The Ford Barn

modela4shane · 11-22-2014, 11:12 AM

I wanted to know if its possible to install 8BA heads on a 59A? The reason for doing this is for the water necks to clear a 4-71 GMC blower housing. The blower housing is wide and would hit the 59A necks. I have seen 59A heads on 8BA to make them look older. Thanks for any help. Shane

Ol' Ron · 11-22-2014, 11:26 AM

There are two water holes in the front that have to be plugged. Drop a 59 head gasket on the 8BA head and you;ll see them. Now I;ve done this several times on street engines and never had an over heating problem, However, with a blower you might want to modify some of the 8BA water holes as well.

harley · 11-22-2014, 08:34 PM

I have 8ba heads on my 59a. I used 59a gaskets and plugged one water hole on the passenger side head. No problems, Harley.

modela4shane · 11-23-2014, 12:10 PM

Thanks for the comments Ol Ron and Harley. The hole that you plugged, was it the center front that goes into the water pump cavity? Did you have to drill and tap or just tap the hole, and what pipe size? Is there any problems with the 3 triangle shaped holes at the very back or does the 59A head gasket seal these holes off? Thank you for all the help.

Ol' Ron · 11-23-2014, 01:27 PM

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The two holes in the front are thermastat by pass holes, Actually the 8BA had a completely new block cooling system. Water came in the front of the block went to the rear then cam back through the heads and exited out the front. Nu using the 59 gasket you prevent this. However, using the 8BA gasket will require sone modifications to the block water passages. The good news is; Swapping heads in thei manner has been done so many times with out any problems, all this BS is just moo, or a cows opinion.

11-22-2014, 11:12 AM	#1
modela4shane Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 165	8BA Heads on a 59A? I wanted to know if its possible to install 8BA heads on a 59A? The reason for doing this is for the water necks to clear a 4-71 GMC blower housing. The blower housing is wide and would hit the 59A necks. I have seen 59A heads on 8BA to make them look older. Thanks for any help. Shane

11-22-2014, 11:26 AM	#2
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: 8BA Heads on a 59A? There are two water holes in the front that have to be plugged. Drop a 59 head gasket on the 8BA head and you;ll see them. Now I;ve done this several times on street engines and never had an over heating problem, However, with a blower you might want to modify some of the 8BA water holes as well.

11-22-2014, 08:34 PM	#3
harley Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Ouachita County Arkansas Posts: 59	Re: 8BA Heads on a 59A? I have 8ba heads on my 59a. I used 59a gaskets and plugged one water hole on the passenger side head. No problems, Harley. __________________ people have more trouble than anybody

11-23-2014, 12:10 PM	#4
modela4shane Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 165	Re: 8BA Heads on a 59A? Thanks for the comments Ol Ron and Harley. The hole that you plugged, was it the center front that goes into the water pump cavity? Did you have to drill and tap or just tap the hole, and what pipe size? Is there any problems with the 3 triangle shaped holes at the very back or does the 59A head gasket seal these holes off? Thank you for all the help.

11-23-2014, 01:27 PM	#5
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,985	Re: 8BA Heads on a 59A? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The two holes in the front are thermastat by pass holes, Actually the 8BA had a completely new block cooling system. Water came in the front of the block went to the rear then cam back through the heads and exited out the front. Nu using the 59 gasket you prevent this. However, using the 8BA gasket will require sone modifications to the block water passages. The good news is; Swapping heads in thei manner has been done so many times with out any problems, all this BS is just moo, or a cows opinion.