help on 49/53 ford V8

K

kswarbird

Junior Member
I have started to resurrect a flathead V8 and could use some help on:
indntifying year........heads have 8BA8050 8R1 B88 cast om them
I have the intake manifold that goes with the enging and also a merc manifold and carb-ICM 9423- would there be any advantage in using the merc intake manifold........also have merc fuel pump.
I really enjoy the Ford Barn and am looking forward to hearing from the knowledgeable folks........thanks in advance.......Pat
 
Depending on what you're lookin for . . . for stock applications, I'd use the Ford manifold. If you're looking to "warm up" the engine a little, the Merc. manifold with the riser passages slightly enlarged and a Rochester 2GC carb will flow almost as much air as 2 stock 8BA/8RT carbs and be a lot easier to tune that the 2X2 setup. Hope this helps and good luck with your project.
 
thanks for the reply Henry,
I am attempting a 23 bucket hot rod, but at 70 yrs old won't take much to feel souped up.......woulld you know what year the engine is? Pat
 
It's probably a ford 48-53 8BA - at least the heads are. Trucks got the engine in 48, cars in 49. Canada used it thru 54.

The engines are all the same so the year really doesn't matter. None of your posted numbers help identify it further. When I need parts I sometimes just make it up and ask for parts to fit a 1950 car engine. The books usually have that.

Sounds like a fun project you've got going there.

You might find something on the crank, but probably not.
 
You may be able to check the date code on the block. This one translates to 5/10/51.
 

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I did a 53 merc engine, it had datecodes on the backside of the main bearings. Good luck with your project.
 
We should also mention that Ford used the letter I in place of the number 1 so your merc intake would be from a casting that started in 1951 - 1CM.

Ford has a consistent habit of using a casting number until a major reconfiguration comes along. The 8BA casting 'number' was used on heads until '52 when they were noted as EAB. It helps keep it confusing.
 
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