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Edelbrock heads 49' 8ba help

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by askforjonny, May 22, 2019.

  1. I am looking to put these on an 8BA I have been building but I am unsure if I should spend the cash on the heads and still use bolts or studs.
    I like the idea of the bolt for a much easier way to remove and replace when needed. Do they make dress up kits for the bolts? Covers? Do people just paint them?

    Bellow are the heads I was looking at.


    https://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/35...MIx72PnbCv4gIVBtlkCh1PdAUMEAQYCSABEgItavD_BwE
     
  2. 42merc
    Joined: Dec 19, 2010
    Posts: 894

    42merc
    Member

    The stock bolts work just fine. Use Chevy head bolt washers under the head of the Ford bolts. Use #2 Permatex on the threads to stop water leaks.
    Chrome acorn covers are available.
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2019
  3. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I have stock bolts on both of my 8BA's with Edmunds heads. It has been a couple of years and I have no problems. I have had a lot of 8BA's over the years and scavenge all of the stock head bolts I can find and use only those that are perfect. I think they are better than the stuff you can get at the hardware store. I am lucky that the Edmunds heads.use stock length bolts; some heads require longer bolts. I also have several bags of the 11/16" acorn nut covers I have collected over the years. For the other miscellaneous bolts used on the engine (water necks, distributor hold down, etc.), I make my own with chrome or stainless acorn nuts from the hardware store, a hacksaw and some miscellaneous grade five leftover bolts. I chase the threads and use JB Weld to keep them together.
     
    slobroy and askforjonny like this.
  4. Okay so I have the offy 8ba heads and the offy stud kit in my cart. I guess what I am trying to figure out is if my stock bolts will work with these.. and link me the bot head covers if possible
     

  5. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    If you ever have to remove your heads again you will be glad you used
    bolts not studs. IMO your heads would look better if you bought polished aluminum heads and painted between the fins with the same color as you engine block. Call vendor and ask what bolts fit their heads. Acorn nut covers are available also. OEM bolts were 11/16 in. Many after market are 5/8 in. Make sure you get the correct size acorn nut covers and Grade 8 hardened washers.

    Suggest you post on Fordbarn telling what type of engine you are building (stock or not)
    and ask for head recommendations that would be best for you.
    https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat...Chrome-Acorn-Nut-Covers-11-16-Nuts,20887.html
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: May 23, 2019
  6. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    +1 on the hardened washers; I forgot that. They are readily available and not that expensive. Also, to be clear, the 5/8" and 11/16" mentioned above refers to the head size of the bolts. The bolts themselves are 7/16".
     
    askforjonny likes this.
  7. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Correct on head bolt sizes. I reused the OEM 8BA headbolts on my 8BA aluminum
    OFFENHAUSER heads for many years with no problems. They were
    7/16 x 14 with 5/8 head size Remember they only get torqued down to about 55 foot pounds. I know, folks say you shouldn't reuse head bolts but, my wallet wasn't big in 1970.. Of course , if you're building a "race horse engine" new head bolts are the best way to go.
    It's best if you write up an affordable plan and stick to it.
     
    askforjonny and kadillackid like this.
  8. Awesome! I appreciate the help. Exactly what I needed to know...

    Now its time to search the 12v conversion and how it works with the overdrive on the 49'
     
  9. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    If you're concerned about overdrive, you might want to consider staying with 6 volts. if your 6 volt OD components are in good shape. Replacement OD parts are hard to find and expensive if you do. My '51 is still 6 volts, and I have no problems at all. Good grounds and connections, the proper battery cables, and a 6 volt Optima battery will get you going with no problems.
     
    askforjonny and sidevalve8ba like this.
  10. dirty old man
    Joined: Feb 2, 2008
    Posts: 8,910

    dirty old man
    Member Emeritus

    One thing not yet mentioned is DO NOT run a tap down the head bolt holes to clean them up. Henry used a sliughtly smaller tap when manufacturing the blocks so that the bolts would fit tightly and seal up sine they are open to the water jacket. Most will seep water out past the studs or bolts if cleaned out with a sandard fit tap. Use an old head bolt wit slots cut in the threads t o clean out the holes unless you can find one of the very scarce FoMoCo chasing taps.
     
  11. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 12,286

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I used ARP studs and acorns from HandH. I did run washers under the acorns to make sure the threads were not bottoming out in the acorns. Also, I had to machine the bolt head surfaces on top of the Navarro heads to get a uniform surface (another reason I was worried about bottoming out the acorns and getting a false torque reading).
     
    askforjonny likes this.
  12. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    tubman makes some good points about sticking with 6 V. 6V has stood the test of time
    but, some say 6V high quality components (like in the old days) are getting harder to find, especially when "on the road". That's why you carry spares.

    However, if you decide to go with 12V consider using a Ron Francis Constant Voltage Reducer (CVR). That way you can still keep your gauges running on 6 V . Don't forget your heater motor. and radio and speaker system if you have one. I used a CVR on my 40 Ford 20 years ago and it's still working fine. I run no accessories.
    Best to call Ron Francis and explain what you want to do.I believe I used the VR-4 unit from Francis. 12V is nice if you plan to run accessories. Here's some info:
    https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259991&highlight=converting+12v

    There are other options like the voltage reducers.Ford used in their 12V cars during the 60's. This has been discussed many times on Fordbarn so there is a lot of info there. Best to call Ron Francis and explain what you want to do.I believe I used the VR-4 unit from Francis. 12V is nice if you plan to run accessories. Here's some info:
    https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259991&highlight=converting+12v

    Also be sure and read all of the following thread and links about converting to 12V . Also, does your car have an ammeter or volt meter gauge? Be sure to ask how to keep them operable. Do you plan to run a 12V generator or alternator?
    Here's some alternator info.
    https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=247245&highlight=convert+starter+12V
    Will you be changing your wipers from vacuum to 12V?
    https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254265&highlight=converting+12+volts
    There are plenty of folks out there (smarter than me) who have done this and really know their stuff. Plus, there are new electronic 12V conversion device improvements being made. So ask, ask, ask questions and formulate a plan. Don't go piece meal. Good luck. One last thought. Your 6 V starter will run on 6V but you don't want to keep cranking it continually. Eventually, the Bendix spring will break. My Bendix spring finally broke after 40 years so I converted my starter to 12V. Car starts instantly. Here's how to convert your 6V starter to 12V. When I did this I also installed a 12V Ford starter solenoid. There may be a way to use your original solenoid but, I am not sure.
    https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211141&highlight=convert+starter+12V
    I found that once I converted to 12V , I gradually installed an electronic ignition system so as to do away with points. This is not required and many folks still use points. If you plan to install multiple carburetors in the future keep in mind the OEM 8BA vacuum system doesn't seem to work well with multiple carbs. Others can tell you more about this.

    OK, I am finished. Be sure to plan ahead. Don't throw away any old parts.
     
    Last edited: May 24, 2019
    askforjonny and figure8 like this.
  13. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,188

    clem
    Member

    Am I correct on saying that there are also two different lengths of head bolts ?
     
    askforjonny likes this.
  14. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

    Yes, the OEM 1949-53 Ford/Merc flathead V8 uses longer bolts where the heads are thicker and shorter bolts
    along the bottom where the heads are thinner. I have some bolts I can measure if you need to know the length.
    Some of today' aluminum heads are thicker than the stock heads so this isn't true. Longer bolts are used.
     
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  15. The only issue is that my harness is deteriorating. and there are a bunch of electrical tape splices. I also have a 6v electric fuel pump that was added and I think might no need to be there now with the fresh rebuild and a pump rod that is actually making contact :) I have been thinking about using the 12v conversion offered by antique auto website.
     
  16. I just found a pair of OG heads on Seattle craigslist for 50$ just gonna rattle can them and get it going.
     
  17. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,913

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I bought a new overdrive harness a couple of years ago (I think it was from C&G), and it fit perfect and wasn't that expensive.
     
  18. slobroy
    Joined: Jun 22, 2009
    Posts: 360

    slobroy
    Member

    Roy Naswisch(sp) he’s in Hemings out of Wisconsin has all the bolts you need you’d him what I had and sent what I needed


    Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  19. StefanS
    Joined: Oct 7, 2013
    Posts: 1,287

    StefanS
    Member
    from Maryland

    Sorry to bring up an old thread. I'm brand new to flatheads coming from Chevy 235s. I want to swap heads on my '49 Coupe but I'm curious if aftermarket heads require sinking valves or do the flatheads not work that way?
     
  20. 19Fordy
    Joined: May 17, 2003
    Posts: 8,025

    19Fordy
    Member

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