exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

I have a 59ab engine to install in my 36 Ford, can I use 8ba heads due to radiator hoses and 36 radiator. Bill

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Remember, there is a difference in hose size between 8BA heads and earlier engines. (Unless you purchase the expensive aftermarket thermostat housings.)

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

That's true, but one can always cut a couple of 1-1/4" (or so) long pieces of the small-size hose and place them inside the engine end of the big hoses where the hoses slip over the thermostat housings on the 8BAs. Clamp both sides down snug and solves that little problem. DD

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

There are some hole location and size differences I believe, but a simple modification.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

You will need to plug a water hole in the passenger side front (right side) cylinder head also. The 8B.A Head will extend a little bit farther forward ,when you compare gaskets you will see the hole I am talking about.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Anybody ever done this? Do the upper hoses line up? I put an 8BA into a '36 once but used a walker radiator designed for this particular swap.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Anybody ever done this? Do the upper hoses line up


I've done it and the hoses don't line up too well. In my case I was using Flathead Jacks 'big hose' thermostat housings, and I cut and welded them to achieve a better alignment.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

This is what I am concerned with, If so what do you do to correct it? I have new stainless 11/2" thermostat housings so hose size is corrected

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

It is not really a big deal . . . I ran 49-53 heads on a 59x engine in my 34 Ford. Yes, I had to figure out how to "shim" the waternecks (with a piece of rubber tubing), but outside of that, nothing to be too concerned about.

If you think about it - a 59AB has water outlets in a VERY different location than a 36 engine . . . the 49-53 heads are a LOT closer to what a 36 had . . . than a 59AB.

So - in my mind - the later heads are actually more similar to the originals (location of hoses) than anything from 37 - 48. Yes - you have to plug an 'extra' hole in the 49-53 heads - no biggie.

Okay - enough bourbon for tonight . . . time for some sleep! LOL

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Okay - this is from 1980 or so . . . so don't start laughing . . .

Specs:

a) 59L block
b) Heads: Navarro 49-53
c) Radiator: Stock 34 Ford

Attachment 419109

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

That tells me all I need to know. I wasn't sure when I first saw this thread, but it looks like a pretty good idea after seeing this.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Okay - you can have a cold snifter of Bourbon too . . . LOL :D

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Dale you were ahead of the times even back then. Now look at us where has the time gone seems like it was only yesterday. :)

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

As for the hose sizes, napa sells adapters which are short hoses to change the inside diameter of a hose that you’re using.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Bored&Stroked, noth'n to laugh at there....neat stuf....love that pic !

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

No kidding Ron . . . seems like yesterday at times . . . and at other times a lifetime ago! I need more runway for gosh sakes! LOL

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Note: One thing I would explore a bit more if I was doing this today is to rework the rear water passages on the 59X block to allow more water flow (like a 49-53 block) and I might even reduce the passages and flow up towards the front of the block.

We want the cold inlet water (from the pumps) to flow to the back of the block and cool the rear cylinders (which always run hotter) - versus making it too easy to just flow straight up and go back out the front water outlets. This is similar to putting water "log" manifolds on vintage V8-60's . . . to get more even cooling throughout the whole set of cylinders - not just the fronts.

I'm going to have to look into this a bit more . . . but I believe we should be thinking this way!

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

If I remember correctly, you use the head gasket that matches the head. That should help direct the water flow toward the rear of the block. Need to check how the water passages in the block match up to the head gasket used.

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Yes - though the coolant passages in the head/block for 49-53 are such that the water volume is at the back . . . the 59X gaskets and heads are the same front and rear.

Anyway - more to explore for sure, but might be better ways to even out the cooling - at least that is worth exploring. I'll do some more pondering and report back . . .

Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
 

Wouldn't you try to "port match" the water passages in the early block to match the late gaskets and heads where possible?