The Ford Barn

TomT/Williamsburg · 03-03-2011, 06:55 PM

Thanks everyone - I'm no longer ignorant - at least in that regard!

rick r · 03-03-2011, 10:54 PM

why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

Ol' Ron · 03-04-2011, 02:20 PM

Yes I feel better and read most of the threads related to engines. I'm pleased to find that there is plenty pf expert advice here so I don't have to try and answer every thread, just the ones that ruffle my feathers. Your in good hands.

flatjack9 · 03-04-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick r

why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

What does that mean?

oldskool · 03-05-2011, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

HAMB to the rescue.When I did mine, I used allen head pipe plugs and JB Weld for sealant. That was 10 years ago, Still working fine. Here's some info.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...eads+on+an+8ba I used a 1/4-20 allen socket head cap screw to hold the distributer in place and a spacer to keep it the same height as it was when using the stock heads. The spacer maintains the proper "mesh" of the the dist. gear. Be sure to not let chips drop down into the timing cover when drilling and tapping.

19forty,where is spacer placed and what does it look like..

sturgis 39 · 03-06-2011, 02:15 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

When doing a swap Like this I like to use the 81A "A" head. This has a smaller combustion chamber. Mill the head for .050" piston to head clearance. Now you'll have to check for valve iinterferance between the valve and head. This can be cleared up with a die grinder. Almost a point in CR can be gained tis way.

Ol' Ron

Good to see your smiling face again. Hope you are doing ok.

Mr 42 · 03-06-2011, 09:11 AM

Im runnin 81 heads and modern thermostats, no problem.

Had to clear a bit for the valves.

19Fordy · 07-25-2013, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskool

19forty,where is spacer placed and what does it look like..

The spacer is an aluminum spacer ring that sets on top of the cam cover . The distributor goes thru it and raises the distributor to the same height it was when using the stock 8BA heads. You can see it on the left edge of the photo with the black line going across it. It is 1/4 in. thick. You will have to make one. My distributor is a Mallory.

Bluebell · 07-25-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomT/Williamsburg

Please excuse my ignorance but what are cup plugs? Pic? Source? Thanks ...

Otherwise know as; Welch plugs, Core plugs, Frost plugs.
Google Welch plugs for images/ info

03-03-2011, 06:55 PM	#21
TomT/Williamsburg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Williamsburg, Virginia Posts: 2,654	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Thanks everyone - I'm no longer ignorant - at least in that regard!

03-03-2011, 10:54 PM	#22
rick r Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Woodville Ontario Posts: 227	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block why? now you can't run modern thermostats.

03-04-2011, 02:20 PM	#23
Ol' Ron Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chester Vt Posts: 8,859	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Yes I feel better and read most of the threads related to engines. I'm pleased to find that there is plenty pf expert advice here so I don't have to try and answer every thread, just the ones that ruffle my feathers. Your in good hands.

03-06-2011, 09:11 AM	#27
Mr 42 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Sweden Posts: 427	Re: 59AB heads on a 8BA block Im runnin 81 heads and modern thermostats, no problem. Had to clear a bit for the valves.