Cragar vs riley?

I have a heck of a trouble! Ihave a really nice B motor with a vintage Cragar head, all set n done. It looks to me like the fire wall will need a beat'in to get it to fit. Iam reluctant to do that, my upgrade project on my '31 deluxe roadster is based in total reverseability ( is that a word? I think it might be) . I am fortunate enough to have a original Riley head laying about as well, it looks like that would go without any modifications at all. I ask what will run better, will the cragar actually fit? general opinions? Both heads are original and totally functional, no re pop stuff.

Thoughts, and actual experience greatly appreciated.

Cheers!
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I have a Cragar head on my 31, it fits fine.

 

Well, the cragar is bolted on, so thats how it's gonna go. I just got the flywheel back from the balancer, t-5 stuff is ready, time to get the A apart !

 

Damn, I thought you were talking about a Cragar OHV head, not a flattie.
I guess your Riley is a flattie too, rather than a 2 or 4 Port?
The OHV heads would have fit too.

 

Well I am not there and it appears that someone has a crager head that fits fine. but the firewall on the model A is removable. Remove the stock firewall and make one that fits around your engine. if at some point you want to owna complete stocker put a stock banger in it and put the original firewall back. total reversability.

 

That mekes sense Pork, good think'in.

Pasadena, the last pic is the car right now today. I have a Thomas head on it now, the b motor is on the table in the other pic with the 2 port Riley next to it. That A is getting the B motor & a Borg Warner T-5.

 

It looks good in there. I was going to suggest exactly the same thing as Porkn****** on getting another firewall to modify if needed and stashing the original back for when things got swapped back.

 

Both the Cragar and Riley heads were made to bolt into a stock Model A. You shouldn't have to touch the firewall. Move the terminal box to inside the firewall.