Standard 232
1950–1952 core era112 hp @ 4000 rpm; 175 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Shorter-stroke member of Hudson’s Step-Down wide-block six family
Hudson 232 Inline-Six enginePhoto: dave_7 · CC BY 2.0
Hudson · Step-Down Flathead Six
Hudson 232 Inline-Six
The shorter-stroke Step-Down six used in Pacemakers and Wasps beneath the larger 262 and 308.
232
Cubic inches
The 232 used the same 3.5625-inch bore as the 262 but a shorter stroke, giving Hudson a lighter-duty Step-Down six for Pacemaker and Wasp models.
Key variants
All variantsStandard 232High-compression 232
Displacement
232 ci
Bore
3.5625"
Stroke
3.875"
Years
1950–1952 core Hudson application era
Key Takeaway
The 232 used Hudson's newer Step-Down-era wide-block six architecture with a 3.5625-inch bore and shorter 3.875-inch stroke. It provided a lighter-duty version of the same basic family that grew into the 262 and 308.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 6.7:1 standard; 7.2:1 optional in documented 1952 specification
- Horsepower
- 112 hp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque
- 175 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Architecture
- L-head inline six
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron
- Valvetrain
- Side-valve L-head, mechanical lifters
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Single downdraft carburetor
- Firing order
- 1-5-3-6-2-4
- Main bearings
- 4
The 232 used Hudson's newer Step-Down-era wide-block six architecture with a 3.5625-inch bore and shorter 3.875-inch stroke. It provided a lighter-duty version of the same basic family that grew into the 262 and 308.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Identification & Output
- Engine codes / RPO
- 232 Step-Down six — identify by vehicle/engine serial, 3.5625-inch bore and 3.875-inch stroke; 1954 service data associates the 232 with 4D applications
- Casting numbers
- The reviewed Hudson service material does not establish one universal casting number for every 232 block/head; verify casting/date together with bore, stroke and serial/application.
- Power rating
- Period brake horsepower / SAE gross-era rating
- Horsepower RPM
- 112 hp @ 4000 rpm
- Torque RPM
- 175 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- Hudson used the same 3.5625-inch bore as the 262 but shortened stroke to 3.875 inches for 232 cid. Period service data distinguishes its ignition/distributor application from the 262/308 group.
Compatibility Notes
- 232, 262 and 308 engines are related but differ in stroke, displacement-specific rotating parts and application hardware; verify crank/rod/piston and head specification before interchange.
- High-compression and standard heads alter compression ratio; identify the head and chamber before assuming an advertised ratio.
Notable Applications
Hudson PacemakerHudson Pacemaker DeluxeHudson Wasp
Strengths
- Shorter stroke than 262/308
- Smooth low-speed operation
- Shares family architecture with larger Hudson sixes
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Flathead breathing
- Modest output
- Overshadowed by the 262 and 308
Common Upgrades
- Twin-carb period induction
- Electronic ignition
- Exhaust improvements
Racing History & Legacy
The 232 was primarily the smaller production member of Hudson’s Step-Down six family rather than the engine behind the Hornet’s NASCAR dominance. Its shared architecture is historically important because Hudson enlarged the same basic wide-block concept into the 262 and 308.
The 232 established the smaller-displacement side of Hudson’s modern postwar wide-block six family and helped standardize the Step-Down engine architecture later made famous by the Hornet 308.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: dave_7 · CC BY 2.0 · source
Classic Car Database — 1950 Hudson 232 specifications
period spec
Hudson Motor Car technical service bulletin — 1948–56 six-cylinder engine information
factory service bulletin
1954 Hudson technical data — six-cylinder firing order and ignition specifications
factory technical reference
Hudson Motor Car technical service bulletin — 1948–56 six-cylinder engine information
factory service bulletin
Approved catalog media — Wikimedia Commons
licensed media
Key Factory / Build Variants
High-compression 232
selected applicationsApplication dependent
Optional higher-compression head raised ratio from about 6.7:1 to 7.2:1
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
01
232 cu in / 3.8 L with 3.5625 x 3.875-inch bore and stroke.
02
Cast-iron L-head inline-six.
03
Single downdraft carburetor.
04
Factory rating: about 112 hp and 175 lb-ft.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Hudson 232 Inline-Six
The 232 brought Hudson's modern postwar six-cylinder architecture to Pacemaker and Wasp models. It shared the basic wide-block concept that would soon become famous in larger form under the Hornet.
TorqueList Garage Reference Series
See this engine inside the full Hudson reference catalog.
The same Engine Library data now powers a more detailed mobile-friendly catalog with technical specs, variants, engineering notes, history and related stories.