Speaking of 308s

Unknown

Ive been following the 7X posts - Im wondering how to tell a 308 - should I run across one in an old Hudson . what years were they built . Id like to get one for my 52 club coupe .

Aaron D. IL

The 308 was in Hudsons from '51-'57 but only in the Hornet models. Twin H was available from '52 onward.

That said, many Hudson owners have put 308's in Hudsons that did not leave the factory with them. They are physically the same size as a 232 and a 262 and sometimes they have the heads from the 232 to boost compression and thereby performance so you might see a 308 with a head that has "232" and/or "powerdome" stamped on it and it's not a 232. But you wans to be sure you're not buying a 232.

After Hudson closed up shop JC whitney sold a lot of crate 308's that went into Hudson's other than Hornets too. Even in the '50's Jim Moran, the famous Chicago Hudson dealer put 308's in used Pacemakers and put badges on them that said "Baby Hornet"to increase their resale value.

But I'm not quite sure how else to tell a 308 in a car except for serial numbers on the block if they match the one on the car door post. If you're contemplating putting a 308 in a Hudson you want a '54 block or later. The 1951 block started base with 145 HP (a.k.a. H145) You could boost that with an aluminum head, and more in '52 with Twin H Power, and I think by '54 they had the 308 putting out 175 HP stock. I've been told in racing tune it was an honest 200 HP.

nick s

Aaron D. IL wrote:

The 308 was in Hudsons from '51-'57 but only in the Hornet models. But I'm not quite sure how else to tell a 308 in a car except for serial numbers on the block if they match the one on the car door post. If you're contemplating putting a 308 in a Hudson you want a '54 block or later.

The only 57's with 308 were austrailian exports- domestic Hornets were 327 V8's. The easiest identification of a 308 is the prescence of a reinforcing rib about two inches above the oil pan flange. as for the difference between 51-53 and 54 is mearly extra relief in the valve area.

Aaron D. IL

nick s wrote:

The only 57's with 308 were austrailian exports- domestic Hornets were 327 V8's. The easiest identification of a 308 is the prescence of a reinforcing rib about two inches above the oil pan flange. as for the difference between 51-53 and 54 is mearly extra relief in the valve area.

Yeah that extra valve relief is what gave the '54 308's their boost, the factory touted them as "HUDSON INSTANT ACTION ENGINES WITH SUPER INDUCTION!!!!" WOW!!! LOL

Geoff

Aaron D. IL wrote:

Yeah that extra valve relief is what gave the '54 308's their boost, the factory touted them as "HUDSON INSTANT ACTION ENGINES WITH SUPER INDUCTION!!!!" WOW!!! LOL

You have to admit it sounds a lot better than "Huge lunker with bits ground out of the block!"

464Saloon

Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:

You have to admit it sounds a lot better than "Huge lunker with bits ground out of the block!"

That's funny!

Unknown

Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:

You have to admit it sounds a lot better than "Huge lunker with bits ground out of the block!"

That was !!!Good!!, but thru

Unknown

Hey guys. I just got a call from the machinest who has my 308 out of my '51 Hornet. After pulling it apart, he saw extensive damage including cracks in 4 or 5 of the cylanders (which he showed me). I bought the car thinking the engine had been rebuilt and never run, because that's what the previous owner said he had done, and he showed me all his receipts and documentation. Turns out he got duped, and the shop only replaced the guide pins. Anyways, now I'm forced to pay for a whole rebuild that I've been quoted over $6,000 for. I just graduated college and I don't have the money for that. Anyone have any leads on a good replacement motor? I live in Seattle.



Thanks,

Neil

Nevada Hudson

1952seattlewasp wrote:

Hey guys. I just got a call from the machinest who has my 308 out of my '51 Hornet. After pulling it apart, he saw extensive damage including cracks in 4 or 5 of the cylanders (which he showed me). I bought the car thinking the engine had been rebuilt and never run, because that's what the previous owner said he had done, and he showed me all his receipts and documentation. Turns out he got duped, and the shop only replaced the guide pins. Anyways, now I'm forced to pay for a whole rebuild that I've been quoted over $6,000 for. I just graduated college and I don't have the money for that. Anyone have any leads on a good replacement motor? I live in Seattle.



Thanks,

Neil

Dave Kostansek rebuilds Hornet 308's . Had an advertisement in the WTN, for $2,500 exchange. (440) 994-9173 or (440) 293-4079 call before 8p.m. Eastern time. He's a pleasure doing buisness with.