Technical EAB flathead I. D.

On my search to gather parts for a future build I came across a Flathead. The guy that had it said it was a 1950 8BA. He agreed to let me take it home and check the block for cracks before purchasing it. When I got it home I discovered it had EAB heads.
If you Flathead experts out there can give me a little info on this motor I'd appreciate it.

Thanks, Aaron

 

Nice find. EAB heads are supposed to be higher compression and desirable heads if not using after market aluminum heads. EAB's on a Mercury block used to be a sought after combo. Probably still is.

Tim

 

the E A B on the heads indicates a 1952 or newer Ford engine. In 1952 the comp ratio was increased from 6.8 to 7.2 to 1. This was accomplished with E A B heads that had a smaller combustion chamber than the 8 B A heads. The E A B engines were rated at 110 H.P. while the 8 R T engines were rated at 100 H.P.

 

The EAB heads are '52-'53 Ford.
On this engine the water pumps & lower pulley are 8BA, '49 only Ford.
Also on this engine is an aftermarket dual side exhaust manifold for a passenger car.

These wide belt water pumps without the motor mount "ears" were also used on '53 Ford pickups, one year only.

 

I paid good money to get a hold of a set of EAB heads for my 8BA. Those are a score of you're not planning on aftermarket heads immediately or at all.

A set of Drake water pumps will give you fresh pumps and flat mounting ears to set down in your frame.

That engine's still got paint on it and the plugs and carb are still there, so chances are high it's decent inside and not a rusty boat anchor. Does it turn? Cracks are the only thing I'd be concerned with on that one otherwise.

 

Thanks to all you guys for the good info. I'm in the process of removing the heads, cleaning, and inspecting. It looks like water has gotten into the motor at some point. I wire brushed some of the area, and so far no cracks. We'll see how it goes tonight.

Aaron

 

Looking good to me! I'd have probably bought it already though

 

Cleaned up right side. Pistons are .060 over. The motor turns over also.
If there are no cracks, do you guys think this is worth $600? It comes with a 1950 ford 3 speed side shift tranny, bell housing and starter.

 

I'd probably buy that for $600

 

It's worth it. Is the exhaust manifold from Douglas ?

 

I have no idea frosty

 

I'm really hoping I can clean this up real good, replace only what needs to be, and get this running on a low budget.

 

The mag particle inspection showed 3 different areas that had cracks from the bolt holes to the water jacket. No cracks to the valves or cylinders.
The fist pic shows one crack from the bolt hole going upwards, but stops. From what I've read these cracks are common and ok to have. What do you guys think?

 

Very common & not a problem--Run It.

 

just got a 51 M1 with EAB heads! Looks like you have similar engine.

 

Looks good! Those cracks are common and wont Make any difference. Should be pretty east to get running again.

 

Those cracks are normal & cause no problems as stated. While you have the heads off, with one piston at bottom center take a tape measure & see what your stroke is. You might get lucky & have a 4" stroke Merc crank in there.

 

$500 would be a fair price if it doesn't come with a starter, generator and fan pulley bracket set up.
The letters 8RT were also the prefix for pick up truck parts. Here's more info.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6498
https://www.earlyfordv8.org/forum/printthread.cfm?Forum=18&Topic=5417
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/flathead-ford-v8-identification.340450/