Hey guys, I just recently acquired a stock 1941 Ford 1/2 ton pickup and it's got an original 1949 Ford flathead 8BA engine in it. I also just acquired two (2) restored Flathead Ford McCullouch superchargers and one is going on my 59ab flathead in my 3 window coupe and I was toying with the idea on putting it on my new 41.... However it's got a 1949 8ba flathead in it. Can the McCullouch mount to a 8ba flathead? Iv only seen them on 59ab flatheads. Has anybody ever put one on an 8ba? Let me know. Thanks, Mike
only things that comes to mind that would be different is the belt offset and if its one of the water cooled models then alittle different plumbing would be needed. not for sure what these produce for boost but with fewer bolts holding the intake down might have to find a way to seal it up good. very nice truck!
Pulley offset is a major problem here...you would need lots of fabricating to redo the whole pulley system to suit 8BA. I would bite the bullet and do it right...pull cam, put in '42-48 cam or aftermarket, add '42 distributor and '37-48 pumps. Probably actually less trouble than a whole new pulley and bracket setup...all straightforward wrench work except for plugging two pump holes, AND you get a better distributor...you should not even consider running a stock 8BA distributor with performance equipment.
looks like the unit could be pushed forward to match the offset and then replumb it to the carb mounting surface.
Listen to the 'Bruce' he has it 100% correct. Also, by converting the front of the 8BA to a 59ab style, it will actually make the whole truck look correct - can we all yell 'Bonus Baby' my friends!
I just think that is the neatest and most practical solution. Another factor is that the supercharger setup is insanely valuable, far more than its performance possibilities, and altering a complete one seems foolidh, especially if it has the entire drive. It is a neat package and would look worse stretched to fit the clumsy '49 front dress...
The Jalopy Journal
