Hello, I have a 34 Cabriolet with the stock 21 stud flathead, transmission and rear end. I starting to disassemble to engine and it is not looking good that I will be able to keep the engine since there is some major rust and scaling. The car was left sitting for 35 years. If I want to keep the original transmission and rear end to keep the cost down, can I install a 59A or 8BA Flathead and have them work with the original tranny? Is there an adapter I need? Any advice would be appreciated.
Both engines will work with your transmission without an adapter if you use an 8BA with the truck bell housing (cast one) and the truck water pumps. The 59 series engines will work better with your engine mounts, so that would be your easiest upgrade. Hope this helps.
Yes to your question but my first choice would be a 21 stud ('32 through '37 and some '38's). All of the bolt on '34 stuff will go on the later 21 studs. Some 21 studs in '36 and all in '37-'38 had insert bearings. The 59 will bolt in directly and I believe you need a truck bell housing to make the 8BA fit but I am not certain about the later engine. The later you go the more little things you need to worry about. Ask your insurance agent if the later engines would be a problem. Charlie Stephens
I would like to keep the 21 stud if possible, but the parts are harder to get than the 24 stud. If I have to replace the entire engine I may go with the 24 stud to make the locating and acquiring of parts easier.
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