School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

I just purchased a 40 coupe with all original drive train. I have 2 8BA cars now but I don't know what the differences are between the early and later flatty's other than the distributor and 2 piece valve guides. So what else is different and are these motors still good to build up? Thanks in advance Mike

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

Nothing wrong with these motors theres probably more tune up stuff for them available .Others might chime in .

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

The earlier V8's utilize floating connecting rod bearings on the crankshaft end. In case you're not familiar with the term, the bearings turn in the rods as well as turn on the crankshaft journals - hence, they "float" rather than being locked to the rods. One bearing handles 2 rods on one crank journal. The earlier cranks have only one oil hole per crank throw instead of two like the later engines.

Many folks find the earlier distributors are superior to the stock 8ba type distributors. Also, the 8ba's need a carburetor which has a vacuum port for the distributor above the throttle plates since the distributors don't function properly with manifold vacuum. The early engines use manifold vacuum.

The water passages are somewhat different in the 8ba's rather than the earlier engines. Water pumps on the older engines are oil lubricated via a passage from the timing gear chamber. Fan belts are probably wider than on your 8ba's. (5/8" vs 3/8")

Probably more differences but those come to mind - or what's left of it. Good luck!

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

Henry you just about covered it. The bellhousings on the early engines were cast in place. From 49 on up they were bolt on and there are several differant ones, making it easier to mate different transmissions.
Best buy some books, start with an old motors manual from the early 50's That covers almost everything you'll need to know. Then we'll confuse you.

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

Thanks for the replies. I just built a 286 8BA motor for my Model A coupe that runs very strong, mostly I was wanting to know if these earlier motors are good to build up too or should I swap to a newer 59A or 8BA style Its a runner now but I havent driven the car yet its a bone stock car and I want to be able to highway drive it. We like to travel a lot to shows that are typically 200-300 miles away.

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

Remember too that the earlier ('38-'42 Fords [not Mercury]) 24 stud engines were only 221" (3 1/16" bore). Your 286 has a 3 3/8" bore. That might be hard to pull off in many of the 221s.

Re: School me on early 24 stud flat heads
 

I believe the correct 40 engines had freeze out plugs in the pan rails with two distinctive bumps on either side of the motor.