8BA & 8RT engines in LP Bren Gun Carriers

[Darrin Wright]

Hi, over the years I have looked at and thought about placing a 8BA (car) or 8RT (truck) Ford side valve engine into my Bren Gun Carrier.
My question is, has anyone done this? if so what problems did you encouter and what advice can you pass on?

The WW2 Ford V8 engine is 85hp and is 221ci.
What I have read, the 8BA or 8RT engine is 100hp and is 239ci. The main differences are (apart from the exta horsepower) a bolt on bell housing, water outlets on the heads are to the front, distributor is more conventional and mounted at the right front of the block/head area, bolts to secure the heads to the block (both are 24 stud).

specific questions/concerns are:
will a ford truck/carrier gear box bolt on to the different bell housing?
will bren gun carrier manifolds bolts to the 8BA block?
are the water pumps the same on both engines?
will 221 heads bolt onto the 239 block (this would give the appearance of a 221 engine) compression ratios are the same for both engines.

thoughts and feedback appreciated.
I would assume that the same idea/logic would also apply to those who have Universal carriers.