you should start with a BMS Head Plate Cradle instead.

Understanding BMS Mid Plates

The BMS Mid Plate is a standalone engine protection component that can be used by itself or in conjunction with a BMS engine cradle. It serves as the foundation for the BMS Distributor Protector, providing the mounting points required for its installation.

The Mid Plate can be:

  • Used as a standalone engine support and protection component.

  • Used in conjunction with any BMS Lower Engine Cradle.

  • Used in conjunction with any BMS Head Plate Cradle.

  • Installed at any stage of your build.

If you plan to run a BMS Distributor Protector, a BMS Mid Plate is required, as the Distributor Protector mounts directly to the Mid Plate.

It’s important to understand that the Distributor Protector can only be connected to a Halo when used in conjunction with a BMS Head Plate Cradle. The Head Plate Cradle provides the mounting foundation for the Halo, while the Mid Plate provides the mounting foundation for the Distributor Protector. The DP-to-Halo Connector Bars tie these two components together, creating a rigid upper engine protection system.

In simple terms:

  • Mid Plate = Foundation for the Distributor Protector

  • Head Plate Cradle = Foundation for the Halo

  • DP-to-Halo Connector Bars = Connect the Distributor Protector to the Halo (requires both a Mid Plate and a Head Plate Cradle)

This modular design allows builders to expand their engine protection system over time while ensuring every component is properly supported and fully compatible.