1932 Miller Ford B Block

Production of the Model B engine began in 1932 and was essentially an updated version of the Model A. It was produced for approximately four years when it was replaced by a new flathead V-8. The V-8 was marketed as the Model 18, though it was commonly dubbed the Ford V-8, and other than the engine, it was nearly indistinguishable from the Model B. Both the Model B and the Model 18 Fords were offered in a variety of body styles, including two and four-door variants. The Model 18 holds the distinction of being the first low-priced, mass-marketed car powered by a V-8 engine.

The Model B had a 200 cubic-inch displacement, a 4.9:1 compression ratio, and delivered 50 horsepower at around 2,200 RPM. It was plentiful and easily maintainable, and soon after its introduction, numerous professional upgrades became available. Some home-grown builders coaxed double and even triple the amount of horsepower from the engine. Among the list of popular conversions and upgrades were those from HAL, Pop Dreyer, RAMAR, Cragar, and Miller-Schofield - among others. The RAMAR conversion consisted of a high-compression cast-iron head, magneto ignition, a dry-sump oiling system, and Winfield carburetors. In this configuration, horsepower rose to around 150 bhp. Pop Dreyer also used Winfield carburetors, a single overhead camshaft setup, and aluminum intake manifolds with horsepower in the 200 bhp region. Some of the HAL conversions had displacement increased to 220 cubic inches, single or double overhead camshafts, a balanced crankshaft, increased compression ratio, and a HAL cylinder head.

The Miller-Schofield overhead conversion was designed by Leo Goosen for Harry Miller and was funded by several businessmen led by George L. Schofield. The design was similar to the Two-Port Riley and the Rutherford, with forged steel rocker arms to actuate the valves. Winfield carburetors were popular additions, helping to boost output to upwards of 150 hp or more.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2021