8RT heads getting scarce??
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,782
Likes: 558
From: Kalispell, MT
8RT were 48 truck heads. We got the new engine first (Jan 48) and the heads were high CC volume heads. It looks like everything got 8BA heads when the car production started with the 49 model year (mid-48).
In 52 and 53 everything Ford got EAB heads except Mercs were EAC.
Because everything swaps around, you can't go on the basis of what you see in front of you. Dig into what remains of the original printed material from that era. Also keep in mind, Henry didn't waste anything so existing stocks at an assembly plant were used up before the new heads were installed on the line. What often looks like a running change was due to thriftiness.
In 52 and 53 everything Ford got EAB heads except Mercs were EAC.
Because everything swaps around, you can't go on the basis of what you see in front of you. Dig into what remains of the original printed material from that era. Also keep in mind, Henry didn't waste anything so existing stocks at an assembly plant were used up before the new heads were installed on the line. What often looks like a running change was due to thriftiness.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 951
Likes: 73
From: San Diego
Some of the prices on eBay recently are ridiculous, no way I would pay it. I was interested the other day in an old ford starter until I saw he wanted $75 just to ship it. It made me laugh and I actually sent him a note on it. His response was "maybe one day I can afford it".....lol. Find a good NOS or used parts supplier and use eBay for deals or stuff you never see.....that's what I do.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 256
i actually like it when a seller inflates shipping and has a LOW sales price...if he is using the shipping as a profit center that is fine....the bottom line is the total between the item AND the shipping fee needs to equal a total price for what the market will tolerate for the item he is selling....there IS NO SALES TAX ON SHIPPING...Im all for limiting how much sales tax I pay out..
New User
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
8RT were 48 truck heads. We got the new engine first (Jan 48) and the heads were high CC volume heads. It looks like everything got 8BA heads when the car production started with the 49 model year (mid-48).
In 52 and 53 everything Ford got EAB heads except Mercs were EAC.
Because everything swaps around, you can't go on the basis of what you see in front of you. Dig into what remains of the original printed material from that era. Also keep in mind, Henry didn't waste anything so existing stocks at an assembly plant were used up before the new heads were installed on the line. What often looks like a running change was due to thriftiness.
In 52 and 53 everything Ford got EAB heads except Mercs were EAC.
Because everything swaps around, you can't go on the basis of what you see in front of you. Dig into what remains of the original printed material from that era. Also keep in mind, Henry didn't waste anything so existing stocks at an assembly plant were used up before the new heads were installed on the line. What often looks like a running change was due to thriftiness.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 420
From: Monmouth County, NJ
Calling all experts…Give us your synopsis on the 8RT heads again please. Higher compression, or lower than 8BA? Better or worse performance why did Ford use them in trucks only in 51-52? And why in trucks at all? What was the reasoning behind them? Were they used in the 53 F100 last year of the USA flat head ?
Thanks
Thanks
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 420
From: Monmouth County, NJ
can you please share this document or the link?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 794
Likes: 120
From: Behind the wheel, IN
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,303
Likes: 1,062
From: NM
That chart shows 8BA, 8RT, and Merc EAC heads having the same volume and therefore compression ratios. There are other threads on Ford Barn (that I can't find at the moment) where actual measurements of heads showed 8RT heads to have quite a bit more volume (therefore lower CR) in practice than the published "official" numbers. What everyone agrees on is that EAB's are the highest CR and flow the best. 8BA's are very close and can be milled to be as good.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,368
Likes: 420
From: Monmouth County, NJ
That chart shows 8BA, 8RT, and Merc EAC heads having the same volume and therefore compression ratios. There are other threads on Ford Barn (that I can't find at the moment) where actual measurements of heads showed 8RT heads to have quite a bit more volume (therefore lower CR) in practice than the published "official" numbers. What everyone agrees on is that EAB's are the highest CR and flow the best. 8BA's are very close and can be milled to be as good.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,303
Likes: 1,062
From: NM
I don't doubt 8RT's can be milled a reasonable amount to get to the CR of 8BA's, and likely to EAB's, but checks need to be made for clearance between the pistons and dome of the heads. It would require a substantial cut.