37/38 terra motor into 36T

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Yet another option has presented itself in my engine building research.The 37/38 motor is reputed to be a better breathing,higher comp engine.Has anyone out there put one into a 36?

Im sure its possible,theblocks appear to be the same,however im concerned that the manifolds might not fit,i.e foul the fanblades,bonnet etc.This apparently happend to a bloke in the club when he did a swap on a 35-33 8cylinder,so i would like to hear from anyone whos put a 37/38 into a 36.Thanks for everbodies patience with my interminable questions,i feel a bit like the annoying kid in class who keeps putting his hand up and yelling "Miss!Miss!"

Comments

  • dave s
    dave s Senior Contributor, Moderator
    It will go right in. You will have to use new exhaust pipe, as outlet is about 3 inches forward and 1936 pipe will hit frame.
  • Richard E.
    Richard E. Senior Contributor
    This is a good option, you will pick up 20HP. I didn't know that there would be a problem with the exhaust, interesting.
  • dave s
    dave s Senior Contributor, Moderator
    Richard E. wrote:
    This is a good option, you will pick up 20HP. I didn't know that there would be a problem with the exhaust, interesting.



    My 36 had rebuilt 37 engine when I purchased it. He also ordered stainless exhaust for 36 T before I bought it. Exhaust pipe will not clear frame in front where it goes down from manifold. We modified 36 manifold and used combination of 36 and 37 gaskets. It looks like it should work, but we haven't started engine yet to check for leaks. If you look at picture with 37 manifold, you should be able to see problem.



    If it doesn't work, I will have dogleg bent into exhaust pipe so it will clear frame and use the 37 manifold. ;)
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    excellent news,so,with a new exhaust pipe to clear the frame,a 37 block will be what i chase,assuming that all the internals are the same,i can use the good 34 crank,the good 36 rods,new pistons,valves etc,a 37 manifold and carb,get the bearings remetalled at Harkin machine,have the crank ground to suit the rods etc.

    This all hinges on finding a good 37 block that i dont have to bore past .030,so far the 36 blocks i have would all have to go to .040,and with the corrosion in the water chambers,thats getting pretty dangerous. What sort of difference would the extra HP make in practical driving terms?
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Remember you can also use the bare block from a 175 cubic inch engine as they are the same just use your crank, rods, pistons from your 212. It leaves you another option in finding that block Chuck G
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Also if anyone needs a brand new exhaust pipe for a 36 Terraplane i have a new Waldron exhaust pipe i would let go for a very reasonable price. Chuck G
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    I,ll take it Chuck,now,about the postage...............
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Skipster check your P.M. box and we will see if we can figure something out Chuck G
  • terraplane8
    terraplane8 Senior Contributor
    skipster wrote:
    excellent news,so,with a new exhaust pipe to clear the frame,a 37 block will be what i chase,assuming that all the internals are the same,i can use the good 34 crank,the good 36 rods,new pistons,valves etc,a 37 manifold and carb,get the bearings remetalled at Harkin machine,have the crank ground to suit the rods etc.

    This all hinges on finding a good 37 block that i dont have to bore past .030,so far the 36 blocks i have would all have to go to .040,and with the corrosion in the water chambers,thats getting pretty dangerous. What sort of difference would the extra HP make in practical driving terms?



    The '37 engine with the bigger ports and twin-throat carb had about 4-5hp more than the '36 engine on the same compression I think, as it revved out a couple of hundred rpm beyond the 3800 ceiling of the '36. The torque curve would be more relevant though and I don't recall seeing a comparison ever in print. I would have thought the small ports on the '36 block would have helped low speed torque up to 2000rpm or so? Just having a decent compression ratio is the biggest bang for your buck possible: between 6.0:1 and 7.0:1 gives 12-15% more power for free just about. On the '36 the horsepower quoted went from 88 to 100 doing that.



    Just check the '37 engine and make sure it really is the big port one; the exhaust ports should be oval whereas the '36 ports were round. The '37 also has a much better higher capacity exhaust manifold. It is probably the mild cam that stops the '37 developing even more power than it does as it has excellent carburetion, porting and manifolding compared to earlier models.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Picked up a complete 38T motor and gearbox today(i think thats what it is,the head has "terraplane hudson"on it rather than just Terraplane)its pretty rusty externally,but is complete with manifolds,head,dizzy starter,clutch,bellhousing etc.Looks as though it has never been apart,least not in the last 50 years,so i have great hopes for the internals,even if theyve had it,with any luck the block will be ok,and i can exchange internals with other parts(crank,rods,cam etc).

    P.S the hydraulic arm of a ditching machine can be used to lift a very heavy motor and gearbox into a trailer,all it takes is several hours,much headscratching,lots of cursing,and some moments of extreme danger.
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