Ford Blitz Restoration/Rebuild

[Private_collector]

Can anyone help me out with answers to the following questions, please?
The questions relate to interchangability of early VS 8BA parts in general.

1) Are 8BA and earlier 24 bolt heads interchangable in relation to functional use?

2) Are 8BA and earlier front-mount water pumps interchangable between the two blocks?

3) Are oil pans different between 8BA and 99A or 59A?

4) What are the reasons why an 8BA block would not fit in a CMP? More to the point, an 8BA block fitted with all possible external parts of correct engine type!

I have come across someone selling a French made Flathead V8 block which may be better proposition to having work done on my old one. These blocks have some of the characteristics of 8BA, some of the features of earlier 24 bolt blocks, and some features which are unique to the French made ones, such as thicker main bearing caps and added strength and thickness of block webbing.

Any assistance with the above points, or other info on the French block suitability, will be very much appreciated!