For over 6,000 rpm they recommended opening up the exit slots in the factory windage tray to double the area. Ed Hamburger modified the stock windage tray to add extra slots to act as a crankshaft scraper.
No u don’t. The washers are for the 273/318 when installing the bolts. Slip 2 washers on each bolt when using with a 273/318 as they have a shorter main cap. 340/360 gave a taller main cap. DC/MP added the washers so the tray could be used in all small blocks. Kim