1947 super 6 drivemaster

Comm6

Hi everyone I need some input... I just aquire a 1947 Super 6 212 engine and with a drivemaster transmission. My issue is the engine has thrown a rod wich made a nasty hole with the rod sticking out. The drivemaster transmission works when it wants to as far as engaging the later gears on its own. However manually works great. My question is since I am going to replace and or rebuild the engine what would be my better choice? No I am not dropping a 350 chevy into it. I want to keep it either with the 212 if I can find one or upgrade to a 262 or a 308 and is this possible with little to no modification and how can I do this??? Any input is greatly appreciated.

Jon B

I'd say you shouldn't have much trouble finding a spare '47 engine block as a basis for rebuilding.  You might even try a website like the H.A.M.B. to see if you can get a good operating engine from someone who's street rodding a Hudson.

I am not a '47 owner but I'm sure someone will jump in here and tell you that you can easily drop a StepDown engine in your car.

In the older, pre-war cars, it's common knowledge that a Jet engine fits the engine compartment quite nicely, and gives on a much more modern engine with more power, than the original 3x5 splasher six.  However, this would not be the Cowboy Way for those of us who continue to soldier on with our elderly, primitive engines, enduring the occasional connecting rod through the block.

My guess is that you should be able to rebuild your Drivemaster to work well, if you can find someone to offer you some advice.  The parts are generally out there, many of them NOS.  (I for example, once acquired a brand new switch along with some parts from a dealership.  This is a huge affair, 6 or 8 inches long with places to plug the various cables for Drivemaster.  And I've seen them for sale since, so you don't have to worry about disassembling and rebuilding yours.

Comm6

This is my new project

Comm6

Jon B thanks for the input. I have a 262 with a 3 speed with OD off my StepDown commodore I had. IfI can pop it in there with little to no mods I will go that route.

Lee ODell

Comm6
I like the your car, looks good. The 262 with OD will fit nicely. Plenty of room. I pulled the Commodore 262 with three speed w/OD complete out of my 47 PU. Same engine compartment as your super 6. You will need to upgrade to larger radiator and shorten driveshaft. So your 262 engine with OD combination will make for a better cruising Hudson on the road to the Hudson International Meet next year. I vote, go for it.
It might be easier to drop engine in first then connect transmission. I was to lazy to remove the floor pan over the transmission when I pulled engine & trans.
Lee O'Dell

Comm6

Lee O'Dell... I thank you for the great info if all I have to modify is the driveshaft that is great news!! I will make the radiator larger it has a custom shroud and fan already. I had an issue with my 49 commodore as far as overheating especially living in Las Vegas Nevada I learned that very quick.

Huddy42

Did your car have a fibre camshaft gear.? If so , that is possibly the reason it threw it's rod.It should have an aluminium gear if a 1947.

Comm6

Huddy42 I am not sure I have yet to take it apart I was just trying to see what route is best for me to take on this issue.