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308 Hydramatic
  • JasonNCJasonNC
    Posts: 363Gold Member
    I met a guy over the weekend that has a 51 Hornet that he got from an old man up in the mountains of NC. I think the body is too far gone, and the engine is probably seized. The door hinges have rotted away, the lower rocker panels are gone, and the seats and upholstery are shot. If the engine can be unstuck, can it be attached to a straight drive since the Hornet is a hydramatic. If so, I may try to get the engine off of him.

    Jason
  • 46HudsonPU46HudsonPU
    Posts: 5,147Moderator
    Ouch! From your description, it appears that there isn't too much left there to salvage from...

    You want to get the engine unstuck, running & put it in front of a manual trans?
    You should be able to do that, as the engine came with both manual (3 speed with & without o/d) and automatic transmissions - depending on what the dealer ordered and the customer wanted. You'll need the appropriate bellhousing, flywheel and clutch components. It is my understanding that the bellhousing, flywheel, clutch, and other components are common/shared between the 232, 262 & 308 engines.
    If you need to replace an engine that is 'beyond hope' or find one that is rebuildable - this may be a good option for you, the equivalent of 'plug and play', so to speak...

    Also - The hydramatic transmission (if still usable/rebuildable) may be worth something to someone, if you are not going to use it.
  • Billy K.TN.
    Posts: 396Platinum Member
    JasonNC wrote:
    I met a guy over the weekend that has a 51 Hornet that he got from an old man up in the mountains of NC. I think the body is too far gone, and the engine is probably seized. The door hinges have rotted away, the lower rocker panels are gone, and the seats and upholstery are shot. If the engine can be unstuck, can it be attached to a straight drive since the Hornet is a hydramatic. If so, I may try to get the engine off of him.

    Jason
    Yes. Have to change the starter and flywheel. Rear motor support and maybe the engine support plate the transmission bolts to. Getting the engine turning may be the bigger job.
  • JasonNCJasonNC
    Posts: 363Gold Member
    He's going to try to the get the engine turning. If he does, then we'll talk. If not, my 262 is running well enough to keep me happy. It just seemed that the 308 had potential.....