Hello, I have a 59AB block and an 8BA. The 59AB is in really good shape, no noticeable cracks, but it hasn't been proefessionally checked. The 8BA has plenty of cracks. I have a really nice set of vintage heads on the 8BA, Offy .375. My question is can I use the late model heads on the 59AB block. I know you can use 59AB style heads on the later blocks by plugging a water jacket in the block, but I haven't found any info on doing it the other way around. I figured it is because most want the center outlet heads on the later block so there is more interest in doing it that way. So, can it be done the other way around? How? Thanks!
Plop a 59A gasket onto the head and put a pipe plug into anything that is not covered... There is a hole for a thermostat bypass on each side, and I think there is another water hole real close to edge, sometimes partially uncovered and sometimes not. Findit and pluggit too. I think you will need to run the 8BA gasket with this combo, since you now must force most of the flow all the way back.
Great! Thanks Bruce. I appreciate the help. I will try doing what you recommend. I really want to use these heads because they are in great shape (virtually no pitting in the chambers) and I already have them. I searched the HAMB and Ford Barn and couldn't find any posting related to putting the late heads on the early block. Not saying a related post doesn't exist, just that I couldn't find it.
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