The Ford Barn

Joe KCMO · 05-18-2010, 02:35 PM

Does this combination work?

GoCatGo · 05-18-2010, 02:53 PM

This a common and easy swap. Two water holes on the block, (one each side) and two on the heads will have to be tapped and plugged. Lay a head gasket on the block and you will see the holes up front that don't line-up. You will also need a clamp device to hold the 8BA dizzy in place.

Joe KCMO · 05-18-2010, 03:09 PM

Is there a loss in power or anything wrong when doing the swap?

GoCatGo · 05-18-2010, 04:23 PM

Joe, I believe both 59A and 8BA use the same cc heads. You should maintain the same CR, therefore no difference in HP. If there is difference in the cc's, it would be minimal.

flatjack9 · 05-18-2010, 05:03 PM

Just need to block the two holes in the block. This can be done with an ordinary 1/2" cup plug. No holes in the head need blocking.

GoCatGo · 05-18-2010, 05:27 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Hey Flatjack, do you think the gasket will prevent the water hole in the head from seeping? If so, it would save some extra work.

Henry/Kokomo · 05-18-2010, 06:14 PM

If performance is a concern, while the heads are off have them milled. This will ensure a flat gasket surface and will shrink the combustion chamber volume thereby raising the compression ratio.

flatjack9 · 05-18-2010, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoCatGo

Hey Flatjack, do you think the gasket will prevent the water hole in the head from seeping? If so, it would save some extra work.

If I remember right, the gasket will cover the hole on one side, but not the other. It really is a simple task to just pound two cup plugs in the offending holes - hence no worry. No need to drill and tap.

BobbyD · 03-03-2011, 11:24 AM

Kinda of a old thread but I'm getting ready to do this very swap, which head gasket do you use, the 59 or 8BA?

19Fordy · 03-03-2011, 11:49 AM

HAMB to the rescue.When I did mine, I used allen head pipe plugs and JB Weld for sealant. That was 10 years ago, Still working fine. Here's some info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...eads+on+an+8ba I used a 1/4-20 allen socket head cap screw to hold the distributer in place and a spacer to keep it the same height as it was when using the stock heads. The spacer maintains the proper "mesh" of the the dist. gear. Be sure to not let chips drop down into the timing cover when drilling and tapping.

blown49 · 03-03-2011, 11:51 AM

The 59AB but be aware that the 8BA and up blocks have improvements in the coolant flow. The later blocks force more water to the rear of the block then out to the front of the heads to that radiator.

Jim

Fordestes · 03-03-2011, 11:57 AM

use the 59 gasket, I done this swap 30 plus years ago , but as a youngster, I asked an old machinist and he couldn't tell me if I would have problems or not,so I went to extreme and re located the hole from the water pump by making a tube and re drilling, It wasn't necessary! I have done it since by doing just as the guys above are saying, Just plug and
install the head, every thing stays cool!
Good luck!
Fordestes

BobbyD · 03-03-2011, 12:44 PM

Thanks for all the help, gotta order some gaskets now...

flatjack9 · 03-03-2011, 12:53 PM

Been running mine for 17 - 18 years now with the cup plugs and 59AB gasket and have yet to see a problem.

TomT/Williamsburg · 03-03-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatjack9

Been running mine for 17 - 18 years now with the cup plugs and 59AB gasket and have yet to see a problem.

Please excuse my ignorance but what are cup plugs? Pic? Source? Thanks ...

Bruce Lancaster · 03-03-2011, 02:18 PM

Think of an old type Coca-Cola bottle cap without the serrations...just a shallow steel cup. Driving it into a hole squeezes down the sides and holds it. They are sold by diameter in any size you can imagine.

BobbyD · 03-03-2011, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

Please excuse my ignorance but what are cup plugs? Pic? Source? Thanks ...

Small freeze plugs basicly, go in the oil gallies in lots of different motors..... and different sizes, Napa etc

Ol' Ron · 03-03-2011, 03:16 PM

When doing a swap Like this I like to use the 81A "A" head. This has a smaller combustion chamber. Mill the head for .050" piston to head clearance. Now you'll have to check for valve iinterferance between the valve and head. This can be cleared up with a die grinder. Almost a point in CR can be gained tis way.

52merc · 03-03-2011, 04:29 PM

how are you ol ron

19Fordy · 03-03-2011, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

When doing a swap Like this I like to use the 81A "A" head. This has a smaller combustion chamber. Mill the head for .050" piston to head clearance. Now you'll have to check for valve iinterferance between the valve and head. This can be cleared up with a die grinder. Almost a point in CR can be gained tis way.

Hi Ron, Very glad to see you back on board again. Hope you are feeling much better.

TomT/Williamsburg · 03-03-2011, 06:55 PM

Thanks everyone - I'm no longer ignorant - at least in that regard!

rick r · 03-03-2011, 10:54 PM

why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

Ol' Ron · 03-04-2011, 02:20 PM

Yes I feel better and read most of the threads related to engines. I'm pleased to find that there is plenty pf expert advice here so I don't have to try and answer every thread, just the ones that ruffle my feathers. Your in good hands.

flatjack9 · 03-04-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick r

why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

What does that mean?

oldskool · 03-05-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

HAMB to the rescue.When I did mine, I used allen head pipe plugs and JB Weld for sealant. That was 10 years ago, Still working fine. Here's some info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...eads+on+an+8ba I used a 1/4-20 allen socket head cap screw to hold the distributer in place and a spacer to keep it the same height as it was when using the stock heads. The spacer maintains the proper "mesh" of the the dist. gear. Be sure to not let chips drop down into the timing cover when drilling and tapping.

19forty,where is spacer placed and what does it look like..

sturgis 39 · 03-06-2011, 02:15 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

When doing a swap Like this I like to use the 81A "A" head. This has a smaller combustion chamber. Mill the head for .050" piston to head clearance. Now you'll have to check for valve iinterferance between the valve and head. This can be cleared up with a die grinder. Almost a point in CR can be gained tis way.

Ol' Ron

Good to see your smiling face again. Hope you are doing ok.

Mr 42 · 03-06-2011, 09:11 AM

Im runnin 81 heads and modern thermostats, no problem.

Had to clear a bit for the valves.

19Fordy · 07-25-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool

19forty,where is spacer placed and what does it look like..

The spacer is an aluminum spacer ring that sets on top of the cam cover . The distributor goes thru it and raises the distributor to the same height it was when using the stock 8BA heads. You can see it on the left edge of the photo with the black line going across it. It is 1/4 in. thick. You will have to make one. My distributor is a Mallory.

Bluebell · 07-25-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

Please excuse my ignorance but what are cup plugs? Pic? Source? Thanks ...

Otherwise know as; Welch plugs, Core plugs, Frost plugs.
Google Welch plugs for images/ info

05-18-2010, 02:35 PM	#1
Joe KCMO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 423	59AB heads on a 8BA block Does this combination work?

05-18-2010, 02:53 PM	#2
GoCatGo Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wellington, OH Posts: 55	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block This a common and easy swap. Two water holes on the block, (one each side) and two on the heads will have to be tapped and plugged. Lay a head gasket on the block and you will see the holes up front that don't line-up. You will also need a clamp device to hold the 8BA dizzy in place. __________________ "It dosen't matter how fast you go....it's how cool you look getting there!"

05-18-2010, 03:09 PM	#3
Joe KCMO Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 423	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Is there a loss in power or anything wrong when doing the swap?

05-18-2010, 04:23 PM	#4
GoCatGo Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wellington, OH Posts: 55	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Joe, I believe both 59A and 8BA use the same cc heads. You should maintain the same CR, therefore no difference in HP. If there is difference in the cc's, it would be minimal. __________________ "It dosen't matter how fast you go....it's how cool you look getting there!"

05-18-2010, 05:03 PM	#5
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Just need to block the two holes in the block. This can be done with an ordinary 1/2" cup plug. No holes in the head need blocking.

05-18-2010, 05:27 PM	#6
GoCatGo Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wellington, OH Posts: 55	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Hey Flatjack, do you think the gasket will prevent the water hole in the head from seeping? If so, it would save some extra work. __________________ "It dosen't matter how fast you go....it's how cool you look getting there!"

05-18-2010, 06:14 PM	#7
Henry/Kokomo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kokomo, Indiana Posts: 1,731	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block If performance is a concern, while the heads are off have them milled. This will ensure a flat gasket surface and will shrink the combustion chamber volume thereby raising the compression ratio.

03-03-2011, 11:24 AM	#9
BobbyD Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 4	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Kinda of a old thread but I'm getting ready to do this very swap, which head gasket do you use, the 59 or 8BA?

03-03-2011, 11:51 AM	#11
blown49 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: West Union, Ohio Posts: 113	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block The 59AB but be aware that the 8BA and up blocks have improvements in the coolant flow. The later blocks force more water to the rear of the block then out to the front of the heads to that radiator. Jim __________________ Visit my Blown '49 Merc website @ http://www.blown49.com

03-03-2011, 11:57 AM	#12
Fordestes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 886	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block use the 59 gasket, I done this swap 30 plus years ago , but as a youngster, I asked an old machinist and he couldn't tell me if I would have problems or not,so I went to extreme and re located the hole from the water pump by making a tube and re drilling, It wasn't necessary! I have done it since by doing just as the guys above are saying, Just plug and install the head, every thing stays cool! Good luck! Fordestes

03-03-2011, 12:44 PM	#13
BobbyD Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 4	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Thanks for all the help, gotta order some gaskets now...

03-03-2011, 12:53 PM	#14
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,526	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Been running mine for 17 - 18 years now with the cup plugs and 59AB gasket and have yet to see a problem.

03-03-2011, 02:18 PM	#16
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Think of an old type Coca-Cola bottle cap without the serrations...just a shallow steel cup. Driving it into a hole squeezes down the sides and holds it. They are sold by diameter in any size you can imagine.

03-03-2011, 03:16 PM	#18
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block When doing a swap Like this I like to use the 81A "A" head. This has a smaller combustion chamber. Mill the head for .050" piston to head clearance. Now you'll have to check for valve iinterferance between the valve and head. This can be cleared up with a die grinder. Almost a point in CR can be gained tis way.

03-03-2011, 04:29 PM	#19
52merc Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new zealand Posts: 1,054	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block how are you ol ron

03-03-2011, 06:55 PM	#21
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,654	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Thanks everyone - I'm no longer ignorant - at least in that regard!

03-03-2011, 10:54 PM	#22
rick r Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodville Ontario Posts: 227	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

03-04-2011, 02:20 PM	#23
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,860	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Yes I feel better and read most of the threads related to engines. I'm pleased to find that there is plenty pf expert advice here so I don't have to try and answer every thread, just the ones that ruffle my feathers. Your in good hands.

03-06-2011, 09:11 AM	#27
Mr 42 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 427	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Im runnin 81 heads and modern thermostats, no problem. Had to clear a bit for the valves.