Flathead Timing Covers

O

OnlyJohn

New member
Hello:
Can early V8 timing covers be swapped for late model timing covers on later flatheads like an 8BA or an 8RT? Is there an adapter that would allow it?
I would like to run an early magneto set up on an 8BA.

Thank you for the help.

JW
 
KiWinUS said:
You would need to switch to an early camshaft to do that.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Can that be readily done? I am new to this and I don't want to ruin anything. I am up for a cam swap if the old and new style cams are basically interchangeable.

JW
 
edit: After re-reading this thread I realized my answer had nothing to do with the original question. Please skip this post and continue to helpful answers!



I have seen bolt on distributor drive gears offered over the years to allow early cams to drive late drive distributors.
edit: found it:https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Earl...0.html?NoRedirect=true&OriginalQuery=91015634
I have no experience with that product, just remember seeing it offered.
 
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The cam itself will swap with no mods. Any grind will go on either core. Use the EARLY timing gears on both the crank and the cam. Use an aluminum gear on the cam. Use an early timing cover. If you are using a Harmon Collins mag there are lead plates available new that enable changing the timing without pulling the mag.
 
A word of caution here. When you use an adapter to convert the early cam to 8ba style for the late ignition. Check the run out of the adapter before you button it up, I've found these adapters to have serious run out. Not sure what's usable, but wouldn't like to see more than 3-4 tho
Gramps
 
He's trying to put a front-mount angle drive magneto setup on an 8BA. Pete has it all covered.

The only thing I'll add is that it is important to have the right early cam that matches the depth of the angle drive. I've seen Vertex Style angle drives with quite a few different drive lengths (the steel shaft that interfaces with the T-Slot in the cam).

Also, most angle drives that I've seen use the 3-bolt early timing cover - not the later 2-bolt cover.
 
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While not pertinent to this thread, the previous mentioned adapters to convert an early cam to a late one could work ok if they were made and installed properly.
The two I have seen in the past 50 years were junk. The gear ran out .012 and there was NO oil hole through the enter. There should be zero runout. Aside from that the cam needs to be drilled in two places for these to work.
 
Pete said:
While not pertinent to this thread, the previous mentioned adapters to convert an early cam to a late one could work ok if they were made and installed properly.
The two I have seen in the past 50 years were junk. The gear ran out .012 and there was NO oil hole through the enter. There should be zero runout. Aside from that the cam needs to be drilled in two places for these to work.
Click to expand...

Have seen the same thing - with adapters from good ole' Speedway. Another issue I've seen is that the thickness of the adapter, along with the bolts they supply, ends up with the bolt heads hitting the back of the timing cover. Then, either the engine won't turn over, or they might just "chew" on the back of the cover enough to carve out the room. Then, all those nice cast-iron filings are going into your oil, through your bearings, etc..

Personally, I would not use any of the adapters I've seen . . . which means I'd probably have to make my own. ;)
 
Thank you everyone for the information. I plan to build the engine using all vintage speed equipment from the late forties. Then I will have to find something to put it in. You have been a great help.

Thank you,

JW
 
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