New around here

CrazyUncleHarry

Hi  Folks,
I'm new. been reading as a guest for a while. Decided to jump in.  Currently rebuilding a  1951 Hornet 308 motor, with some go fast parts.
Happy to learn any tips & tricks for a more powerful and reliable build.

Regards,
Harold

PaulButler

Welcome Harold,

Nice to have you on board. You'll find this a friendly place with many people to ask advice of.

You may also consider joining the HET Club as well. Drop on over to http://www.hetclub.org and take a look; always happy to welcome new members on board across there as well

Jon B

Hello, Harold.

Welcome to the Open Forum!  I myself own an older Hudson, so can't offer advice.  But there are plenty of folks her who can.  Perhaps you could start by asking specific questions, this might pry some answers loose!

RL Chilton

Welcome CrazyHarry!  Love your handle.  Feel free to post pics when you get a chance of your build.  We all love pics and welcome to the Open Forum!  

Browniepetersen

I am doing a 308 for my 54 that has a number of improvements as mentioned by Ken.  I think the only thing he did not mention is my 372/254 cam.  If you go bigger with cam and valves, you have to have the Twin H.  Ken has been very helpful with my engine build in helping me solve some problems that I did not understand.  I am now up and running and doing some road tests...

Ol racer

FYI

It all depends on your goal.and funds. If the motor is apart and undergoing a basic rebuild now is the time to at least install larger valves doing a multi-angle valve job, Match the Int ports, Install a performance Cam, with a double Roller Timing Chain, (Stock Chains stretch quiickly), mill the 308 head, or better yet, install a 262 head. From there you can install Headers, Electronic Ignition, larger Intake & Carbs, Bore & Stroke, Pump Modification, Install Head Studs, Adapt GM Transmission, and more.....

The Guru of Hornet Modification (and for most of these Hi Perf Parts) is Randy & Russ Maas @ 21st Century Hudson www.21stcenturyhudson.net

CrazyUncleHarry

I obtained my Hornet  project from an old time Drag  Racer who was planning to put it into a FED (front-engine dragster) to run in the vintage class.  He got two motors, one with an irreparably cracked block. He cut that one up. He created a two cylinder section to use as a flow bench test model.  He  also sectioned the intake and exhaust passages to see what kind of wall thicknesses existed for porting and polishing. The good motor came with a good (non-warped) Edmunds head, which has been milled flat, and cc'd etc. I have a matching small plenum Edmunds aluminum intake manifold, and a custom, brand new Joe Hunt Magneto, still in the box. 
The Good block has been mag'd and boiled, cleaned, ported, valve relieved, painted, and Glyptol-ed.  It's  all ready to  go back together with custom  pistons. I will be using a race cam,  the 21st century Roller timing chain, 1/2" ARP head studs and hardware etc.  and a Wilcap adapter to  put a decent 4 speed manual trasmission behind it.  I plan on running Clifford Headers.  

I  would love to find a Clifford head to purchase and run on this.

I have also toyed with the idea of using a cast iron stock head, and putting some low boost to it with a vintage  McCulloch supercharger.

Thank you for the welcome here.  I hope to be able to reach  out to Randy & Russ for some High Performance advice and tuning  suggestions.

Ol racer

FYI
There are a couple of Hudson's that have Turbo's. Actually, Turbo's are the latest trend and heard much better than Superchargers...