I recently did away with the pullstarter on my engine. Ive got it rigged where its airtight using the original backing plate with the one way removed. Does the one way bearing also act as a guide for the connecting rod? In non pullstart engines, does the backplate act as a guide for the conrod?

no and no. the con in a non-pullstart shouldn't ever even touch the backplate, just come as close as possible.