Best block for a 7x?

m.patterson56

I have recently acquired (2) 308 engines, both with hydramatics. One is a 1954 model and the other is a 55 Hash. I would like to build up a 7X engine for old time stock car racing, so I have some options here.

I read somewhere that the 55 was relieved at the factory similar to the 7x relief, but the crankshaft is different than earlier engines. The other question is - what do I do about the torque tube stuff at the 55 tail shaft, to convert it to an open driveshaft? Is it just a housing to be changed? I was thinking of using the 54 crank and hydramatic, in the 55 block. Is there any advantage to doing this?

I would like to go with a manual trans but the Hudson transmissions apparently have a weak input shaft (at least the early ones did) Did Hudson ever make a strong manual trans or should I graft on a Muncie or something? I could stick with a hydramatic. I heard they were pretty good.

Any comments or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks!

Mike

Glowplug

Go to my webpage and select engine from left side of main page. There is a large qty of info there http://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/index.html

m.patterson56

Thanks fella's!