Flathead V8 head bolts vs studs
- Thread starter scicala
- Start date
Seth Swoboda
Well-known member
I believe you are correct. It started with the 8BA in 1949.
My C59A/C69A has bolts. The bolts come in three different lengths that all protrude from the mating surface the same amount = 0.75".
My heads are C7RA, and from what I could find all stud kits are only offered in two lengths, which mean as far as I could tell that some of the studs would protrude more than others. Finding the correct head bolts has been a royal pain so far.
My heads are C7RA, and from what I could find all stud kits are only offered in two lengths, which mean as far as I could tell that some of the studs would protrude more than others. Finding the correct head bolts has been a royal pain so far.
supereal
Well-known member
From 38-48 Ford used three lengths of head studs, In 49-53 the 8BA used 20 bolts, 1.94" . In 49-53, 28 bolt engines used 2.62". Mercury, the same. Be aware the studs have different threads on each end, and should not bottom in the block. Removing studs for bolts is risky, as the threads in the block may be fragile.
If you know of anyone selling a stud kit with the three different length studs, please let me know.
Not to mention breaking some off. Ask Mart.
Ronnieroadster
Well-known member
In 1948 the Ford truck engine was the first release of the 8BA block however it came with head studs. Starting in 1949 all 8BA flathead engines were now using head bolts studs were no longer being used in production.
Ronnieroadster
Kube
Super Moderator
Parts books list replacement parts only. Not necessarily what was installed on the assembly line. Also, not all parts were available for service.
JM 35 Sedan
Well-known member
I prefer using studs over using bolts......
First, that's what all the Flathead engines I own were originally built with at the factory...., second, I feel I can seal the threads on those studs that enter the water jacket a lot better than I could if using bolts....., and third, I feel I can control setting the torque a lot better when using studs, hardened flatwashers, and nuts, than I ever could using bolts. I believe the use of bolts to fasten the cylinder heads on our beloved Flatheads happened after Henry's death, and strictly as a cost saving measure. I have never been a fan of the 8ba versions of the Flathead engine, but if I ever build one to use in any of my old Ford's, it would definitely be built using studs, rather than head bolts, but then again, I wouldn't be building racing engines that may only last a few races, before their blown, and rebuilt maybe several times in a season, or maybe find it necessary to quickly pull a head to possibly make a repair between races.
First, that's what all the Flathead engines I own were originally built with at the factory...., second, I feel I can seal the threads on those studs that enter the water jacket a lot better than I could if using bolts....., and third, I feel I can control setting the torque a lot better when using studs, hardened flatwashers, and nuts, than I ever could using bolts. I believe the use of bolts to fasten the cylinder heads on our beloved Flatheads happened after Henry's death, and strictly as a cost saving measure. I have never been a fan of the 8ba versions of the Flathead engine, but if I ever build one to use in any of my old Ford's, it would definitely be built using studs, rather than head bolts, but then again, I wouldn't be building racing engines that may only last a few races, before their blown, and rebuilt maybe several times in a season, or maybe find it necessary to quickly pull a head to possibly make a repair between races.
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So could you please tell me where I can find the correct studs (the correct three different lengths) for my C59A?
Michael @ Third Gen/Ford Bolts. Roy N. offered this kit and I'm assuming Michael is still offering it.
Or, you can order ARP studs individually from Allen's fasteners.
https://www.allensfasteners.com/
I ordered ARP studs for my build and it came to around $250 after their discount for ordering 50 or more. This was about 1/2 price of any pre-packaged kit from a vendor.
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Thanks for the link to the Allen site. Took a bit of digging, but I found both the ARP flanged head bolts (incl 12 point) and studs and in the correct sizes sold individually.
VeryTangled
Well-known member
My junk is all built for studs and I'll keep 'em no matter how much grief they give me. I have two cars, a 36 and a 35, and total three engines. All have block off plates so they're insert bearing but I use them with the pumps in the heads. Long Live Studs!