Hudson Powered Hot Rod's

Ol racer

Check out Rudy Bennett's awsome Turbo Charged Hudson Hot Rod... It draws a lot of attention where ever he goes.....



Rudy can provide more detail...

bent metal

That's cool. I'd like to see more pictures of that.

Let me see if I can get some pictures of a 350 CID Hudson I know of. If they haven't already been posted.

Ol racer

There are many updates available to make Hudson Motors more powerful than ever before and, as reliable as todays modern engines.. [B]Additionally, there are Experts that can supply necessary Equipment and provide Performance advice ....



I think with the re-newed interest in building Flathead V8's lately just to be different than the same-o big Three powerplants, makes building a Hornet, the ultimate 'King of Flatheads', a no brainer...



Why? Because I never seen a flathead V8 be competitive with a Hornet even when modified... It took an Olds or Hemi just to come close ...... but I guess I am biased...



Ol Racer

SuperDave

Ol racer wrote:

There are many updates available to make Hudson Motors more powerful than ever before and, as reliable as todays modern engines.. [B]Additionally, there are Experts that can supply necessary Equipment and provide Performance advice ....



I think with the re-newed interest in building Flathead V8's lately just to be different than the same-o big Three powerplants, makes building a Hornet, the ultimate 'King of Flatheads', a no brainer...



Why? Because I never seen a flathead V8 be competitive with a Hornet even when modified... It took an Olds or Hemi just to come close ...... but I guess I am biased...



Ol Racer

You're not biased..Just realistic! Ya can't argue with history.. It's just a plain fact. GM and Mopar made some racreable engines, but none can compete with pure cubic inches.

[Deleted User]

Ol racer wrote:

There are many updates available to make Hudson Motors more powerful than ever before and, as reliable as todays modern engines.. [B]Additionally, there are Experts that can supply necessary Equipment and provide Performance advice ....



I think with the re-newed interest in building Flathead V8's lately just to be different than the same-o big Three powerplants, makes building a Hornet, the ultimate 'King of Flatheads', a no brainer...



Why? Because I never seen a flathead V8 be competitive with a Hornet even when modified... It took an Olds or Hemi just to come close ...... but I guess I am biased...



Ol Racer

I subscribe to the above philosophy.



And, couldn't be happier with what I've found. I just hope that I can one day finish my own big stroker, and maybe have some fun on the strip with it.



Anybody got a 33-34 Terraplane coupe they'd donate to the cause? ( I already know the answer to that one).



Mark

[Deleted User]

Man, I'm glad I'm not the only one who recognizes the power of the 308. I just picked up a 28 Essex coupe last weekend and can't WAIT to mock the 308 up in those skinny rails. Mmm-mmm.



Just need to cobble together the whole car and rebuild the 308, but the dream is very much alive and this much closer to reality.

[Deleted User]

Sambone wrote:

Man, I'm glad I'm not the only one who recognizes the power of the 308. I just picked up a 28 Essex coupe last weekend and can't WAIT to mock the 308 up in those skinny rails. Mmm-mmm.



Just need to cobble together the whole car and rebuild the 308, but the dream is very much alive and this much closer to reality.

28 Essex coupe, I'm completely jealous!



There seem to be more of us Hudson speed fanatics coming out of the woodwork, which is good! I hope to see more of them gravitate to this website. Then we can swap tech, we seem to encounter things that have been forgotten and need rediscovered.



I'm tickled that some of the Old Guard is showing up, to prevent some of us from re-inventing the wheel.



Mark

terraplane8

It would be nice to see a hot Hudson 8 slotted into something.

[Deleted User]

terraplane8 wrote:

It would be nice to see a hot Hudson 8 slotted into something.

I completely agree. It would definitely be a labor of love - but I've always wanted to see a Hudson 8 taken to the limit.



I only wish their oiling systems were as appealing as their looks.



Mark

terraplane8

`Hudsonator wrote:

I completely agree. It would definitely be a labor of love - but I've always wanted to see a Hudson 8 taken to the limit.



I only wish their oiling systems were as appealing as their looks.



Mark

Unless you are circuit racing with very good rubber and high G-forces I don't see what is wrong with the existing system. After all Railtons were used in competition extensively including the Light Sports one that lapped Brooklands at 112mph or so and then drove home........and Rolls-Royce who were very impressed with the engine in 1933 didn't say anything about the splash oiling as a shortcoming that I have read. They did enjoy revving to it 5,800rpm or so with stronger valve springs in their quest to find the top vibration period, equating to 70mph or so in second gear.



Also the engines were capable of top speed runs of over 2,000 miles continuously.

[Deleted User]

Gentlemen,



I've just pulled the straight eight down to the block/crank/pistons outta my '42 Commodore Eight Coupe. I NEED your help! I've got many 'friends' who build street rods who are trying their best to talk me out of building this 254 Hudson eight motor and using a 'boring' small block Chevy.



This car would just lose something if I didn't put that Hudson eight back into it, with a few mods. I want to build this eight but I'm more of a body and fab guy and although I know my way around an engine I really don't know what I need to accomplish to get this engine respectable and reliable (I like to drive my cars-alot).



Update on my '42 coupe project is body is off the frame, blasted and epoxy primered. Just finished a front suspension modification where I'm using NORS Hudson cross shafts and original lower control arms modified to accept a set of new '55-'57 Chevy 2 inch dropped spindles with GM disc brakes. Using the original upper cross shafts modified to use tubular 'racing' control arms with ball joints to fit those Chevy spindles. Wilcap is working me up a quote to supply an adapter plate to bolt a GM 700R4 transmission up to that 254 eight engine and then I will use a GM rear axle with new leaf springs.



But back to my engine, seriously guys, I need help in the form of advice and if anybody wants to get their hands on it with me, let me know, you would be graciously received. I've got designs in my head for custom built headers and a two or three carb intake. I can accomplish this kind of fabrication. I just need to know what this engine can handle in the way of flow or compression modifications? Can I shave the head and how much for better compression? Babbit or machined for modern bearings? CFM for intake? Cam regrind? Ignition improvements? Throw away the nylon timing gear? Fuel pump adequate? Oiling has also been a question that I just cannot answer myself. And, these are just a few random questions that run thru my head. There's probably other things I need to know that I'm not even thinking of.



Like I said before-this car just would not be the same with anything but that eight in it.

Ol racer

FYI

I read the 8 cyl's set a lot of Records before Hornets were introduced. Since I am a Hornet fan there are others that may comment specifically on modifing 8's such as oiling, babbit bearings, etc. I will mention that any Hudson motor will respond to the basic power mods such as Competition valve Job, install larger Intake Valves with 30 Deg Intake Seats, (Manley will make any size you want if send original to duplicate), good rebuild with true cylinders, more compression, and a fully balanced assembly.



Additionally, there are a few Cam Companies that will regrind stock cores. I know Isky is one. Measure your cam lift then mill the head accordingly. Add modern Carb, either 2 dueces or a 4BBL by using the adapters available then die grind out any 'major' obstructions to help breath. (Multiple carbs are not necessarily faster on the street but do look nice). Headers/duals are a must... Install an Electronic Point conversion Kit(Crane/Pertonix).



I heard of drilling the 8 crank then adding an external oil pump but not necessary for street/strip. I would use an electric fuel pump and discard the power robbing dual action and an use electric Fan to reduce parasite drag...



The Motor should be as reliable as any modern engine. The Adapter will also accept a 4 or 5 spd Trans.



Keep the Hudson Power Plans....

[Deleted User]

Ol racer,

Thanks for the input! I didn't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm right at the point of making decisions on my engine when I read the comments on the Hudson eight. I learned along time ago to always ask and listen to the experience of others, its the best way to learn something without wasting alot of time, work and money to find out what doesn't work.



Not sure I can get the valve sizes any larger as they are so close to one another now. Another question I had was do I need hardened seats-if so then I can definitely improve the valve grind angle.



Shaving alittle off the head and still be able to crank it over is definitely in my plans. Stock compression was 6.5:1 I believe so this is an area needing improvement. Ideal candidate for supercharging but not sure if I want to go that route, creating something else that might go wrong when I'm 400 miles from home with the wife and kid in it.



Please keep the advice coming, again I do appreciate all of it!



Rick

Ol racer

Hardened Seats would be nice but many Classic Car Owners just add a few oz's of Lead additive at fill up's. Stock valves are fine if have the machine shop 'port out' under the valves little and keep a 'narrow' 30 Deg Int. Valve Seat (45 on Exh.) and do a Multi Angle Grind. (All Shops can do this if ask)...



Suggest measure the Depth of piston to Deck hgt then when motor apart Have the top of Block milled a little to bring piston out of block few Thou. as well as milling the Head. (Compression is HP).If have 4 ring piston I would find 3 ring replacement...





This set-up will make a lot of power. 12V are needed for Electronic Ign. Its simply done and the 6V Starter will spin faster, but dont crank it too long.





Dont know anything about the 8 Babbit Rods & Splash oiling. Look for Shop experienced with those rods with a balance should be better than when new but Babbit work may be more specalized (and expensive)...



Keep in Mind a Hornet 6 will practically fit right into the 8 mounts, has pressure oiling, lot of power, with many modern Upgrades available inc some Speed Equip.



Except for the Babbiting all Machine Work should not be any more expensive than any modern motors..



Machine Shops may balk at getting the 'Parts' but you can get them yourself thru HET Suppliers...

50C8DAN

Here is an article you might find interesting:











You might look for the Edmunds finned aluminum head and 2x2 intake like this one:

[Deleted User]

Love the article! 1950 huh? Wasn't there some legend that Bernie Siegfried actually tweaked an 8 to outperform the Hornet 308 - and they (Hudson) took it away from him? Sure wish I knew the story there.



I would really like to see an all-out effort on the Hudson 8.



I have never seen one apart, so I can't relate to how the cam and main oil wells are configured in those engines.



If money were no object, or even less of an object than at present, I'd build one just to see the potential.



I think they have something to offer.



Mark

50C8DAN

This is from one of Bernie's articles from the '87 WTN

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the article, very informative.



Not your average 8 blocks. Sixteen ports just isn't there, so they had to be special prototypes.



Still, very interesting engines.



Mark

[Deleted User]

My mind is made up! It's gonna be Hudson straight eight powered! Those are some great articles and just helped me confirm that this engine will not only please my requirements, but will stop more than one in their tracks when they peep under the hood. Sounds like these eights saw a fair share of 'hopping up' back in the day but I'm really suprised they've received almost no attention by all us Hudson nuts as of lately. Guess there's just an ample supply of 308's left:D. I did consider a 308 for this project but all the emblems (that are going back onto the car after rechrome) say Commodore Eight.



Hey Dan and Mark, you guys think the cast aluminum pistons will be ok with the increased compression of should I look for forged ones that could be machined to use. If I could find rods long enough and machinable, could get away from the babbit also.



I know what you're saying about the clearance for valves and heads. If I took it down as far as I can am I gonna end up with too much compression? Anyone got a method for calculating compression or is this a question for a engine machine shop?



If I could find a finned head or even better-one of the Edmunds (or any brand) dual intakes I'd be tickled pink. But, I will probably be fabricating my own dual intake while I design the wild headers.



How about the cooling baffle, anyone have any opinions on whether this design was adequate for coolant distribution? I've toyed in my head with alternate designs but really haven't come up with anything great just yet.



Rick

terraplane8

Ivan Zaremba races his '35 Railton with the 8 cylinder engine and he would know a lot.



Also, Park Ward advised me that the stock exhaust was a major restriction point and that a split-manifold unleashed a lot of power. He also said that you can make a nice light piston from a modified Jet piston and cut off the lower part and use 3 rings. He drag raced a '35 Terraplane with an 8 shoehorned into it back in the day and also I understand that he did pretty good times like 17 secs at 84mph in his '38 H8 car with the free-flow manifold. Actually that is a pretty amazing time for the weight shifted considering a stock car would do around 20-21 seconds.



It seems that compression, intake and exhaust are all vital. The cam grind could also be optimised including grinding the tappets to a flatter radius. Balancing also vital. Don't think bigger valves is an option due to space constraints, but you can back-cut the valve heads and do a multi-angle valve job to optimise flow. You could also look at welding up the head chamber to get the compression you need which I would think not more than 8.0-8.2:1 or so on your fuel?

50C8DAN

You might want to contact Fred Lorenz. I believe he lives in OH, but he has an 8 that was worked over and has a custom pressure lubed oil system:



FRED LORENZ <HETfclorenz@yahoo.com>



Take off the HET

50C8DAN

Here is an amusing short comment on the Hot Rod H8 from Bernie featured in the Automobile Quarterly from 1971. I wonder who the engineer that tried to sneak out with the crank was?????

Unknown

Rarerodder and others who are interested in Hudson 8 hot rodding. Park Waldrop will tell you they were perfomers and has a history with them. He may also be able to fill in the blanks on the engine in Terraplane Kellys 38 Hudson Long wheel base 8. The car originally from Omaha Ne was sold to Kelly by Charlie Harris. After aquiring the car Kelly set about making the car a go fast automobile. I am not sure if the engine used was originally from the car. But I do know he rebuilt an engine with an aftermarket cam, Edmunds twin carb manifold and headers of his design. The car was very fast and I believe very reliable. Last I saw the car was at the Nashville HET nationals. I believe Kellys widow sold the car ... if you can find those in the know... what Kelly did was build a reliable Hudson eight that had very good performance.

[Deleted User]

Cool car . Hudson Dave here I have a couple of sets of sliding rear 1/4 windows for 46-47 4 doors I would sell cheeeeeeep (NEW) :eek: Light Brn tint . One set has the tracks all ready urethane in . the other set new never set .:) Hudson Dave www.FatWhiteWalls.com

HUDSONBROTHER1

Schneider Racing Cams In San Diego Will Regrind Your Cam To A Performance Grind. I Have A Reground Hot Cam For A 1936 ,212 Motor.i Think The 8 Cyl. Motor Uses The Same Cam Follers. Jerry Had To Put A Roller Grind On The 212 Cam.. Hope This Info Helps. Later, Dave

ESSX28-1

terraplane8 wrote:

It would be nice to see a hot Hudson 8 slotted into something.

try this:

Attachment not found.

terraplane8

This is a must-watch video: A ratrod bucket with a flathead straight eight Packard with a supercharger!!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HirKCzrd_ic&feature=related

rambos_ride

ESSX28-1 wrote:

try this:
Attachment not found.

Very cool picture!

Any chance if someone knows if this car still exists?

If not a recreation project would be my suggestion!

Aaron D. IL

The Marr Special does still exist I've seen pictures....or at least an exact copy of it does.