i have a question regarding head gaskets. will a 8BA head gasket work on a 59AB? after doing some searching, it seems it is a pretty complicated question. is there a straight answer? i'm still learning about these engines and any info is always helpful. thanks
The gasket is longer on the front, it extended under the water neck on the front of the 8BA and has a hole that is at the front edge of the 59AB head. I'm running early heads on an 8BA and had to block the holes under the thermostats to use the early heads. You can see the br*** plugs I used in the pictures, the plug on the right bank is partly exposed with the heads mounted. Other than that all the holes are the same but doesn't make sense to try to use the 8BA gaskets.
Also the water jacket configuration is different on a 59x versus 49-53 block. Notice the much bigger water p***ages at the BACK of the block on the one above . . . a 59X does NOT have those bigger water p***ages. By 1949 the cars were much heavier, had more accessories and tended to run hotter in the engine bay (especially toward the rear cylinders). Ford changed the block, head gasket and heads to force more water to the back of the block - to aid in cooling. I would run head gaskets that matched my block.
i just thought of a follow up. if i use copper head gaskets, is it a good idea to use copper gasket spray or any other sealer? thanks
I'm running early heads on the 8BA with the gaskets that match the heads and 160 thermostats and a 4core Br***works radiator and it never overheats.
Yeah it's Hugger Orange, Matches the wheels. Same on my avatar and on the 50 Tudor I had, always Hugger Orange wheels
It might be an old wives tale but I use copper head gaskets with my aluminum heads and spray them with aluminum paint.
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