New to the board, just got 1930 hudson great 8 coach

kahonas · Jet Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Faribault, Mn

well, atleast that is what we think it is! When my dad got it 7 years ago it had no firewall tag, he got it with a bill of sale and the previous bill of sale, both had different years! one said 1928, which is incorrect because of the 8 cylinder motor, the other said 1930 so that is what I am going with. The car sat in the Arizona desert for 41 years, so the wood was gone but all the metal is great! It is going to become a street rod for my family to enjoy forever! If anyone has any advice for me I would definately appreciate it, parts too!haha here is a pic of the car when my dad got it, he since took it completely apart and didnt record anything! I look at is as a big puzzle!

51hornet

I would stick a Hornet 308 with Twin H under that hood and keep in uniquely Hudson plus make that thing scream.

kahonas · Jet Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Faribault, Mn

Been debating the engine choice so far...originally GM ls2, then thinking hudson straight 8, then any straight 8, then thought some kind of V12 cause there is plenty of lenght to the hood area. Just not sure yet, kind of like the Idea of using hudson, but I am a HP freak last car was a 1963 chevy II that I built a 600 hp SBC for, that was a squirly little thing. Like I said though not real sure yet, budget is a concern, wife and 2 kids after all! But I am always willing to take suggestions...and donations if you have a 308 with the Twin H laying around LOL. Did hudson put 8s in the 50's cars? What kind of HP are the 308 capable of and are they reliable when beat on? I tend to USE my cars hard, drove the nova everyday street light to street light if you know what I mean!

51hornet

Yes the 254 eight was used in cars up until 52.

A hopped up 308 would have enough torque to get you into plenty of trouble. And yes they can take a beating. Plus it would help the car retain value. Look great under the hood with multi carbs and header. Just a suggestion. I am a bit of a Hudson engine freak. Love the 308 I have 5 of them in various stages of rebuild.

Dave53-7C

Sean, Have you ever seen a multiple carb set-up on a straight eight Hudson? Would doing that even make any sense since they had lower hp to begin with?

51hornet

Yes I have seen twin carbs on a straight eight. I have seen a setup with three cars as well. Manifold was hand made. Though I think Edmunds made a dual carb manifold for the eight. I know that Railtons could be spec'd with dual carbs and those Brit Hudsons has a 4 speed gear box and topped 108 mph so yup you can really make them sing.

I would build an eight make my own headers and intake and polish the lot including the head make it a work of art that sounded like a watch ticking and had lots of getup.

Not 600HP SBC hot but something that will add monetary value to the car. And make it unique.

kahonas · Jet Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Faribault, Mn

any body know where there would be an 8 laying around collecting dust?

51hornet

I can ask around if you like. Looking for an eight myself to bench and work on in my spare time. I want to CNC a intake and header combo for one.

kahonas · Jet Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Faribault, Mn

dont look too hard, I cant do anything till I get my studebaker running in the spring, right now more on fact finding missions and trying to get good Ideas..I do like the idea of hudson 8 though!

51hornet

Ok will keep you in mind if I run across one.

Maxbound

why not buy one from uncommon engineering... they have hi preformance Hudson engines

www.uncommonengineering.com/

Dave53-7C

I've heard a few people complain about them claiming sloppy work.

kahonas · Jet Joined: Dec 16, 2008 Posts: 9 Location: Faribault, Mn

I see on their site that their 308s start at $7000...for that they better not be sloppy!

51hornet

I have found sometimes guys advertise engines they cannot deliver on a production basis. And thats as nice as I can say it.

Dave53-7C

That's a good way to put it. I remember hearing someone complaining about oil leaks or the inside of the engine not being clean and that uncommon told him to take a flying leap. I'd take that with a pinch of salt.