A couple of questions

[Dave C]

I am planning on putting an 8ba in a '38 coupe. What water pumps to use? Early style with the mounts or the later style and fab up a front mount? Also can I use the helmut dist. If so what all must I change to make it work? Thanks for all your help.

 

[flatjack9]

You will need to change the cam and front cover to use the crab distributor. If you make this change, you can use normal pumps like used on the 38. If you use the 8BA distributor, you will need to run the later truck pumps with the extended pulley.

 

[Dave C]

thanks

 

[59ab]

The 38 style pumps will not cover the top hole in the 8ba block.

 

[Ol' Ron]

This is an easy swap just install the 8BA as is it will fit OK, we did this ti a 39 PY which is the same. I think.
As for the early pumps on an 8BA just plug the hole, or use early heads. AS for the distributor just use a SBC abd move the gen 1/4" forward. You'll need a set of slips pumps, with internal seals.

 

[flatjack9]

The 38 style pumps will not cover the top hole in the 8ba block.

Simple to block the hole. Tap a cup plug in it. Also, get a new pump with the sealed bearing.