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Hudson Jet 202 in a Hornet or Wasp?
  • 1049superg1049superg
    Posts: 402Gold Member
    Rocket88NZ (Mike) has asked the question of whether a 308 Hornet engine has ever been installed in a short wheelbase Wasp or Pacemaker stepdown. That also begs the question: has anyone put a Jet 202 engine in a Wasp or Hornet? (though I realize this is going in the wrong direction, power wise, I just wonder if someone ever tried this) Would the 202 bolt right in in place of the 232, 254, 262, or 308? Dan
  • HudzillaHudzilla
    Posts: 1,285Platinum Member
    Dan, AMC put a 202 in the 55 Wasp. The thing could barely get out of it's own way. The little 202 was a decent engine....in a Jet. Not a short wheelbase Nash.
  • 1049superg1049superg
    Posts: 402Gold Member
    Yes, I'm aware of the AMC 202 powered '55 Wasp. I'm just curious if anyone has ever gone through the trouble of putting a 202 from a Jet or AMC Wasp or just a spare 202 engine in a '48-'54 Hornet, Super-Six, Pacemaker, etc.,.
  • Geoff C., N.Z.Geoff C., N.Z.
    Posts: 2,267Platinum Member
    The 202 engine in the Hash Wasp had a special long nosed water pump, to bring the fan close eniugh to the radiator. If it was installed in a Step-down, it would be "slightly" unerpowered, to say the least, and a shroud would be needed for the fan to draw air through the radiator. I doubt that anyone has ever done it!
    If you're stuck in a hole, stop digging.
  • Aaron D. IL
    Posts: 1,648Platinum Member
    I've heard of 202's being put in '40's Hudson's but not step-downs.
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,146Moderator
    Aaron D. IL wrote:
    I've heard of 202's being put in '40's Hudson's but not step-downs.
    Actually, the 202 swap for a 30's-40's pre-stepdown Hudson or Terraplane is quite a popular swap - especially if the 202 has the Twin-H. I understand that 'Kevin C.' is putting one of these in his '39 Hudson 112 Coupe.

    One of our Chesapeake Bay Chapter members (current president) is actually looking to 'thin out' some of the Hudson engines he has, and I believe he as one or two for sale.

    Can't see anyone putting a 202 into a Stepdown. A 232, 262, or 308 will drop right in, are readily available and all have more 'cubes' & torque. As mentioned, a 202 has less HP & torque - it is also shorter and would require modifications to mounting, possibly to drivetrain, etc..
  • Tom Drew
    Posts: 133Expert Adviser
    When I got my '46 pickup it had a 202 installed in it, an upgrade at some point in its life over the original splasher. It you didn't know Hudsons it would probably look factory, and I'll bet was a popular swap into the 40's cars and trucks. I will not be using the 202 in the finished truck, however.
  • Aaron D. IL
    Posts: 1,648Platinum Member
    46HudsonPU wrote:
    Actually, the 202 swap for a 30's-40's pre-stepdown Hudson or Terraplane is quite a popular swap - especially if the 202 has the Twin-H. I understand that 'Kevin C.' is putting one of these in his '39 Hudson 112 Coupe.



    One of our Chesapeake Bay Chapter members (current president) is actually looking to 'thin out' some of the Hudson engines he has, and I believe he as one or two for sale.



    Can't see anyone putting a 202 into a Stepdown. A 232, 262, or 308 will drop right in, are readily available and all have more 'cubes' & torque. As mentioned, a 202 has less HP & torque - it is also shorter and would require modifications to mounting, possibly to drivetrain, etc..



    Yeah I don't know the HP ratings for the 202 vs the 212 off the top of my head but the updated engine would allow one to get Twin H and a hydramatic I think in a '30-'40's era Hudson and not take up a lot more room. If I hever aquired just a rolling shell of a 6 cyl Hudson of that vintage without the motor I think that's what I'd do barring that it was a rarer model. Plus Tom is right only a Hudson person would know the difference.