Head gaskets. 59A heads on 8BA block.

[69a]

Is there any advantage or disadvantage as to whether I can use 8BA head gaskets?
I have always used the 59A gaskets, but I now have several sets of 8BA's hanging on the wall. It means I have to buy a complete 8BA gasket set AND a pair of 59A head gaskets...
Thanks.

 

[19Fordy]

When I installed early style heads on my 8BA block I had to use early style head gaskets as 8BA gaskets won't work.

 

[petehoovie]

When I installed early style heads on my 8BA block I had to use early style head gaskets as 8BA gaskets won't work.

 

[Mart]

My French motor has 8BA type head faces. I use 59A style Edelbrock heads.
I use 2 right side 8BA gaskets. One has to go on upside down. I trim off the extra sticky out bit from the gaskets.

I show it in this video.

https://youtu.be/YPozuUEAmJM

Mart

 

[mfirth]

19Fordy, I still LOVE that engine, could stare at it all day .......

 

[Tim Ayers]

19Fordy, I still LOVE that engine, could stare at it all day .......

Agreed.

 

[itslow]

You need to use 59A gaskets whenever mixing and matching blocks and heads between the two variants.

And the extra coolant hole needs to be plugged in the 8BA component.

 

[69a]

Thanks everyone!
I've ordered a set of 59A's
Thanks Mart, I watched the video, a couple of good tips.

 

[19Fordy]

Thanks, gentlemen, for the kind "engine words".