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01-16-2020, 04:24 PM | #1 |
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exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
I have a 59ab engine to install in my 36 Ford, can I use 8ba heads due to radiator hoses and 36 radiator. Bill
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01-16-2020, 04:46 PM | #2 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Remember, there is a difference in hose size between 8BA heads and earlier engines. (Unless you purchase the expensive aftermarket thermostat housings.)
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01-16-2020, 04:59 PM | #3 | |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Quote:
That's true, but one can always cut a couple of 1-1/4" (or so) long pieces of the small-size hose and place them inside the engine end of the big hoses where the hoses slip over the thermostat housings on the 8BAs. Clamp both sides down snug and solves that little problem. DD |
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01-16-2020, 05:10 PM | #4 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
There are some hole location and size differences I believe, but a simple modification.
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01-16-2020, 05:33 PM | #5 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
You will need to plug a water hole in the passenger side front (right side) cylinder head also. The 8B.A Head will extend a little bit farther forward ,when you compare gaskets you will see the hole I am talking about.
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01-16-2020, 07:01 PM | #6 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
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01-16-2020, 07:17 PM | #7 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Anybody ever done this? Do the upper hoses line up
I've done it and the hoses don't line up too well. In my case I was using Flathead Jacks 'big hose' thermostat housings, and I cut and welded them to achieve a better alignment.
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01-16-2020, 08:14 PM | #8 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
This is what I am concerned with, If so what do you do to correct it? I have new stainless 11/2" thermostat housings so hose size is corrected
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01-16-2020, 08:52 PM | #9 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
It is not really a big deal . . . I ran 49-53 heads on a 59x engine in my 34 Ford. Yes, I had to figure out how to "shim" the waternecks (with a piece of rubber tubing), but outside of that, nothing to be too concerned about.
If you think about it - a 59AB has water outlets in a VERY different location than a 36 engine . . . the 49-53 heads are a LOT closer to what a 36 had . . . than a 59AB. So - in my mind - the later heads are actually more similar to the originals (location of hoses) than anything from 37 - 48. Yes - you have to plug an 'extra' hole in the 49-53 heads - no biggie. Okay - enough bourbon for tonight . . . time for some sleep! LOL |
01-16-2020, 08:57 PM | #10 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Okay - this is from 1980 or so . . . so don't start laughing . . .
Specs: a) 59L block b) Heads: Navarro 49-53 c) Radiator: Stock 34 Ford 1934Coupe_Blown1.jpg |
01-16-2020, 08:59 PM | #11 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
That tells me all I need to know. I wasn't sure when I first saw this thread, but it looks like a pretty good idea after seeing this.
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01-16-2020, 09:04 PM | #12 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
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01-16-2020, 09:39 PM | #13 | |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
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I use the F word a lot no not that word these words Flathead , Focus and Finish. "Life Member of the Bonneville 200 MPH Club using a Ford Flathead block" Owner , Builder, Driver of the First Ford Flathead bodied roadster to run 200 MPH Record July 13, 2018 LTA timing association 200.921 in one and a half miles burning gasoline. First ever gas burning Ford flathead powered roadster to run 200 MPH at Bonneville Salt Flats setting the record August 7th 2021 at 205.744 MPH |
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01-17-2020, 01:22 AM | #14 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
As for the hose sizes, napa sells adapters which are short hoses to change the inside diameter of a hose that you’re using.
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01-17-2020, 07:43 AM | #15 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Bored&Stroked, noth'n to laugh at there....neat stuf....love that pic !
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01-17-2020, 08:05 AM | #16 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
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01-17-2020, 08:11 AM | #17 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Note: One thing I would explore a bit more if I was doing this today is to rework the rear water passages on the 59X block to allow more water flow (like a 49-53 block) and I might even reduce the passages and flow up towards the front of the block.
We want the cold inlet water (from the pumps) to flow to the back of the block and cool the rear cylinders (which always run hotter) - versus making it too easy to just flow straight up and go back out the front water outlets. This is similar to putting water "log" manifolds on vintage V8-60's . . . to get more even cooling throughout the whole set of cylinders - not just the fronts. I'm going to have to look into this a bit more . . . but I believe we should be thinking this way! |
01-17-2020, 09:00 AM | #18 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
If I remember correctly, you use the head gasket that matches the head. That should help direct the water flow toward the rear of the block. Need to check how the water passages in the block match up to the head gasket used.
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01-17-2020, 10:40 AM | #19 | |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Quote:
Anyway - more to explore for sure, but might be better ways to even out the cooling - at least that is worth exploring. I'll do some more pondering and report back . . . |
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01-17-2020, 10:50 AM | #20 |
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Re: exchange 8ba cyl heads with 59ab
Wouldn't you try to "port match" the water passages in the early block to match the late gaskets and heads where possible?
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