What can you tell me about this block

[Merc Cruzer]

What can you tell me about this block, as to production date and or year, Ford or Merc?

[Ross F-1]

1BA was the '51-on model without hardened seats and with valve rotators. Not sure if I see hardened seats on yours tho?

[3738]

Don't know, but watch out for the impending criticism for hanging the engine off the bell housing....

[2tudors]

I thought that was safe with the newer blocks?

[Mike in AZ]

should be fine on the later blocks...it's not hanging from the bell housing....bellhousing is separate....Mike

[JWL]

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It is the latest issue of the Ford blocks used in the U.S. And, in my opinion, the best of the 8BA style blocks. Those that were used in trucks and industrial applications often had seat rings for the valves.

It has not been properly cleaned unless the fuel pump pushrod bushing has been re-installed after cleaning?

[Bluebell]

If you google "Vanpelt sales" there is a fair bit of info to be gained.
Like Ross said, 1951 100hp Ford block (from that site)

[Dale Fairfax]

In addition to what has been said; there is NO difference between Ford and Mercury in '49-'53 blocks. The basic block was the same-the Merc had no unique identity until the crankshaft, pistons, cylinder heads, and intake manifold were installed.

[Bluebell]

Except that the Mercury block was a "1CM"
BTW. the "4" after the 1BA indicates the assembly plant.(once again from Vanpelts site)

[rotorwrench]

Many blocks have a code that is "stamped" in the intake deck on the rear right side. That is as close as you can get to dating one to a month of manufacture. Ford, Merc, all the same. You don't see many with a 1BA casting number. It may have been a replacement block. I have several blocks that were cast in the 51 time frame and none of them have the casting number in the valley like that. I'll have to check more of them for that. Most casting numbers have no known meaning unless FoMoCo records show up that say otherwise.

[Merc Cruzer]

Thank you all for the information. As it turns out that was the replacement block for my 53' Merc two years ago. To start, I had the block and heads magnafluxed...no cracks. I used the crank (had it polished and balanced with the rods, pistons, bearings and rings), rods, pistons (.060), intake, oil pump, and carb from the old engine. I installed the EAC heads and an 1CM cam. Had the block bored out +.060 and installed hardened seats: intake and exhaust. Had the heads and the block milled (minimal to make sure they were flat). New bearings all around along with new valves and guides and lifters. It was great experience building my own engine, after the machine work was completed.

[Merc Cruzer]

The back of the block is cast with an "M" in the top center. Went to the Vanpelt web site and noticed this:

1950 - 0M 8 110 118" Passenger (Mercury)
1951 - 1M 8 112 118" Passenger (Mercury)



Not sure is this would represent Mercury. Just another part of the puzzle. Chose this block since it had no ridges at the top of the bore. He had a whole rack of them sitting out side, and told me to just go pick one.

[Ol' Ron]

You might consider installing a set of EAB heads milled for .040" piston clearance. Your biggest improvement in performance and economy would come with a converted SBC dist. Probably not what the purest would like, but it makes a difference.

[Merc Cruzer]

Ron:

I fought heat for two years and now for the last two years it has been under control, so yes the extra power might be nice but power = heat. It climbs the 3000 ft from Denver to the house (8300 ft) in third gear (Merc-O-Matic) without effort in a 12 mile distance. You are right on the Dist, I am too much of a purest. Anywasy if I had the power I would then be tempted to use it and then.... red and blue light in the rear view mirror....not good! Good talking to you again.

[rotorwrench]

Damn, that ol Merc does pretty well. I've been up that route a time or two (US 285) and its a pretty good climb. I wonder what temperature the trans fluid gets up to on that treck? If it stays blow the H for that then the flats would be a cinch.

[Merc Cruzer]

rotorwrench:

Good question as to the transmission temp. I can tell you on a 80 + degree day the engine never gets above 180. Good block cleaning for two weeks and an original auto transmission radiator that has been rodded out and thoroughly cleaned was done to cure the overheating and it worked. I have now blocked off the heat risers. What a difference in the sound of the duals not to mention the temp of the intake and the carb. When the water temp is 180 the carb is (see picture).... the heat riser before and after blocking it off and the carb after closing it off. No need for spacers under the carb. I can see a day when I am knocking ice off the carb! OK so maybe that is a bit of a stretch

[JWL]

If you read my book you will see the "how and why" explanation that adding the EAB heads, as Ron suggested, will actually result in LESS heat going into the coolant while increasing efficiency and power. There are many myths in the Flathead world.

[Merc Cruzer]

JWL:

I have no doubt that you may be right but Ron was correct when he said: Probably not what the purest would like, but it makes a difference.

[rotorwrench]

Every time I see the old movie The Long Long Trailer, it makes me cringe. They gave that old Merc a good thrashing for sure.

[Merc Cruzer]

rototwrench:
I wonder what ever happened to the car. As it turns out my car was built to the same specs: gray tan top (code 100), Yosemite Yellow (code 19) and black and yellow interior (code 372)...I can trace mine back to Santa Barbara, CA...and that it was built in the LA plant. I know that the owner was at least the second owner, if not more. Had a number for him but it was disconnected? When I show the car I have a poster and DVD of the movie in the trunk. It is amazing just how many people have seen that movie. It is fun to drive the car to say the least. It was just pure dumb luck I ever found it...even though it was in a 100 boxes.