Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
According to the Ford Service Bulletins there is very little difference between any of the 24 stud, iron heads with the exception of the "T" heads. The best of the Ford iron heads, older than 1948 are the 59A-"B" heads. The 81A heads are listed as 77-79cc. The 29A is listed as 78-80cc. The 59A-A head is 77-79cc and finally, the 59A-B head is 73.5-75.5cc.
The dome contour radius spec is the same in the "A" head as the 59A head. The differences are in the pistons. I have seen 4 different piston domes and would not be surprised if there are several more. None are a perfect match for the Ford design. Too, each aftermarket head manufacturer applies a different dome contour. About the only way to blueprint is to make a cutter which matches the chosen pistons and re-cut the heads. For performance and efficiency it is more important to have the piston to head clearance as tight as possible at the outside of each bank. For that reason I usually angle mill heads, ream the stud holes and reface the washer spotfaces on aftermarket heads.