help identify motor

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  • dougson
    dougson Senior Contributor
    That's the "7X flat top" cam, originally sold as a 7X cam, then standard on early only (?) '54 308s, later in '56 standard again and "redesigned" for hydraulic lifters.
  • ivanz62
    ivanz62 Expert Adviser
    Dougson,

    The 309742 cam casting was used, as you say, in a number of ways. I have no idea how Hudson kept track of what 309742 cam was what in the parts bins! Bruce Maclellan sent me one that had the cast number and then a large capital letter "A" stamped below the casting number. That one turned out to be exactly the same as the standard Hornet 306344 cam. He also sent one with 306344 cast in and an "A" stamped that came out of a late 54 "Instant Action"block. That also was the same as the stock 306344!

    This year I have measured on the :"Cam Doctor" 309742 castings that were:
    1. Early 7X "Flat Top" or "Chain Stretcher" (a "dwell nose" cheater stock trick)
    2. Hydraulic Lifter Cam
    3. Mechanical lifter grind from a 1955 block never rebuilt
    4. With the "A" stamp from Bruce's late 54 block--same as stock Hornet 306344
    That ought to be confusing enough for any parts man.
  • RL Chilton
    RL Chilton Administrator, Member
    edited May 2011
    Yep, that's really a great find! It even turns over, to boot, which is a nice plus. What kind of plans do you have for the engine?
  • schillaz
    schillaz Expert Adviser
    RL Chilton wrote:
    Yep, that's really a great find! It even turns over, to boot, which is a nice plus. What kind of plans do you have for the engine?

    I have a 53 super wasp coupe I would like to drop this motor in. But the car is far from being ready to drop in and drive. What i would really like to do is build a NASCAR clone with it and make it look like it just came off the race track. Not all pretty and fantasy. I would like the paint to look old and weathered and the decals be barley visible. That would be fun, just not sure I could bring myself to fix it up and make it look old...haha.
  • dougson
    dougson Senior Contributor
    edited May 2011
    I installed the new, big valves today and the engine is almost ready to go in the car. My builder has degree'd the cam and is preparing a complete timing card, which I will post soon. The '56 version of the '742 was pretty hairy for flat head era engines, 260 deg. duration!
  • ivanz62
    ivanz62 Expert Adviser
    Post that timing card info when you can, please.
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