Posted By |
Discussion Topic:
8BA engine swap
|
|
zeker8 |
11-17-2009 @ 4:18 PM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Is there a write up some where on swaping an 8BA in a 37. If my block is no good I may want to go that way. Thanks Zeke
|
Stroker |
11-17-2009 @ 4:43 PM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 1460
Joined: Oct 2009
|
No real advantage to swapping to an 8BA. I swapped for an 8BA in the early 50's in my 38, and it required moving the radiator forward about one inch. I later went back to a 59A, so that all my 38 original stuff nested in where it should be. It has been said that the 8BA cools better, but I believe that given a clean radiator core, a 59 A will survive anything you want to do with it. Besides, the earlier motor will look a lot more "stock" than the 8BA will, given it's center outlet heads, and "proper" front-mounted distributor. Unless you are a "stud-counter", most non judges will assume that it is the correct motor.
|
zeker8 |
11-18-2009 @ 3:44 AM
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 22
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Thanks for the reply, my 37 already had a 24 stud 39 in it, but a pan full of water after sitting 25 years not drained in an unheated garage. I have not pulled the pan yet but am hoping it's a core plug leaking. . Zeke
|
supereal |
11-18-2009 @ 5:37 AM
|
|
|
Senior
Posts: 6819
Joined: Oct 2009
|
Unless you plan to retain an almost stock appearance, don't discard the 8BA as a choice. The post '48 engines do have a number of evolutionary improvements such as increased cooling, higher oil pressure, and a more accessible, easier to service, ignition. With 8RT waterpumps and the truck bellhousing, the swap is not complicated.
|