Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I have had a 59AB engine in my '36 coupe since 1954. The engine has many upgrades to improved the power out put and reliability.
From my point of view the '42-48 59 AB engines are the way to go in lieu of using an earlier 221 CID engine. As it has been stated in comment #3 the 59 AB engines are much easier to install compared to a 8BA-8CM.
regardless of what engine you use, as to how hot it runs will depend on the quality, condition of your cooling system.
The 39-40 engine you mentioned could be a 239 CID engine, the 39 Merc's had the 239 engine starting in 39.
I have attached a pix of the 59AB engine in my '36 FYI..