8BA in a '40

[russcc]

I have an 8BA I ran in a '32. I replaced it with a more period correct 59 AB

So I would like to run the 8BA in the '40 while I have the original engine out for rebuild.

The 8BA already has truck water pumps on it, and I have the radiator hose adaptors. But what about the fan. Can I use the '40 fan and crankshaft pulley on the 8BA ? Any other issues I haven't though of ?

1 more thing, what late Ford or Merc cylinder heads have the highest compression ratio, and how much can you mill them with out interference with the valves with a stock cam. If need be, I will run high test, octane booster or AV gas.

Thank you Fordbarners,

Thank you Fordbarners.

[skidmarks]

Besides making the 40 fan work, make a set of brackets to bolt to the bellhousing bolts on the block not the transmission for the chatter rods.

[JSeery]

Ol Ron has many post/threads on getting the best flow and compression out of stock heads. Believe he shots for .050 clearance between the piston and the head. It takes more than just milling the heads. You are not going to get the CR high enough to worry about high octane fuel.

[42merc]

russcc
But what about the fan. Can I use the '40 fan and crankshaft pulley on the 8BA ?

My fix on a previous project.

Everyone has their own solution for this common problem, this is mine. You must have a '40 fan mount pulley to start with. Remove 15/16" from the seal end of the '40 pulley hub, then drill the 3 or 4 spot welds from the pulley, then tap the pulley from the hub, turn the pulley around (reverse) and reinstall on the hub this time close to the fan hub. Put the assembly back on the crank snout and line the pulley up with the water pump pulleys (about 2-7/8" from the backside of the pulley to the machined face of the block), tap it square and reweld the spots. The pulley fits on the hub tight enough to hold its position while you do this. Next remove the new pulley and reinstall the 8ba pulley, bring the timing mark up to the pointer, without rotating remove the 8ba pulley, install the '40 and put a mark on the pulley where the pointer is. Probably file a notch there, after all this " aint no rocketship". This has worked for me a couple of times and no lathe required.

[19Fordy]

To install the 40 "Anti Chatter rods" on the 8BA I welded mounts (ears) to the 1950 Merc bellhousing for them to pass through and bolt. I had to cut originals and weld in a piece to make them longer as the stock "rods" are too short.. Then made some conical washers so I could use regular hex bolts to bolt the rods to the frame. I have an extra set if you need them. Make sure they don't interfere with your clutch and brake pedal when depressed. Here are some photos. These have been working fine for last 30 years. If you want to avoid doing all this I have (FOR SALE) a NOS after market anti chatter rod assembly that bolts to the belt housing an attaches to the "x" member. It was made to fit the 40-48 Fords.

[19Fordy]

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Here's some helpful threads about your other questions.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...t=mercury+1940

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...t=mercury+1940

[richard crow]

the anti chatter rods as they are called are not for that reason. the torque tube axle puts the pushing force on the back of the transmission. with out the rods all the force is on the eng & trans mounts. the rods hold the eng assembly from moving forward witch is very important.

[russcc]

Thank you all for your ideas and experiences.

After this was posted, I searched heads, and came up with what Ron favors, the EAB, with .050 clearance to the pistons.

Are there any other work arounds for a fan, like the 1949 fan, or is that too high on the engine ?

This is the first time in 40 years I finally heard the real reason for the "retention rods"
Alias chatter rods.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by russcc

Are there any other work arounds for a fan, like the 1949 fan, or is that too high on the engine ?

russc......On a '40, the problem with raising the fan is that you need to be careful not to get into the UPPER radiator hoses. DD

[Charlie ny]

In my opinion '42 Merc has it.......I modified the fan mount pulley on my '41 1/2 ton per his suggestion when I went to an 8BA. At Flat Jack's suggestion I got a fan shroud from Walker , which is a nice piece, and that remedied my overheating situation. I am still using the '41 truck radiator and I'm very satisfied.
Charlie ny

[19Fordy]

russc:

Read and memorize this thread and all attachments. Very helpful.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...engine+40+ford

[Ol' Ron]

Being basicaly lazy and low on funds, I try to think my way through projects like this. The easiest and cheapest way to do the 8ba swap is after the truck or merc bellhousing and pan are installed . Put the 40 water pumps an the block ( plug the by-pass hole) ut the seal area off the 40 crank pulley. install a1/4" spacer behind the Generator mount. Now install a chevy dist with points and your good to go, I posted some pics of the awhile back, I'll see if I can find them.

[19Fordy]

Ron,
Please do post those photos.
1. How did you solve the fan problem?
2. Which fan pulley bracket did you use?
3. How did you mount the fan so it clears the lower hoses of the 40 radiator and the upper
hoses of the 8BA ?

[Ol' Ron]

If you read my post I just used all the 40 parts. The front of the 8BA block, looked just like the 40 block fan and all. Except for the distributor.