8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

I am starting a tank project for Bonneville. Not looking to set a record but would like to have a 1950 period correct tank. Pros/Cons between the two engines. I have one of each so looking for a reason to pick one over the other.

Thanks
Z

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

Belly tanks are definitely short on space, so the Earlier motor would be the better choice. IMHO

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

As the blocks are the same length, when you put a bell housing on the 8BA. I think it depends on the transmission. You have a better selection with the 8BA and cheaper in most cases. However if money is no object, I don't think it makes much difference.

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

We run a 8BA in our Bonneville cars mostly because that's what I had to start, but adapting to later transmissions is easier (in my opinion). In one car with have a blow proof bell housing with a T-5 using a SFI rated 302sbf flywheel and the other a C-4 both based on the Speedway kit.

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

"Period correct" and legal for Bonneville are two ends of the spectrum. You can be true to the 1950 time period for engine technology but to be legal for Bonneville today there will be no doubt your tank is modern. I tried to keep my bellytank as true to the period as possible, but their is no doubts once you peek at the cage under the skin.

As far as the engines, the 8ba is easier to adapt transmissions and buy an off the shelf blow proof bell housing. But the 59A is slightly more compact around the flywheel on the bottom side, but you will need to build your own flywheel shield. In the end it may come down to what you have. I use the 59A series in my bellytank.

In any case first thing is to get a rulebook and study if you haven't already. Also, check out landracing.com forums for a lot of good info.

If you would like to discuss bellytanks and Bonneville send me a pm. Also, below is a link to my Flikr page with some build and finished pics of my bellytank for reference.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/vonwelker/albums

Andy

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

Have you torn the engines down and crack-tested them? You may answer your own question.

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

Both checked out and are good (have several others that are not good)

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

awelker - I checked out your Build page. You have some serious design and execution talent!

Re: 8BA or 59AB to power belly tank at Bonneville
 

barnfind - Thanks for the compliment, years of planning and packaging that all gets wrapped in a body where you see none of it.