8ba into a 34

[trevo]

Just curious as to how easy an 8ba will slot into a stock 34 is there much to change??

[alan]

biggest interference is the crank pully and the front crossmember, to use 8BA pully you must raise front of motor to gain clearance. If not you need to change out front crank pully to 34 and it will go in better. Rest of it is just a bolt in operation. I know of two 34's with 8BA engine in them.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Trevo, I know there have been several previous posts on this subject. One of the ways mentioned to raise the front of the engine was by using truck or Merc water pumps and those U shaped Merc spacers/adaptors between rubber donuts and feet of water pumps. Drake is reproducing those spacer/adaptor sets. I don't know if this is enough lift to clear the 8ba front pulley at front cross member.

[bobH]

Above posts have it covered, but then you need to deal with the 'related' issue... Probably would change to wide belt, and address the generator and fan issue - I assume you would want a fan ??

[trevo]

Thanks men have realised its pretty hard to get much more HP out of a 21 studder than the 85 they produce all food for thought, thanks.

[Brian]

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' its pretty hard to get much more HP out of a 21 studder than the 85 they produce'

Really?!! And an 8BA will cure that?
the best engine to fit into your 34 roadster is a 21 stud; it'll drop right in like it belongs there. No need to adapt anything. Power to weight ratio is pretty good, the gangsters seemed to like 'em. Stock [albeit no fenders or windscreens] 34 roadsters did all right at Elgin Beach races.
Do not get sucked in because the majority of members extol the fitting of the later engines, truth is, everyone is just perpetuating this myth that the later engines are better. How are they better? How many of these individuals have even ever run a 21 stud?
In my admittedly biased opinion, you'd be much better off to incorporate a few hot-roddy upgrades to the engine you've got and make it go better. All I'd use the 8BA for would be to furnish the oil pump, the rest is crap!

[Walt Dupont--Me.]

This is a fun topic. This what I'd do if I had a 34. I'd use an 8BA block but also use a 59AB cam with the crab dist. and the 59AB water pumps. Of course I like a little more power and I think a 276 is a perfect engine. Also I don't like these wild jerky cams in a nice smooth street rod. I'd use the Esky max-1 or something close to those spec. I'd use the 8BA style heads because the water outlets are close to the radiator. EAB heads or if you want something prettier, Elelbrock or Offys. I know a 4bbl runs good but to me dual carbs look better. Use a 39 front crank pulley. The 34 pulley won't fit the later crank snout. If you'r useing a std. trans use a 9in. clutch. The bigger clutches are heavier and the 9 will take hp you need in a 34 street car. Ohhhhh I wish I was 50yr's younger. Walt

[Ol' Ron]

Walt, Me too.

[Fredb_]

I wish I lived next door to Walt, sounds like I could learn a thing or two.....

[fordcpe]

Well I pushed the firewall back about 1/2" and put early double groove truck pumps. I run on the front groove to clear the chevy dist,It is a very tight fit.Darrell

[John R]

Originally Posted by fordcpe

Well I pushed the firewall back about 1/2" and put early double groove truck pumps. I run on the front groove to clear the chevy dist,It is a very tight fit.Darrell

Nice photos of a clean installation. But why did you push the firewall back? Is the engine (and trans) set back? For fan clearance maybe?

[whizzernick]

Herer is my 2 cents. 33 3-w coupe 8ba -heads -2-2's.super runer
firewall is back (but not bottom) so floor is stock. I didnt move firewall and wish it was stock.