OD trans for 262-308

Lee ODell
Lee ODell Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
With the high cost of rebuilding the old hydro today, it may be more economical to buy the adaptor Danny Spring sells and add the 700R overdrive trans. to the Hudson engine. It seems to me the benifits of overdrive and the lockup torque converter would pay for itself with better gas mileage and less engine wear. Especially with gas prices inching upward.



If the trans is ok, it would be a big expence to convert. But, if in need of a rebuild anyway, I would think the OD conversion would be worth considering.



Any thoughts or experiences with this conversion?



Have a good day. Lee

Comments

  • GrimGreaser
    GrimGreaser Senior Contributor
    Not to interrupt Lee, but this is something I would like to do down the road too. (maybe sooner than later, we'll see what shape the hydramatic is in...) I see some recommended adapters in the forums here. Not sure if everyone has seen these folks:



    http://www.transmissionadapters.com/index.htm

    http://www.transmissionadapters.com/Hudson308.htm



    The Hudson kit is $850, includes flexplate, starter, and crank adapter.



    My question, for those who've done this, how did you set-up the TV cable on the 700R4? I've seen plenty of kits for four-barrels (I use one from www.bowtieoverdrives.com on my Jimmy, highly recommended btw) but what about you guys who've kept the Carters, Twin-H or otherwise?
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    Interuptions welcome. Thanks for sharing the information. Thats what were here for.



    The TV cable adjustment is a very important part of the 700R instalation. I installed the 700R in my 64 El Camino and used the bowtieoverdrive tv cable set up that came with adaptor for the Carter 4 barrel throttle arm. Works good. I've seen other TV cable setups advertized in Street Rodder and other car magazines that may work as good.



    I know the 700R adaptor kit Danny makes and sell, are in both his race car and his wifes 40 Hudson with 318 CI Hudson Engine. I've been told it gets 21 MPG. He has had many different carb combinations on his cars so he must have the TV cable figured out.



    I remember hearing Danny speeking at a Hudson tech session, saying something about a kit being advertised to fit all 308's but turns out to be 55-56 specific. It would not work with earlier 262/308 engines. His phone # 951-727-0607 or Email: kgaphet@aol.com



    I hope we can hear from those that have installed an OD kit in their Hudsons and let us know what kit they used. Also, their impressions between the old hydro and the OD trans.



    Have a good day. Lee
  • dougson
    dougson Senior Contributor
    Who ever you wind up dealing with, be sure you get delivery dates settled. I've been waiting since February for a 350mt-308 kit from Wilkap. They say it's almost finished over and over again. I have a nice long distance phone bill now. I hope to get it soon because it's also holding up the engine rebuild. I also hope that it is correctly engineered for the '56 engine. We talked about that at length.
  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    Dany, from K Gap, returned my call about his OD kit. He informed me that he makes two kits, one for 55-56 engines and one for earlier 262/308engines.



    Sorry Rick, I forgot to ask about the 232 engine. I would think it would work. I'll try to ask him the next time we talk.



    Have a good day. Lee
  • Kdancy
    Kdancy Senior Contributor
    Lee O'Dell wrote:
    Dany, from K Gap, returned my call about his OD kit. He informed me that he makes two kits, one for 55-56 engines and one for earlier 262/308engines.



    Sorry Rick, I forgot to ask about the 232 engine. I would think it would work. I'll try to ask him the next time we talk.



    Have a good day. Lee



    What does the kit include and how much is it?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Hello All,



    I have a K-Gap adapter plate and one of Danys starters w/ a 700R4 behind it. I just did a fuel mileage analysis and got 21.8 MPG (218 miles on 10 gallons exactly) w/ Twin-H and a 3.92 rear gear ratio. The adapter is very nicely made and it relocates the starter a bit higher than the OE location to work w/ the manual flywheel.. You need to provide a Stepdown manual trans flywheel as the OE Hydramatic flywheel is part of the torus and therefore dished and not useable in the conversion. You will also need to fabricate a crossmember for the 700R4, adapt the shift linkage and make a bracket for the 700R4 TV cable. Speedometer cable can be had for a early 70s GM and will screw to the Hudson speedometer. Torque converter lock up can be energized with a simple switch, or they do make a vacuum switch that will engage it automatically. In my opinion, the conversion definately worth doing. The 700R4 has a 3.06 first gear and a .70 overdrive 4th gear.
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