59 AB head gasket ?

[big job]

Due to our workload finally back to button up the "Chris-teen engine" This is
a genuine 59. It has on the block the three so called tomb stone water holes.
Heads say 59AB. Gasket I took off has two big holes and one little hole on
the bottom. Forgot where I bought those gaskets, So I go to Napa - They
punch in '1946 Ford 239 3.9 100hp Super Deluxe. Screen pops up Fel Pro
#7548B (3 tomb stones") & Fel Pro 7283B which is same gasket I took off
with 3 small round holes. Whats up with that. I should think 3 small holes is
going to restrict water flow rather than those large tomb stone holes....I think
Monday I'll slide over to Joes Early V8 Sales find out what suppose to be in
there. any thoughts sam

'we more into later 8BAs and 337's '

 

[Ol' Ron]

Many of the holes in the block are casting holes for the core when the block is pored. The gasket does control flow, thus keeping the engine cool. I use victor 3036 for the 59 series engines and Victor also has a corresponding number for the 8BA series engines. These are big bore gaskets.

 

[Bored&Stroked]

I don't think you'll have any issues with any of the 46-48 style head gaskets - so I wouldn't worry about it. As far as your block - if it has the three tombstone water passages, then I doubt that it is a 59 series block. Does it have 59 case into the top of the bell housing? (Not that this makes any difference, just curious on my part as I've never seen a 'tombstone' 59 block - not even for a 221 replacement). BUT - with that said, there are always surprises!

B&S

 

[big job]

I don't think you'll have any issues with any of the 46-48 style head gaskets - so I wouldn't worry about it. As far as your block - if it has the three tombstone water passages, then I doubt that it is a 59 series block. Does it have 59 case into the top of the bell housing? (Not that this makes any difference, just curious on my part as I've never seen a 'tombstone' 59 block - not even for a 221 replacement). BUT - with that said, there are always surprises!

B&S

Oh yes its a surprise to me too. And yes the big 59 cast onto
bell housing. Just confused as Napa lists both gaskets for 46-48 100hp??
sam