Well the Hudson had been getting harder to start when it was warm. I thought it was low voltage at the coil or vapor lock. I did a compression check on it and found all cylinders low 2 of them were around 30 there was also a 1/2 inch section of head gasket missing between cylinders 3 and 4. Getting all the parts together now. I need an exhaust manifold if anyone knows of one. Check outy YouTube page for some videos of it
I would try Olson’s Gaskets for the exhaust manifold gasket. They have everything.
Agree with Olsen. Is it still 6V? The compression is not helping but so man cars got 12V cables when they need 6V. You can get the correct cables from these guys. They will make them up exactly for you. It makes a HUGE difference. Also, having a good ground makes a big difference too.
https://brillman.com/
What is wrong with the exhaust manifold?
I just realized that I misread and you’re looking for a manifold and not a manifold gasket. My bad.
The siamesed center cylinders of the redesigned Hornet engine block was one of the sacrifices of trying to get more performance out of the 308 design. There was NO cooling passing between those cylinders as there had been in the 232 and 262 blocks. When Hornets blow gaskets, it will almost always be right there between 3 and 4. Deck the block, deck the head. Measure thickness of that head because as you add compression you add risk to the blowout potential.
The exhaust manifold is unchanged between the 232, 262 and 308 engines as best I can recall. Make sure the heat riser valve is either fully functional or tacked/brazed to remain open. Lots of manifolds out there or try Browne Auto Salvage in Sunset, TX who have dozens of Hudsons.
And I'm sure you know to replace timing chain and gears as a full set. Hornets in particular are very hard on chains and it is critical to their performance.
Consider lapping the valves while you're in there and be careful torquing the head; the water jacket likes to crack at the driver's side front corner.
I think you can get manifold gaskets from the HET club, or one of the vendors listed on the website.
