Engine mid plate questions

OK, mocking up my car to make front mounts and I have the mid plate installed (The car had been set up years ago, but when I bought it as a basketcase all I got was the mid plate). I understand that a spacer needs to go between the crank and flex plate the same thickness as the mid plate (mine is 3/8"), to position the converter properly in the transmission but I have a few questions. What happens with the torque converter pilot area - does the converter just have less engagement in the back of the crank? What happens with starter engagement - the starter will now not sit into the pilot bore in the bellhousing all the way, and I am guessing may not properly engage in the ring gear on the converter?

Any thoughts or advice?