The plastic piece was simply a guide that hostly did not work for me. It was just slow and steady and bringing up every curse word possible reminding me of my childhood listening to my dad put up wall paper. If you do decide to do it yourself get two seals just in case, really good gloves and some Neosporin for healing throughout the next week. I tore my first top piece so that is my main pointer on getting two seals. I did it myself, cursed a lot, scared some people walking by but now over 6 months and no leak still. You do feel good about your work as I have a hard time trusting some shops. My biggest hurtles were the exhaust which wraps around the oil pan...dumb..and the weight of the transmission plate/shield and get g it back on. Also this plate supports the transmission and you don't want that just hanging there showing its junk. Have a second person around helping you, to punch or to cry with...BTW $220 sounds great, just hope you trust them.