Hi John the engine number is from a 1954 Hudson manufactured in march 1954. If the engine has a reinforcement rib about 2 inches above the oil pan on distributor side the length of the engine it is a 308. Lucky you. Has the 308, 262 or 232 casting number been ground off head? I don't think the narrow block head will fit a wide block 308.

It doesn't look like the casting was ground off. I know most heads had a 262, 308, etc near the thermostat. Thank you for the info. I now know what year and size I am dealing with for sure. It will make it easier when finding parts.
John

If you have a early 262 head (no raised markings) on a 308 you will likely have problems with overheating and gasket blowing, as the water holes do not align properly. Paradoxically, the bolt patterns are identical, so the head will fit on, but the cooling will be compromised. Any head marked 232, 262 or 308 will fit.

There is also a cast number under the distributor which will verify date block was cast. You didn't mention if engine has reinforcement rib. Only wide block 308 engines have that rib. Only 48,49,50 step down narrow block engines had heads with no cast number for engine size. Raises some questions. I believe twin h will bolt to narrow block Lee.

Regarding casting numbers for 308, 304539 was 51,52 and 53. 310111 was 1954. and 532500 was 55 and 56.

Thanks Fred, I could not remember where I had those numbers. Strange things happen. My 52 Hornet has a 55 56 engine but what is strange is it has 7/16 head bolts not 1/2 inch. Almost bought wrong head gasket because I was repeatedly told all 55 56 had to have 1/2 inch. Mine didn't. Removed one bolt to prove it was 7/16. They had not seen one that was not 1/2" before. Lee

This car was originally a straight 8 according to the serial #. A guy in Pennsylvania had it from the early 70's and did most of the work. He had it about 30 years. I may have a FrankenHudson. The tranny is a single lever 3 speed with overdrive. The steering wheel is a later one from a Hornet. I have had the car 7 years and got it from Connecticut. That guy had it about 5 years and did a lot of work to it. Gave me tons of receipts. The car runs very well at highway speeds. I have had to do a clutch, generator and starter rebuild. and put in all new external gaskets due to massive oil leaks. I do most of the work myself. My son is a mechanic and has a lift in his shop (that I bought him) with the understanding he owes me!!! He helps a lot with the car.
The car does have the rib just under the distributor. Cast # under distributor is 310111. Hope this helps.
John

Car does not overheat. Runs 50 lb oil pressure and 185 degrees temp at 60 MPH.
John

Cast # under distributor in 310111. Under that is CWC and under that is a 2.
John

310111 is a 1954 block. CWC is Campbell,Wyant & Cannon, The foundry in Muskegon Mi that cast the block.

Thanks Fred. I would like to thank all that replied to my post.
John

Fred has graciously compiled an easy to read chart that details the Hudson engine numbering schemes. It is posted on my website in the ENGINE section.
https://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/