Prewar heads on a 8BA

[36coupe]

Is it possible to run pre war heads on a 8BA. I figured material would probably have to be removed above the valves.
Thanks

[Bored&Stroked]

Yes, really not a big deal other than one extra water hole (on the passenger side of the block deck surface) that will need to be threaded and a plug put in.

You'll need to use 39-48 head gaskets. The water flow is a bit different - the 59AB heads were designed to take more water up through the middle water passages, while the 49-53 heads were designed to take up more water in the rear of the block. This was done to cool the rear cylinders more in the 49-53 era. Plenty of guys have put early 39-48 heads on 49-53 blocks and 49-53 heads on 39-48 blocks - so it is nothing new.

Now, if you plan to run the 49-53 timing cover and distributor, then you have to come up with a way to lock the distributor down - as it was a part of the 49-53 head. Not a big deal either - just something to note.

[19Fordy]

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You can easily lock down the distributor by making a spacer ring that sets the distributer at it's stock height for the correct meshing with the timing gear. Then use a socket head cap screw NOT a set screw that might "fall in". Calculate the needed spacer thickness BEFORE you remove the stock head.
This 1/4 inch thick spacer was made for a Mallory dual point.