8ba block
 

Hi guys.. will a crab distributor work on a 8ba engine?

Re: 8ba block
 

It will but not without a lot of work and some changes.

Re: 8ba block
 

I'm thinking the timing cover and the gears from my c59a would need to swapped over

Re: 8ba block
 

Different cam... means teardown.

Re: 8ba block
 

Not sure I understand - what is to be gained by making this change?

Re: 8ba block
 

Here's a photo of an 8BA with crab distributor in my friend's 40 built by Mark Kirby (RIP) many years ago. It allowed for the installation of A/C compressor. I recall the cam had to be changed.

Re: 8ba block
 

Re: 8ba block
 

Thanks very much Pete.

Re: 8ba block
 

That engine looks like a earlier motor withe the water outlets in the center of the heads.

Re: 8ba block
 

I can get a 8ba short block without the distributor.
But I have a c59a engine complete.
I also think the crab with its HT cabling looks far more athletic in my opinion.. just saying.

Re: 8ba block
 

Does the c59A run? Does it need rebuilt? Why don't you want to use it?

Re: 8ba block
 

Yes the c59a runs fine despite a crack between a intake valve seat and the bore in cylinder 7.

Re: 8ba block
 

It's a later block with early style heads like this one.

Re: 8ba block
 

Re: 8ba block
 

Thanks Pete. Your enlargements always look so good.