8 replies to this topic

[Danny1]

Can anyone say What BDA stand for
Like Mike Wilds drove a Ralt RT1-BDA.
What kind of motor is that?

Greetings Dann1

[Frank de Jong]

BDA=Belt driven type A. Roadgoing engine designed for the Ford escort RS1600. Originally 1601 cc, 4 valves per cylinder. Based on the Cosworth FVA but with belt-driven camshafts.
Designation used for all sorts of F2 engines (2 litre) based on this block and head.

[Rainer Nyberg]

It should also be mentioned that the Cosworth BDA engines were badged as Fords. See illustration below.
Also the BD series were developed over the years BDB, BDC, BDD, BDE, BDG and so on. But usually the BDA tag stuck even for the developed versions.

The BD series was replaced with the YB series in the mid 1980s.
It was seen in the Sierra RS Cosworth and Escort RS Cosworth.

[Danny1]

Thanks for your help

So I learn something about motortechnics

Greetings Danny1

[Catalina Park]

If you look at the cutaway you will see it is a three camshaft engine (2 up 1 down)!

[Frank de Jong]

You've are right, the BDA actually has a sort of third camshaft, not for the valves but the ignition ditributor and some pumps were driven by this shaft. I can't look it up now, but IIRC this shaft is the remains of the OHV Cortina block where the BDA was based on. And why remove something that still has a function?

[leegle]

That shaft is referred to as a 'jackshaft' and is also present if I remember rightly on the Fiat 125 engine.;)

[Rainer Nyberg]

The Saab 2-litre slanted-four used between 1972-80 also used a similar shaft. The shaft provided drive for the waterpump and distributor.

[Catalina Park]

Yes the shaft is just a standard camshaft left in to run the distributor and oil pump but I wonder if the lobes are perfect or not?