I have not seen the -1a casting but it must have something to do with the series. It's still a GM. Just when I thought I knew almost everything about these units I picked up a Chevy/BW OD with a R10K-1 casting #. It has a 4 bolt side cover, a 1964 date code with the rear mount pad.
I'm going to tear it down and see if anything is different.
Fred


1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine