59ab heads on 8ba block

[dgkipp]

I have a real nice set of 59ab heads and would like to install them on my 8ba short block. I know motor city flat heads says you can do it by plugging a couple of holes. Any thoughts?

[Mart]

Yeah. You do it by plugging a couple of holes.

Mart.

[19Fordy]

I did it to my 8BA. Here's some info. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...lattie.231790/ and
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...eads+8ba+block and

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...eads+8ba+block

[Ol' Ron]

Today you can use the 59 style water pumps, IF you get them with internal sealed bearings. You can also use the 8BA style distributor by off setting the generator aprox 1/3' and using a Chevy distributor. Putzing is fun. Why be normal

[Mart]

It occurred to me that if I were to use the 59A style heads and the 59A type pumps too (as Ron says, with the sealed bearings), I needn't plug the holes.

That's what I think, anyway.

Can anyone confirm?

Mart.

[Ronnie]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

http://www.wilcap.com/59A%20heads%208BA%20block.pdf

Then you need a dist hold down mod with a non crab dist.

R

[arkusvt]

you NEED to plug the holes on each side of the block that the 59a heads don't cover. conversely you can use 8ba heads on a 59 block by plugging the extra holes in the heads.

[scooder]

If you use 59A style pumps on an 8BA you'll have another hole in the front of the block above the pump that'll need blocking both sides? Yeah?
Martin.

[Ralph Moore]

As I recall, I only had to plug one hole on the pass side front of block.
The chevy distributor, by Bubba, is locked down by two Allen set screws that I drilled and tapped the timing cover for.

[Ol' Ron]

If you run early heads and pumps, you don't have to plug anything.

[Tony, NY]

Here's a pic showing the plugged hole in my '51 Merc with early heads and crab distributor. One hole on each side. Driver's side hole is just under the head.

[Ralph Moore]

I still don't see the drivers side hole on my block.
Didn't think about the screws falling into timing cover, but i guess that could happen for sure, thanks.

[scooder]

So the hole in the block above the water pump impeller hole, only goes to the extra holes in the deck face on 8BA engines? Not open to the rest of the cooling system?
Martin.

[supereal]

The old style heads will bolt on. If the engine has been modified, be sure the valve clearance is adequate. We did one of those last year for a customer with a '38 tudor street rod. He wanted the old style heads to preserve the look. We used finned heads with a fabricated bracket to hold the "posthole" distributor.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by supereal

The old style heads will bolt on. If the engine has been modified, be sure the valve clearance is adequate. We did one of those last year for a customer with a '38 tudor street rod. He wanted the old style heads to preserve the look. We used finned heads with a fabricated bracket to hold the "posthole" distributor.

They want to have the "old" look so they use early heads and then use a 49-53 distributor. Strange.

[Mart]

Originally Posted by scooder

So the hole in the block above the water pump impeller hole, only goes to the extra holes in the deck face on 8BA engines? Not open to the rest of the cooling system?
Martin.

That's it, Mart. if you don't use the later pumps there is no water in the holes.

There is a rider to this, I have only ever looked at French blocks, but I have no reason to believe 8BA are different.

Mart.