Offenhauser Heads 59A on 8ba

Now if you think about it?? How about a screw in the timing cover. Sometimes things like this just solve themselves. Working on projects like this have a learning experience you can't buy. I'm still learning.
 
The use of older heads on an 8BA will require a new method of securing the distributor. The following worked for me. Measure the height of the stock distributor hold down flange between the block and the bottom of the flange and then make and install a collar on the top of the timing cover that fits the distributor and maintains that same distance. The distributor is held in place by a 1/4-20 socket head cap screw that threads through the timing cover. To do this if the timing cover is on the car you first make an aluminum 1 3/8 in. long plug that slides into the timing cover. Two small holes are drilled into the plug to fit a handle made from a coat hangar. This gives the handle a "springy" quality so it stays in the holes. Insert the plug BELOW where you want to drill the hole for your socket head cap screw that will hold your distributor in place. Apply grease to the tip of your tap drill and tap and make your threads. Some chips fall into the hollow plug and others remain on the greased tap and drill. Carefully twist and pull up on the coat hangar handle to remove the plug. Then wipe the inside of the cover with a clean "greased" rag as a precaution. Now install your previously made collar onto your distributor and install it in the cover. Adjust timing and "snug down" cap screw. NOTE: BE SURE TO MAKE THE COLLAR THE CORRECT THICKNESS SO THAT YOUR DISTRIBUTOR SITS AT THE SAME HEIGHT AS IT DID ON THE STOCK HEADS SO THAT THE GEARS MESH PROPERLY. My collar is 1/4 inch thick. I am sure there are other methods of doing this (including the making of a more secure plug handle) but this has worked for the past 20 years. Perhaps it will help you if you are doing this on an assembled engine already in you car. The paint you see on the plug is not needed. Look thru this thread to see "the clamp collar" Ol' Ron made.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56037&highlight=distributor+holds
 

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ponymare said:
Won't you need to make something to hold the dist. down?
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19Fordy said:
The use of older heads on an 8BA will require a new method of securing the distributor. This worked for me. Measure the height of the stock distributor hold down flange between the block and the bottom of the flange and then make and install a collar on the top of the timing cover that fits the distributor and maintains that same distance. The distributor is held in place by a 1/4-20 socket head cap screw that threads through the timing cover. To do this if the timing cover is on the car you first make an aluminum 1 3/8 in. long plug that slides into the timing cover. Two small holes are drilled into the plug to fit a handle made from a coat hangar. This gives the handle a "springy" quality so it stays in the holes. Insert the plug BELOW where you want to drill the hole for your socket head cap screw that will hold your distributor in place. Apply grease to the tip of your tap drill and tap and make your threads. Some chips fall into the hollow plug and others remain on the greased tap and drill. Carefully pull up on the coat hangar handle to remove the plug. Then wipe the inside of the cover with a clean "greased" rag as a precaution. Now install your previously made collar on your distributor and install it in the cover. Adjust timing and "snug down" cap screw. NOTE: BE SURE TO MAKE THE COLLAR THE CORRECT THICKNESS SO THAT YOUR DISTRIBUTOR SITS AT THE SAME HEIGHT AS IT DID ON THE STOCK HEADS SO THAT THE GEARS MESH PROPERLY. My collar is 1/4 inch thick. I am sure there are other methods of doing this (including the making of a more secure plug handle) but this has worked for the past 20 years. Perhaps it will help you if you are doing this on an assembled engine already in you car. The paint you see on the plug is not needed.
Click to expand...
Getting a little off topic here from the original posters question but, could the 59A timing cover be used on the 8BA and then use the crab distributor?
 
Yes I think it can be done. I believe you have to change the timing gear on the front of the 8BA camshaft. I am sure more expert advice will appear.
 
My motor city flatheads engine is an 8BA with their 59A heads. It has the earlier cam and timing cover as stated above. Old Bill what do you mean by blocking off the bypass hole?
 

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There is a hole in the front of the block that bypasses water from the late pumps. It has to be plugged when using the early heads. However if you use the early pumps you don't. HaVE TO PLUG ANYTHING.
 
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