The new Hudson Jet was powered by a new inline L-head six of 202 CID engine was a reengineered version of Hudson's 1932-52 254 CID Commodore I-8, with two cylinders removed, utilizing the 3.00" I-8's bore, but stroked from 4.50" to 4.75". The block was also configured for full-pressure lubrication, unlike the I-8.

Surprisingly. its valve arrangement was of the older flathead design at a time when the rest of the industry was moving to overhead valves. This was due to Hudson's pride in its Wasp and Hornet flathead I-6s that were still potent in racing.

The engine produced 104 horsepower at 4000 RPM and 158 pound foot-pounds of torque at 1600 RPM. Early engine development using Studebaker mule vehicles to hide the program suffered damage because the engine produced much more torque than the Studebaker L-6. A "Twin-H Power" version of this engine with two 1-bbl downdraft carburetors, aluminum cylinder head, and 8.0:1 compression ratio produced 114 HP was available. This was more power than available from the standard Ford, Chevrolet, or Plymouth engines at that time.

It was a sturdy, powerful six with great torque and good gas mileage.

Hudson Jet Engine Specs:

• Standard Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 202 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.00" x 4.75" inches. Compression ratio: 7.5:1. Horsepower: 104 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 158 @ 1400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 2009S or 2009SA.
  
  
• "Twin H-Power" Six  Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 202 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.00" x 4.75" inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 114 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 160 @ 1400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 749S. 
  
  (Twin H-Power became a factory-installed production option for 1953 Jets early in the 1953 production run).