I'm building a flathead motor, and was told by a couple guys that I can use the older style head with the center cooling outlet on a 49-53 block. You just need to block off an extra water p***age that is near the front of the block. Does anyone know if this can be done, and possibly give me more specific information on exactly what's involved? I like the look of the older style head, and would like to use them if possible. Thanks, Ed Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I did it years ago. Here's how. If you Google" How to install early heads on a ford 8BA" and other info. appears. You use the early head gaskets. http://www.wilcap.com/59A heads 8BA block.pdf You may have to raise your carb. with a spacer depending on the carb you are using and your throttle linkage set up. This used a 1 inch spacer.
did that... you will need to plug a .300"ish hole under the right head, near where the distributor ty- down is located... I used br*** rod... and i froze it over night for an easier installation the next morning... I stuffed a small rag in the hole, reamed not drilled it to the br*** rod's size... then vacuumed it out [twice], finally pulled the rag out with tweezers... vacuumed again... IMO... there are a bunch more 59 AB head designs than the 8BAs... used to buy 'em at Staford for $100 a pair, those were the days... also don't polish the early aluminum intakes as they have some hot air p***ages just under the surface... paid for the polishing... used [4] intakes... nope... paint it...
Be sure to install the distributor at the same height above the "deck" as before so as to get proper gear teeth mesh. I used a 1/4 inch spacer and a 1/4-20 socket head cap screw. No set screw as I didn't want it to fall into the opening by mistake.
I used hex socket pipe plugs flush with the block. One is under the head and one showing. '51 Merc. Also has crab distr.
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