what have I got--EAB

J

jetrod

Member
I recently obtained a 52-F1 with a motor with EAB cast in the heads. I don't find this # in any of the info I have. What is it? JR
 
In general, the latter year flatheads were commonly referred to as the "8BA" type for Ford and "8CM" for Mercury. The truck version was identified as an "8RT". Later 1952 and '53 Fords and Mercurys were known as "EAB" and "EAC" respectively. These markings are generally cast into the cylinder heads. Be aware that all these heads are interchangeable and may not be on the original engines.
 
The reason that they may have been put on is that they are the best (highest compression) late model heads. They are not a bad thing to have. The other only real differences are the Mercury has a 1/4 longer stroke and a slightly better camshaft profile than a Ford. Somebody has been in there before (the "EAB" heads), so let's hope they put in a Mercury engine at the same time. One can only hope.:D

Pull the heads and measure the stroke. If you don't want to do that, take a look at the brass fitting on the side of the oil filter. I have found that Fords usually have square, "blocky" ones, while all Mercury's I have seen had a rounded fitting. Also, what color is the engine?
 
EAB are definitely higher compression the the 8RT heads that are usually on trucks. The Mercury EAC heads also have a lower compression ratio than the EAB types due to the higher cubic inch displacement. EACs will give a 255 cid engine roughly the same compression ratio as a 239 cid Ford with EAB heads.
 
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