54 or 55 308

dlydonmn7fav

I have a bear eng block casting 5325000 date code k234 is this a good block for rebuilding it has a differnt rear main seal then my 51 308 is this a high nickel block, there is no ser # on block or did thay move it  Thanks for any info and opinions

Ric West IN

This is a 55 production cast in Nov 23 of 1954.  As for nickel content, I have no idea. 

"Ric"

Ol racer

fyi

Ive heard all Hornet blocks were hi-Nickle until sometime in late '55, but im no expert.Regarding rebuilding, the '55 - '56 are slightly more desirable because had more valve relief to begin with, hydraulic lifters (only because valve adjustment was difficult in the Nash body),1/2" head bolts, different rear seal, and crank flange that would accept a flywheel for dry clutch

dlydonmn7fav

if block checks out at mechine shop i'm planing on putting the rotating assemly from my 51 308 with 3 bad cracks in velv ramp to pistion area, motor has about 7,000 miles on it, plan on doing a few up dates bigger velvs modern timing chane a little porting, so this 55 block will work for this swap of part, this is going a 50 stepdown pacemaker

Nevada Hudson

Only hydraulic lifters on the '56.

Ol racer

FYI
Contact Randy Maas 21st Century Hudson for all your H/Perf Eng parts including the Spacer needed for the Flywheel with earlier crank.

dlydonmn7fav

i plan on useing crank rods pistion from 51 308 in 55 308  i can do that, it will fit i thought i read that its been done,will order timming chain from randy maas monday

Ol racer

FYI
Yes,  crank Assy fits right in block but definitely will need to use a '55 Rear Seal.(Its different) Regarding flywheel spacer,talk to Randy.. Its only needed depending on which flywheel you utilize.with '55 crank in earlier blocks or vice versa...No big deal since randy stocks the spacer if needed.  Ive always utilized earlier Blocks.

Kdancy

I had often wondered if the Hudson built vs AMC built 308 block hardness was just something that started back when AMC started or was actually fact based on actual testing of the two. Rudy Bennett, who has raced Hudson's for years and has a turbocharged 308 in a 51 Super Six brougham, had an AMC block hardness tested, and an earlier block tested. Both were the same.
I think this is just an old wives tale that just keeps getting passed down and has become "fact".

Frankvintagefullflowcom

KD,

I had heard the same thing from a respected Escondido member and believe it is true. I suspect that the Chrome alloy block was somewhat stronger but "strong" doesn't necessarily mean "hard". Only a metallurgical analysis would tell if there was a difference between the Hudson and AMC blocks and I can't afford that right now. Besides, what does it matter? I'll take either one.

F