How to use a holly model 59 carb on 8BA engine

[dono50]

How to set up a pre 49 carb on 49-51 flathead with a stock distributor. The early carbs do not have a vacuum port. Will any vacuum source work ?

[GB SISSON]

Geez, I thought I was gonna learn something from reading this....I bet if I wait a bit, I will!

[Aarongriffey]

I’m waiting for an answer on this one too.
One way or another I’m gonna do it.
The pre ‘49 cars got constant vacuum to the distributor but they had the vacuum brake in the distributor.

[ford38v8]

I'll take a stab at it... Vacuum from any other source would not give you the required signal as would the correct carburetor source. You need a fine tuned steady signal at a precise moment of time, that reflects the condition of all the cylinders needs, not just a bouncing signal from one bank or a couple of cylinders. It would be like deciding when to eat dinner based on how loud you can fart.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

You need a fine tuned steady signal at a precise moment of time. It would be like deciding when to eat dinner based on how loud you can fart.

Alan is absolutely correct....the exact timing of the signal is essential! DD

[51woodie]

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The 59 AB engine has a vacuum port in the manifold, just below the carb mount surface. The vacuum source is used for the advance brake and to drive the wipers/ There is a special banjo bolt fitting that connects the brake line to the manifold an has a place to connect the wiper vacuum hose. Somewhere I heard or read the the weird banjo bolt act as a silencer? Not sure on that. So, is it possible to drill and tap a port in the same location in a 49-51 manifold?

[tubman]

The bottom line is just get the correct carb. There is no way to "jury-rig" this setup. 8BA carburetors are readily available.

[Charlie ny]

dono,
e mail me your address and I'll send you the correct BOWL AND BASE to
make your Ford Load a matic distributor happy. Vac source must be from ABOVE the throttle plates. We can discuss pament and other options via e mail.
Charlie ny
[email protected]

[dono50]

Thanks Ford Barners for all the info.
I decided to continue using my 8BA carb on the 8BA engine. The engine is installed in a 46 coupe and I thought it would be a nice touch but not worth the hassle.

[JSeery]

You can do it if you make the proper changes, one being the distributor. Something like the Chevy conversions allows you to run a different carburetor. Or if you want it to look a bit more original to a 46, convert it to a front mounted crab distributor.

[F-ONE]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Or if you want it to look a bit more original to a 46, convert it to a front mounted crab distributor.

I discussed this with Bruce Lancaster on the HAMB a couple of years ago. My understanding is it would require a cam change and the early timing cover.

What distributor would you recommend? Vern Tardel praises the Helmets and the immediate pre war type (1942).

Talking about LOM, Mr. Lancaster referenced an article from 1952 that claimed a Mercury manifold and a snorkel top 885, was a great hop up for a 8BA and performed as well as dual carburetors on a street engine.

[JSeery]

I would go with a Chevy conversion. On the front, I would use a crab.