Re: "A" heads on 59AB block
 

Grind the 59 off the 59AB heads and use them. The later heads have improved cooling besides better compression.

"A" heads on 59AB block;compression?
 

59 heads were made for 239 cu in ,the A (81A)type heads were on 221 cu in engine,Like Ron said may even be higher compression than 59 type on that engine.Check clearance on piston top &cut heads so final with compressed gasket is near .050 clearance... Check CC volume of each head and let us know which has the most volume ..

"A" heads on 59AB block;compression?
 

59 heads were made for 239 cu in ,the A (81A)type heads were on 221 cu in engine,Like Ron said may even be higher compression than 59 type on that engine.Check clearance on piston top &cut heads so final with compressed gasket is near .050 clearance... Check CC volume of each head and let us know which has the most volume ..

Re: "A" heads on 59AB block;compression
 

Ford specs from Service Bulletin dated 9-17-1947:

59A-6050-A, 77-79CC

59A-6050-B,73.5-75.5

iron 81A-(the "A" head) 77-79

8BA&8RT, 73-75



Reality may differ...

The real high compression heads were the 81S and 91S Denver heads--I think the 81 is about 60.

Re: "A" heads on 59AB block;compression
 

Also, don't base anything on these numbers--there are internal inconsistencies in the list, and of course production tolerances too. Measure.

Re: "A" heads on 59AB block;compression
 

The right hand 81A head (6049 )is 2 cc's less than the left head (6050) "in theory".This was due to the different valve angle from the two sides. Haven't checked the head volume, however they are difinately not the same.

Thanks

Floyd

Re: "A" heads on 59AB block;compression
 

How do you check the CC volume? I can compare by installing a 59 on one side and a 81A on the other. Perhaps, since I have the compression numbers with the 59, I can compare.