8Ba vs 59AB

[Dave Castle]

Are the demensions of a 59ab the same as a 8ba. I am considering putting a 8ba into my 40 pu which has a 59a block now, ( cracked beyond repair). What am I going to run up against ?

[rotorwrench]

Most of the difference is the back bell on 59 series and none on 8BA. Now a lot of stuff can be interchanged in sets to make the front fit what you want but the back always requires the Mercury or truck half bell to bolt up. This can include the oil pan too if you need rear sump. An 8BA flywheel will have to be used with the 8BA to get the starter to work. To get a clutch to fit early gearboxes a person will either have to re-drill the flywheel to fit 9-inch or 10-inch clutch for early cars/trucks or a 49/51 Mercury Borg & Beck clutch can be used with the Mercury type flywheel. Modern clutches can also be used but it depends on what transmission you want to go with it so it can be adapted.

There are other things to consider but that's a start.

[Charlie Stephens]

Probably just me but when I open the hood I like to see the correct (or at least pre 48) engine. Again I is probably just me but if I was going to buy a vehicle I would want to see the "correct" (or nearly correct) engine.

Charlie Stephens

[Ol' Ron]

You can convert the 8BA to look like the 59, but it's allot of work, including changing the cam. all the rest of the stuff bolts on. However you'd have to use skips water pumps as the originals nee lub from the engine. You'll have to plug some holes in the block and probably somethings I forgot. However 8 BA would be a better choice and probably increase the value ov the tryck, unless it waz going in a Museum.

[rotorwrench]

8RT pumps of the later truck variety will generally work on the older vehicles. The 40 & 41 were in that batch of models that had the crankshaft mounted fan so the radiators were set in there for that. A crank mounted fan can be adapted and the front pumps & gen can run with one belt as long as it's 8RT or pumps fit to work on a single belt. The 8BA type distributor will work with the 8RT truck stuff. The 49 Merc had a single belt set up but the pumps are a bit different with the engine mounts. I think they could be adapted with special spacers but they are bushing type pumps on one end so they might be a pain.

[40 Deluxe]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Probably just me but when I open the hood I like to see the correct (or at least pre 48) engine. Again I is probably just me but if I was going to buy a vehicle I would want to see the "correct" (or nearly correct) engine.

Charlie Stephens

Only visible differences are shorter upper hoses and a visible distributor. Seems nearly correct to me.

[40 Deluxe]

Oh, and an improved crankcase ventilation system (road draft tube).

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Only visible differences are shorter upper hoses and a visible distributor. Seems nearly correct to me.

I must have a lower threshold of pain than you. That is the reason I started with "Probably just me...".

Charlie Stephens

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

Probably just me but when I open the hood I like to see the correct (or at least pre 48) engine. Again I is probably just me but if I was going to buy a vehicle I would want to see the "correct" (or nearly correct) engine.

Charlie Stephens

I agree. My thinking has always been if you have a stock vehicle (not a street rod or hot rod) and you have the ability to make the engine correct for the application then why not do it? I think it becomes harder to sell an early Ford V8 vehicle if it drifts too far away from original. Especially any "custom" modification. Personally if I'm shopping for an early Ford and the car/truck starts to drift away from original in the engine, trans and rear end then I'm going to continue my search. A hydraulic brake conversion if done in such a way that it is all early ford and there has been no cutting or poor installation bothers me less then the wrong engine or transmission, even if it is a Flathead.

However that is only my opinion and there is no right or wrong way, it's your car after all.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by Dave Castle

Are the demensions of a 59ab the same as a 8ba. I am considering putting a 8ba into my 40 pu which has a 59a block now, ( cracked beyond repair). What am I going to run up against ?

The overall dimensions are so similar between the two that either will fit in the same space, and in particular, in your '40. This swap has been done a bazillion times in the past, and the biggest difference at the flywheel area is easily handled with a factory Ford pick-up half bell, or a '49-'50 Merc pressed-steel half bell. The biggest thing to watch and plan for is the fan. The 8BA fan will hit the upper radiator hoses on a '40......just plan accordingly! DD

[tubman]

After a few experiences with earlier engines, I have become an "8BA guy". The Ford engineers weren't "sitting on their hands" after the war. They solved a lot of problems (yeah, even the loadamatic was an improvement when maintained properly), especially when it comes to cooling. The 8BA in my '51 runs at 165 degrees (with 180 thermostats) unless the outside temperature is over 85, when it obediently runs right at 180. I agree with the rest of the guys about a concourse restoration or the like; then use the proper engine. If you want a good driver, go with an 8BA. To further enforce my position, try pricing the earlier rod bearings vs. 8BA's. It'll open your eyes, for sure.

[19Fordy]

Dave; I installed an 8BA in my 40 coupe years ago. Biggest problem is interference of the 8BA fan location and adjustment as V8 mentioned. Here's a thread that tell's you just about all you need to know. Read and memorize every word.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...3+merc+36+ford