Hi all, I'm installing some Offy heads I picked up at Pomona a while back on an 8BA and the threaded holes where the coil bracket is attached have been welded / plugged, perhaps due to a repair done in the past (not sure). Seems I have two options: A) Drill and tap the head to mount the coil in its stock location B) Install the coil on the firewall I'm inclined to go with option B because I'm concerned that drilling the head will bring back whatever damage resulted in the repair in the first place, and figure having the coil mounted a bit further from the engine heat would be a benefit. Thoughts?
Suppose I should mention the engine is in a 32 roadster (open, no hood) that is driven often, not a show car, and trying to maintain a traditional low-budget hot rod look/feel.
I fabbed up a bracket to bolt mine on in those 2 holes that you have missing, but I think you could probably use the 2 head bolts right there to do the same thing. I hung mine out in the breeze so it won't overheat. Kind of hard to see in the pics.
I’ve seen some coils mounted sideways. You may already know but the coils are designed to be mounted vertically to keep cool.
I mounted mine horizontally on a homemade bracket that uses bolt from intake manifold but it’s an epoxy filled pertronix flamethrower.
Here is another idea..this is an early Mustang coil bracket that I have used in lots of tight situations..one bolt mounting and screw to tighten it. Just an idea for you.
Wright & Sons: Years ago, I made this custom coil mounting bracket that is held in place by one longer stainless socket head cap screw water pump bolt.. The OEM coil bracket bolts to the custom bracket. Works just fine and is out of the way as its not bolted to the 8BA aluminum head. Last photo shows dimensions. I also made one out of aluminum to match the heads. See post # 2 here: NEW products available thread - The Ford Barn More photos below.
@19Fordy -- Thanks, I'm going to give that a shot -- I appreciate you sharing the dimensioned drawings too, very cool. @GordonC -- No concerns with the coil overheating in that aluminum cover?
RE: No concerns with the coil overheating in that aluminum cover? No concerns so far. In fact, I wrapped the coil in insulation and then inserted it into the cover. The air blowing thru the radiator also blows against the coil to cool it. The engine compartment of a 40 Ford is not the best regarding air flow and it gets pretty warm with hood closed. If I get the chance, I will check the temp of the coil with a digital thermometer gun and post results.
Let me throw this little curve ball. You can skirt the whole issue by running a magneto. Flatheads love em.
I fabbed the same bracket to hold a coil ribbed coil cover I bought from OTB gear. I made it out of SS and polished it then went another direction and hung it off the fan shroud. It bolted to the head using the two empty mounting holes on my 8BA. I angled it to match the distributor. This prior to polishing. Yeah, it's overbuilt, seems to be my MO. Mounted to the flathead I used the coil cover (no overheating BTW) but I put the bracket on the shelf 10 years ago and it's still there. You are welcome to it for the shipping. It is a pretty piece.
Haven't seen any negative issues with the cover on my my coil so far. Have over 700 miles on it and its running fine.
Just checked. After letting 8BA idle inside the garage for 1/2 hour. Engine temp. was 192. Outside of coil was 164.
Yes, you can see them below. It makes a nice little move around that head bolt. Gusseted and reinforced for some reason. It's elegant and one of a kind.
I spent way too much time trying to figure out how to mount mine on my 59AB. I eventually landed on this solution. I took a stock 1940 Ford coil mount, elongated one of the holes, and mounted a generic chrome coil bracket. The end result is simple, clean, and uses the minimum amount of components. And if it was strong enough to work from the factory, it should be good for my use. We'll see!
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