heads
 

I have aflathead V8 engine out of a 1950 (I believe) F-6. However it has one 8RT head (left) and one 8BA head (right). Looks like its always been that way. Is it possible this engine came this way or has one of the heads been changed? I noticed the intake manifold has both 8RT and 8BA stamped on it and some internal parts are marked 8BA like the rods. Also, does it hurt to run them mismatched or should they be the same?
Thanks for the help.

8RT is the truck designation for the late variety flathead V8. The auto version was called the 8BA. Other than the cam (maybe) and heads the two are the same engine. As near as we have been able to tell the difference was bolt on accessories that made them truck or car engines....waterpumps, exhaust manifolds, oil filter canister location, more fan blades with wide belt pulleys, etc.

Looks like you have one of each head so your compression should be a bit goofy. 8RT heads are reported to be large chamber, thus lower compression than the 8BA.

Intake is the same for both, thus the 8BA/8RT casting number. Rods are all the same and if marked will probably be 8BA. Mix and match all you want - it's all the same stuff.