Like title says. I have my 97 318 Magnum block in the local machine shop (Gawd I hope it comes back as being usable at standard bore so I can use these new parts I already have-- story for another day) and these guys, whom have been at it for years and years, say that it isn't that critical; yet the shop I was gonna try this time (~30 miles away "race specialists") do all their boring/honing with them. I am not trying to get every last 0.001 out of it in the qtr mile, will be a 3 season daily driver/cruiser motor for my Volare.

 

I think the added expense is worth it. Always try to do the machine work the best you can get. You WILL notice the difference. {the better fuel milage will pay for the expense in the end}. A good machine shop will have the plates. I understand being low on the funds though!

 

It isn't even the low on funds thing; I'm already at my 2nd block due to an assembly snafu (the reason I already have all new "Standard" parts on hand) the local old time shop says it ain't needed the "race specialty" shop says it is. I have done several engines by way of the local shop with good success over the last 15 years or so. I was thinking the torque plates was a "race only" thing.

 

I usually use torque plates for my motors. I had to make them and provide them myself as they are almost unheard of in machine shops over here in the UK.
My view is that whilst not absolutely necessary (or massively critical) in a stock style application, it will often provide a better cylinder seal in most applications.
The amount of difference and therefore benefit will vary according to how much bore distortion any particular type of block is prone to (some makes will distort more than others) due to a number of factors such as amount of head fasteners, placing of fasteners and (to a degree type) of fastener.
Motors that have been finished with torque plates will "settle down" more quickly and may breathe a little easier.

It most definitely won't hurt but as they say on those infomercials, results will vary and therefore whether you feel it was worth the money will depend on it.
I'm with Theo in that (if you can afford it) get the best machining you can.
I once read that you can't afford a cheap lawyer, a cheap dentist or a cheap machinist...............

If it's gas milage you're after, I wonder whether making sure your tire pressures are always correct or having an alignment job might have a more noticable effect.

Torque plates are definitely the right way to do it but it's your call whether it's necessary or worth it...............

 

Again; I was all ready to go to this other machine shop 30 miles away and have my block done up; it's a relatively new place suggested by an old high school buddy. But as I have had several engines machined here locally, and these same 3 guys have been there since I was a kid (I'm now 42) and say that it isn't really "needed"; I have never really had a "problem" with these guys, or I'd have never gone back to them;
there is another place nearby that does alot of dirt track engines; and priced out of the market. (since I don't f@*k with Shivvys, I don't think this overpriced local place would have a torque plate for my engine.(All I mess with are SB Mopars and an occasional /6)
But this "in-between" priced place 30-some miles away does. and swears by them. But I have never had this place do anything for me before.

 

Your local guys aren't wrong, since the majority of stock applications will be just fine without torque plates and they are definitely not absolutlely necessary in a stock build.
I'd put it as a nice touch along with all the other nice touches that blueprinting an engine entails. Do it if you want, but don't feel you're making a mistake if you don't -unless you're looking for some strip action.

I probably wouldn't go with you other local overpriced shop even if they are busy.
A busy machine shop is almost as bad as using a quiet one. While they may be popular with the dirt tracker Cheeby guys, there just a chance they might not put the time and care into YOUR job -just to get it out the door.
If they are overpriced and you can get a torque plate job done for less at one of the other shops, it's a no-brainer. Since I provide my machine shop with torque plates already torqued down, it's a no-cost extra for me.
Maybe you know someone who has used these newbies -if not, you pays your money and you takes your choice...............