Guys: Does the redesigned 1963 Cadillac 390 with dizzy in the front and narrower block size make for an easier swap into a 38 ford coupe? I have leads on 2 engines. A 1962 and a ‘63. Available of aftermarket parts can also be a decision maker. Thanks to all. Kent
You'll just have to get the tape measure out and start figuring it out. Usually in early Fords, flatheads and small block chevys are about the only engines you can use without cutting into the firewall. I'm guessing it won't fit without cutting into the firewall, but that's just a guess. There's not a strong aftermarket with those engines. There was back in the day, so all those parts are really expensive now. Building a hot rod caddy is $$$$$. There's a whole thread on 390 Cadillacs here somewhere. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/lets-talk-cadillac-331s-365-and-390s.1015067/page-22
Yup, and I didn't have to cut anything to put a 331 cad in my 40. Those 63 390's are kinda orphans. there isn't much for aftermarket, not to mention they are ugly...
He’s got a 38, and they are a little narrower at the front of the engine compartment than a 39 deluxe, 40.
To stuff a 365 or 390 into my '40 the firewall was not a problem, but the front of the oil pan sump was moved rearward 2 1/4" to clear the drag link.
If it were me, I would go with the '62. However, there are some HAMB members that like the '63 and swear it makes plenty power and torque totally stock with no need of after market intakes etc. As for the dimensions, I'll have to leave that to others as I don't know. My engine is a '55 331 and I'm looking for a pair of '59 thru '62 390 heads for it close enough that I can drive and look at them in person before buying.
Go with the 62, they have the same traditional look as the early Cads and they fit better in those cars. You might have to slightly trim the right Xmember to clear the oil filter but other than that they fit just fine.
Stock oil filter assy. cleared well on mine, but was right in the path of the exhaust pipe, so went with a remote filter...
Are you planning to use a manual transmission or automatic? If automatic, consider the 1964 429 as it's very similar to the '63 390 externally, but has a bunch more power and was available with a Turbo Hydramatic 400. I owned both a 1964 and '63 Cadillac many years ago and the '64 was a far better motor, and the TH400 a far better transmission than the earlier one.
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