Stock Drive train In Stepdowns

[Deleted User]

I picked up my Hornet Coupe after having had the dual range Hydro automatic rebuilt. It runs sweet! I love the passing gear...These cars are pretty darned fast! It maded me wonder why some people would want a SBC or other non Hudson engine in their car. The only reason I can see is that is would be easier to install accesorries like A/C, power steering, etc.





I can't see any argument as far as reliability or parts availability. A rebuilt Hudson engine and trans will last for years and the stock brake system on these cars are excellent if maintained and adjusted per specs. Keep and extra water pump if you must but everything else can be had at your local NAPA store.

Park_W

Back in the mid fifties I helped a buddy put a '53 Cadillac engine in his nice 30,000 mile '51 Hornet coupe. The combo of that powerful, quiet-running Caddie and the looks and superb handling of the Hornet was pretty impressive. But nowadays I think part of the uniqueness of the Hudsons is lost when one swaps out the Hudson engine for a Brand X. As for modern refinements, it's pretty easy to put A/C in a stock-engined stepdown, and though they're getting hard to find, the bolt-in '54 power steering system is also a fairly simple job (though along with the A/C compressor, the power steering pump makes it a little crowded up front!).