Standard 262 Super Six
1948–1954121–127 hp depending year
Core Step-Down six before the Hornet 308
Hudson 262 Super Six enginePhoto: D. Miller · CC BY 2.0
Hudson · Step-Down Flathead Six
Hudson 262 Super Six
The full-pressure-lubricated Step-Down six that became the foundation for Hudson's legendary 308 Hornet engine.
262
Cubic inches
Hudson's 262 was the first of the new Step-Down-era large sixes with full-pressure lubrication and served as the direct engineering base for the bored-and-stroked 308.
Key variants
All variantsStandard 262 Super SixHigh-compression/aluminum-head 262
Displacement
262 ci
Bore
3.5625"
Stroke
4.375"
Years
1948–1954 family era
Key Takeaway
The 262 enlarged Hudson's wide-block six with a 4.375-inch stroke while retaining the 3.5625-inch bore. Full-pressure lubrication, strong low-rpm torque, and robust cast-iron construction made it the direct engineering foundation for the 308.
Technical Specifications
- Compression
- 6.5:1 in 1948; 6.7:1 in later common specifications
- Horsepower
- 121 hp @ 4000 rpm in 1948; 123–127 hp in later versions
- Torque
- 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Architecture
- L-head inline six
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Cast iron; optional aluminum head in selected years
- Valvetrain
- Side-valve L-head, mechanical lifters
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Carbureted
- Firing order
- 1-5-3-6-2-4
- Main bearings
- 4
The 262 enlarged Hudson's wide-block six with a 4.375-inch stroke while retaining the 3.5625-inch bore. Full-pressure lubrication, strong low-rpm torque, and robust cast-iron construction made it the direct engineering foundation for the 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
- 262 Super Six / Step-Down six — identify by serial/application plus 3.5625 x 4.375-inch bore/stroke; 1954 service data groups 262/308 distributor applications together
- Casting numbers
- No single universal 262 casting is retained across the full 1948–1954 run; use casting/date, 4.375-inch stroke, serial and head specification together.
- Power rating
- Period brake horsepower / SAE gross-era rating
- Horsepower RPM
- 121 hp @ 4000 rpm in 1948; approximately 123–127 hp in later versions
- Torque RPM
- 200 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm representative
Operating Specs
- Production notes
- Introduced with the Step-Down generation for 1948, the 262 used a 3.5625-inch bore and 4.375-inch stroke. Hudson later enlarged bore and stroke to create the 308 while retaining the family’s low-speed torque emphasis.
Compatibility Notes
- 262 and 308 external appearance can be similar, but rotating assembly, bore/stroke, head/compression and induction details differ; verify serial and measurements before identifying a loose engine.
- Twin-H components can be adapted within the family, but carburetor calibration, manifold, linkage, air cleaners and head/compression should be treated as a matched setup.
Notable Applications
Hudson Super SixHudson Commodore SixHudson Wasp
Strengths
- Full-pressure lubrication
- Strong 200 lb-ft low-speed torque
- Direct lineage to 308 Hornet
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Flathead airflow limits high-rpm power
- Long 4.375-inch stroke
- Four-main-bearing crank support
Common Upgrades
- Twin-H-style induction adaptations
- Higher-compression head
- Performance cam and exhaust
Racing History & Legacy
The 262 itself was not Hudson’s signature factory stock-car engine; that role went to the larger 308. It is nevertheless the direct architectural predecessor whose wide-block design, durable bottom end and long-stroke layout were expanded into the Hornet engine.
The 262 was the backbone of the early Step-Down Hudson six-cylinder line and the immediate engineering foundation for the 308 Hornet.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: D. Miller · CC BY 2.0 · source
Classic Car Database — 1948 Hudson 262 specifications
period spec
Hemmings — 262 to 308 engine development
historical reference
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
Key Factory / Build Variants
High-compression/aluminum-head 262
selected yearsApplication dependent
Optional head package raised compression/output
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
01
262 cu in / 4.3 L with 3.5625 x 4.375-inch bore and stroke.
02
Cast-iron L-head inline-six with full-pressure lubrication.
03
Factory output ranged roughly 121–127 hp depending year.
04
Documented torque: about 200 lb-ft.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Hudson 262 Super Six
The 262 was the engine that set the stage for Hudson's most famous powerplant. It established the Step-Down-era wide-block six architecture that Hudson later bored and stroked into the 308 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.