Cylinder Heads

What are the pros and cons of installing pre-49 aftermarket heads on a 49-53 engine?

 

Pro's - I personally like the look of early heads better.

Con's - There is some slight work that needs to be done to the block. I feel that the coolant flow of the later heads is better than the early heads.

 

What kind of engine are you talking about?

 

ford flathead i believe. 59 series on an 8ba, 24 stud.

 

No big deal. You have to install some pipe plugs in the front of the block on the head surface. Put the 59ab head gaskets on & you will see where to plug them.

 

Pro's it look's like an earlier engine.
Con's it's lil' bit less efficient cooling, I guess.
Below: French Flat 8BA front style with earlier heads on my 35 Ford.

 

You have to do something to hold the distributor, the old heads don't have the projection that the newer ones do. No biggie, especially if you upgrade to a better distributor like a Chevy unit.