V8 length

[34fordy]

Are the lengths from the front of a bare block to the back of the bell housing of 32-48 engines the same as a 49-53 block with the bell housing attached? I have not been able to find the measurements. Thanks in advance.

[big deuce]

Yes, '41 block is 25 5/8". 8ba block is 22 5/8 + 3 bell = 25 5/8

[34fordy]

Originally Posted by big deuce

Yes, '41 block is 25 5/8". 8ba block is 22 5/8 + 3 bell = 25 5/8

Thanx, I believe that my 37 21 stud is the same.

[51shoeboxer]

An interesting observation from my youth. Aftermarket companies, such as J.C. Whitney, used to sell adapters that would allow you to use a later flathead (which didn't have the rear extension on the block) with an early transmission. I learned pretty quickly it was much cheaper to go to a junkyard and get the factory extension that Ford put on later flatheads.

[tubman]

Really? I have never seen a commercial late flathead to early flathead adapter. Do you know who made one?

[51shoeboxer]

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There are several on ebay now.

[tubman]

Got an auction number? What brand are they?

[51shoeboxer]

Here are several on ebay. I don't know the manufacturer(s)
147097442810
227287591374
277880921541
267325273514

[tubman]

In the interests of all concerned, I'm dropping this.

[big deuce]

51, those adapters on ebay ARE Ford, not aftermarket. Same ones you were seeing in the junkyards... I have never seen an aftermarket adapter either unless it was for joining chevy/Ford, chrysler/Ford etc.

[51shoeboxer]

Originally Posted by big deuce

51, those adapters on ebay ARE Ford, not aftermarket. Same ones you were seeing in the junkyards... I have never seen an aftermarket adapter either unless it was for joining chevy/Ford, chrysler/Ford etc.

At this late date, I am unable to prove that there were aftermarket adapters, but I'm pretty sure that J.C Whitney, Warsharsky, and Honest Charley sold late Ford flathead to early ford transmission adapters.

[tubman]

Speedway Motors used to sell them and had them in their catalog. They were actually a sand-blasted Merc bell housing with a "Speedway" tag. Interestingly, they came without the starter plate, which made them useless. I think they were $55. I'll bet that you saw something similar.

[rotorwrench]

The 37 and later pumps can be used on the 8BA block, but the cam and front distributor usually go with it plus the Mercury pan to get a good fit. The earlier cars with the different front mounts can use adapters. I think the most common mount adapter is reproduced for that purpose.