Hopefully going to start this come winter. Had this car for 6 years and finally going to get to it. Got the 455 w/****** for $100. Yes it runs. Anyone ever done this or something like it? Got any tips to make it go smoother? The car runs and drives great with original drivetrain but 50 mph is all you get for long distance. Also wanting to tow my A Sedan with a towbar behind it. Appearance is going to stay the same. Just going to have some big cubes under the hood.
Sounds like a great combo. You can't beat the torque of the 455 even in stock form! How about some pics? .
Great engine for towing. Lots of torque. You will never know you are towing anything. Build it mainly stock and it will last more miles than you will probably put on it. If you are not going to rebuild, at least change the timing chain and gear. The factory gear is plastic coated and gets brittle after a number of years. As far as exhaust, shorty headers are available from Hedman and will work great or run manifolds from a big Olds without the crossover pipe. Never heard of one in a Hudson, but I'll bet you can make it fit. Run a 400 turbo trans for trouble free service.
If your going with headers you have to weld up the center exhaust divider between the two ports, it doesn't go flush with the head. The original manifolds are usually cracked. I ***ume for that price its a smogger low compression version (72 - 76) nothing wrong with that, lower horsepower than older versions but still more torque than you'll ever need, perfect for towing at low RPM's
Got a 425 Olds in my 1936 Ford Truck. Those things are fun, you're not gonna regret it! Keep us updated.
50 mph? Something's not right with the stock drivetrain then.... I mean, they used to race these Hudsons and win - Steering column clearance is going to be the only real issue with that swap. You might be able to work around it with manifolds meant for a 403 or 307. The late Toronado manifolds would be worth a look, too.
I was thinkin about sticking a bbc in my 53 superwasp while i was going through the flat 6,upon closer inspection i don't see how in the world it would clear the steering gear . so i opted out.you'll probably have to put a rack under it, also ****** cross member is part of the frame structure so it'll have to be cut and refabbed.it CAN be done ,i just did'nt want to cut my car up. J.R.
Racer29 Your going to find the center steering arm and column are in the way. It's been done at least I've seen v8's in them but it doesn't seem to work out well with the Hudson clip. If your dead set on it you might want to clip the car with a nova front subframe. One way to find out on that 455 is to try and fit it. Dave Hitch FBBF
50 in a 51 Hudson? Better make sure you've got a full compliment of plugs in that six. *Back in the day* (1952?), I spent most of a weekend in the backseat of a 48, while Dad and Uncle hammered it down the road at 75 - 80. Memorable line, mid-afternoon of the second day, "Ed, why don't you kick this thing in the *** and get moving?" Ed, "Jesus Christ, I'm doing 80". Bill
1950 hudson with stock drivetrain was my only car for 6 months. I had it a couple of years Definitely capable of freeway speeds 65 -70 with hudson 6
'Sounds very cool. A friend of mine had a Olds 455 in his '50 Cadillac (now it has a Olds 350), so I see no reason not to put one in a Hudson...
Boy I knew I was gonna get some response when I said it'll only go 50. I have had it to 65 but it is really screaming. It doesn't have overdrive so I think that's alot of it. It runs great. It's the 232 engine and 3 on the tree. Smooth as a singer sewing machine. Thanks for all the info and what to look for in crossmember, exhaust and steering clearance, etc... I was expecting it to be a challenge with the Hudson clip. We'll see how it goes. If you come up with anything else please feel free to send me a pm or post here. Thanks. Also the original drivetrain will probably be up for sale in the not too distant future. It has 76000 miles on it.
About 15 years ago a friend put a 350/350 combo in a circa 1950 Hudson. That went very easy, but I think the Olds might present a few more challanges. The one problem is the starter being on the drivers side. Anything is possible, some are just harder than others. Don
Buick, Pontiac, Olds, and Cadillac all have the starter on the drivers side, its nothing to worry about. there are lots of manifold possibilities if you run into a problem, post pictures we will help. Don't forget those front bolts, a Hurst style mount may be easier than going from the factory mounts.
That would be a 262. Look for a 53-54 rearend, they're a Dana 44 and you can change them to a better gear ratio. Another option is a Ranger pickup, but you need to play a little because the mounts are actually slightly V'ed (narrower at the rear) on the stocker.
Great choice. I have a 455/th400 Olds in my 55 Caddy, runs down the freeway excellent. Gonna put a hidden trailer hitch on my new 1 I am building now.
if ya look at my "signature" you'll be able see whats in the way before you yank your out..& the rear leafs that rustynewyorker was talking about...
Read Smokey Yunick's book on NASCAR Racing (and Pat Ganahl's book on Supercharging) Smokey was the chief mechanic AND preparation boss for the NASCAR Hudsons in '49 & '50. (the ones that p***ed the new Olds 88s on turn 4) Smokey had the Hudsons 'on the bottle', and by the race's end was protested and found guilty...but as Smokey said: "There ain't a rule agin' it, so I went ahead..." They sold a lot of Hudson Hornets those years...never saw one beat an Olds at the drags, though. Some old duffer told me "The Hudson Hornets had chrome steel blocks. Couldn't wear 'em out!" (a metalurgist, too?) Respect for your elders is sometimes strained... Hudsons haul *** with Oldses in 'em. Seen a couple with '56 Oldses & hydros...
It's definitely a 232. Hudson's have it stamped right on the head by the waterneck. This was the smallest engine in the lowest option car which is the Pacemaker and that's what I have. Other engine options as you probably well know, were the 262 and the 308 and the ever famous factory dual carb. Thanks so much for the tips
I have a dual quad 455 Olds w/TH400 in my 59 pickup. I needed to offset the engine to the right about 2" to clear the steering box - no biggie. I used a modified BB chevy swap kit and headman headers. The engine is setback as far as it will go, but I wished I lowered it more. I could have dropped it a few more inches. You will want around a 3.08 rear gear. If you need a low intake, 66-68 Toro intakes are ultra low, and they flow well. The Toro air cleaners look pretty cool too. Make sure your wheels are straight forward before to floor it. Lotsa power
Well I haven't even got started and I came across a whole drivetrain from a Caddy Limo. If it works out I am using this instead. It's a '78 with the 425 that got totalled in a hail storm. It's still a complete running car so it's will be a great donor. I wanted a Caddy motor anyways as I have one in me '29 Sedan and love it. I know it's not the most desirable of the Caddy engines but it will be a good setup for the Hudson. Back to the drawing board.
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