1946 Packard Clipper 6 Engine Transplant
 

Have you (will you) considered a six? Ford big six is 300 cubes, good power and torque. Mates to very good 3 sp 4 sp or od automatics, and is easy to find. Parts are cheap and available everywhere, as are multi carb (and 4bbl) manifolds and headers. Also, manifolds are on pass side so will not interfere with steering or brake systems. A big six should give you more torque and as much or more power as a 303 or nail-head. Also a narrow long engine should be easier to plug in than short wide eight. Not as much sex appeal as an 8 cyl swap, but worth considering IMHO.
Joe

Is the Ford Auto overdrive easy to hook up. I assume the lockup torque conveter needs wiring like the GM transmissions that I have used before.
Do you know the length of the Ford six. The original six was fairly short.

Not sure of the details. However, on the Hudson forum a reference is made to a 46 Hud pickup with a Ford six. Look at "Hudson Truck Auction" and query the person with the truck. He can give you better input.
Joe

Do you have a Packard now? I also have a 1951 Packard 200, 4dr, 288, 3spd.

Nope, I'm not a Packard guy. Always wanted one, but never had the money when opportunities arose. I have a 51 Hudson Commodore 8. I read all of the forums (fora?) and learn something from most of the posts. The Hudson Forum is the busiest on this site, and I've found Hudnuts to be the most helpful bunch. They seem willing to help anybody with a problem. I don't have dimensions on the Ford 6, but there are several Ford/Hudson transplants out there, so someone can give you the low-down on a good, easy swap. Just log on and ask.
Joe

I know a guy that has that big Ford 6 with a C-6 tranny in a Hudson and it works nicely!