A to B

Bill Cal.

Senior Member
We are going to remove my model A engine in a 29 coupe and replace it with a model B engine with head and pan on. Is there anything we need to know in doing this exchange of engines? Will the B engine bolt right up?
Thanks for your help, Bill
 
If you use the B flywheel housing and B style rear float a motor mounts it will bolt in place, but you will need an adapter to mount the A wishbone. So to answer your question, No it will not bolt right up.
 
Bill,

The first thing you should do is to put your general location, the guy around the corner may have one you could look at. I assume you are using a 1932 Model B, not the 1933-34 Model B. I did this with my '31 RDPU. I chose to keep the A transmission as it mounts the brake, clutch and wishbone. I used the Model A flywheel cover. You will need to remove the rear of the B oil pan (see photo). I left a strip of metal on the pan as I didn't want to remove the spot ends and risk a leak. I have been told you cannot remove the rear bearing to adjust the shims but haven't tried it yet. I think I would recommend using a Model A head to get rid of the 3 bolt water pump.

Charlie Stephens
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5916 (2).jpeg
    IMG_5916 (2).jpeg
    127.1 KB · Views: 98
I LOVE that "Much Improved" 1932 Model B water-pump. Ignoring the minimial 'improvements' in the water jacket of the B head,and the improved effectiveness of the pump empellor, it is the MOUNTING of the B water-pump that makes me a great fan; for it removes the risk of breaking off the mounting tabs of the seperate "Goose Neck" required by the stock A pump .

- Doug Vieyra, Eureka, California
 
If you use the B flywheel housing and B style rear float a motor mounts it will bolt in place, but you will need an adapter to mount the A wishbone. So to answer your question, No it will not bolt right up.
Help me out here. I thought the Model A wishbone mounted to the Model A transmission case which I assume he is going to retain. Am I missing something?

Charlie Stephens
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8252.jpg
    IMG_8252.jpg
    56.9 KB · Views: 72
Help me out here. I thought the Model A wishbone mounted to the Model A transmission case which I assume he is going to retain. Am I missing something?

Charlie Stephens

When bolting the A trans to a B engine, it includes the A bell housing. That's why you have to cut the back off the B pan.
 
I have Model B engines in both of my Model A's, and they have the following:
>Model A 6:1 hi-compression cylinder heads so I can use Model A water pumps and get some extra power. Model B water pumps are hard to find, they are extraordinarily expensive and pump shafts are difficult to find. The head gaskets are copper Model A items. The 2 additional coolant holes in the Model B block were left open;
>I use the Float-A-Motor front & rear engine mounts;
>The flywheel housing dust cover is notched to clear the Model B rear main bearing cap;
>On one Model A I modified a Model A oil pan to fit the Model B engine by enlarging the cutout for the rear main bearing cap, and dimpling the sides of the pan to clear the larger Model B connecting rods. On the other car I used a Model B oil pan by cutting-off its Model B flywheel housing;
>I use Model A distributors in both engines;
>Model A flywheels have been lightened by removing 13 lbs from each. Both cars have Ford V8 pressure plates with Model A clutch disks;
>Both cars have 12V alternators for extra power to spin the hi-compression motors;
>Both cars have modern starter drives to replace the stock Bendix units.
 

Attachments

  • DSCN3770.jpg
    DSCN3770.jpg
    96.4 KB · Views: 37
  • DSCN3774.jpg
    DSCN3774.jpg
    77.6 KB · Views: 35
  • 190A 2nd B Engine Flywheel Housing Dust Shield Mod to Clear Rear Main Brg 366kb.jpg
    190A 2nd B Engine Flywheel Housing Dust Shield Mod to Clear Rear Main Brg 366kb.jpg
    70.6 KB · Views: 37
  • 190A 2nd Engine gkb.jpg
    190A 2nd Engine gkb.jpg
    86 KB · Views: 37
  • 190A 2nd Engine V8 Clutch Akb.jpg
    190A 2nd Engine V8 Clutch Akb.jpg
    112.4 KB · Views: 32
  • 190A 2nd Engine Hi-Compression Head bkb.jpg
    190A 2nd Engine Hi-Compression Head bkb.jpg
    65.5 KB · Views: 33
  • 190A 2nd Engine  Corrosion Pits In Oil Pan akb.jpg
    190A 2nd Engine Corrosion Pits In Oil Pan akb.jpg
    128.6 KB · Views: 37
The 2 additional coolant holes in the Model B block were left open;

Any particular reason you left the steam holes (coolant holes) open on the B block?

I have a B block and I'm converting the B head to an A head so I can use the A water pump, intake, etc. I'm done with having two sets of parts in my garage (B parts and A parts). :D

Last week, I went up to pick up my A block (for another car) from the engine rebuilder and he recommended I tap and seal the two steam holes in the B block when I replace the head. I never paid attention to them when I changed the head the first time, but sure enough...they are there. His thought was that the steam holes added extra risk for breaking the head gasket, and with an A head, it was better to seal them off.

Thoughts?

Dave
 
Lay the Model A gasket (which you should be using with the A head) on top of the B block and see where the team holes are located. If it was me, I would plug them.

Charlie Stephens
 
Back
Top