A firing deck (16) for an engine crankcase includes a firing side surface (35) and a coolant side surface (34). A plurality of cylinder bores (18) are disposed through the firing deck (16) from the firing side surface (35) to the coolant side surface (34). The cylinder bores (18) form a centerline defining an intake side (26) of the firing deck (16) and an exhaust side (28) of the firing deck. A plurality of bosses (30) through the deck (16) from the firing side surface (35) to the coolant side surface (34) are disposed around each cylinder bore (18). A plurality of anti-distortion projections (36, 136) are disposed on the coolant side surface (34) of the firing deck (16) and provide the firing deck with a varied thickness. The anti-distortion projections (36, 136) are disposed on both the intake side (26) and the exhaust side (28) of the firing deck (16).