1BA Cyl. Block Info

J

JWL

Member Emeritus
After reviewing the Ford drawings I can conclude the 1BA was produced both with and without the 8 seat rings throughout the production period. The last issue date I find for changes was 5 May 1952. Those were minor changes making main bearing cap bolts and washers of varying types "optional". The 1BA could have 4 configurations denoted as A-B-C and D. The A&B with seat rings and the C&D without seat rings.

What is not clear from my review is the vehicle type a specific configuration was assigned to. At this point I can only guess which vehicles received which type.
 
That certainly explains why I have found the 1BA blocks with and without the eight exhaust seat rings. Could it be Ford was experimenting with and without the seat rings by installing them in just about anything then let the users buying the vehicles become the testers? Discovering the results later if and when engines were returned for factory authorized rebuilds. Makes one wonder.
Ronnieroadster
 
Just to add a little more information for history's sake, I just went through the dates on my car, which was a late 1951 build. The original engine that I removed from the car 5 years ago since it was making a funny noise, has a build date stamped on the intake surface of June 22, 1951. The assembly date on the cowl data plate says the car itself was assembled on June 26, 1951. I have the original owners manual and invoice for the car. "Got car July 2, 1951" is written in pencil in the "NOTES" section of the owners manual and is also on the hand-written invoice. Interestingly, it has "8BA" cast in the valley.

The car was built a the St. Paul plant.
 
Its pretty clear at this point the 1BA and 8BA were both used in any type of vehicle during the 51 and 52 times period. I'm still looking for good usable 1BA blocks with out the valve seat rings there out there somewhere.
Ronnieroadster
 
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