Tech....bbc install in a 53 caddy

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-88692.html

Read 4th post down. I don't have any experience with front-mount/tailshaft mount failures, but on the hydramatic you took out, the bellhousing bolts to the motor in almost a full circle. By comparison, a TH is aluminum, and only bolts in about a half-circle.

 

I am bolted into the side of the block. I did not use the front mounts.

 

Ebbspeed I will keep an eye on it. I know there are people on here that has put in newer transmissions in the later 50's caddy which would be with the block with out the bell housing so the mounting points will be the same without any issues. thanks for the feedback. Todd

 

I took some pictures today plus put in some grade 8's in the trans mount. the engine mounts were retorqued because I loosened them to center the trans. Now I can finish up the radiator frame with the engine centered up.

 

Tyre smoke .... Coming soon to a Cadillac near you !
Neat work ....

 

Heres some more pics

 

I am going to remount the fuel pump which is at an angle . I was told by my local expert that the pump needs to be up and down. SO DONT MOUNT IT LIKE THIS.

 

Cool, it's gettin' closer and closer to test ride time

And I don't know if you heard or not but the Karb Kings show has been canceled for this year The word is, it'll be back bigger and badder for 2010 though.

 

That ****s I will be working on the rad mounts tomorrow then we can get the rear ready to go.

Todd

 

Yup, the bowling alley cut them from 200 spots down to 50 at the last minute along with some other issues from what I was told, so they said forget it. They already have a spot for next year though, it sounds really nice.

Just give me a shout when you get that rear ready.

 

Well the radiator mount is painted and final install in place . The hood latch is done I only had to remove about 2 inches and drill some new mounting holes. the trans cooler is mounted and one of the lines are complete. the parts store did have enough 3/8 line I was 3 feet short for the second line. Found out that the fitting for the trans cooler were 3/8 tubing not 1/4 pipe thread. found radiator hoses that fit nicely. the coolant capacity is 5 1/2 gallons not including the heater core. Use a holley cable for the manual choke it is mounted next to the radio.I still need to hook up a ford starter solidnoid. Run the altenater wire to the other side of the engine. mount battery box, hook up 12 vdc to coil and distributer . cut spark plug wires. trans shifter adapter. swap out rear end and then have a new drive shaft made up. drive it around the neighborhood then have the exhaust hooked up.

 

Nice job on the radiator mount

 

Looking sweet!! Hope you get her back on the road anytime soon!!!

Just don't forget to post a video ;-)

 

while flying back from California yesterday i was reading some of my magazines I saw a remote oil filter on an old flathead roadster and figured it would make a cool radiator reservoir. Plus I have 2. one, that was on the 331 that I pulled out. I used the mounting holes on to a piece of angle iron mounted to the inner fender. I also used a piece of sheet metal on the tire side to give it some strength. I am going to add a hose from the inlet down to the bottom of the cup so it can syphon back and forth as needed

 

Looking good, looking really good. The rad mount is gorgeus...and the radiator coolant resv. is a nice touch...

You still got the 331"...???

R-

 

yes its sitting in the garage on my bike stand.


Todd

 

Roger Thanks for the positive comments. why are you asking about the 331 do you need some parts??? I fixed my fuel pump mount so now it sits straight up and down I am now working on the battery box . I got a battery box ***embly from cl***ic chevy. making some stuff to mount it on the firewall. I also got the front end all bolted up . It looks like a 53 now. the hood latches up good to.

 

Sorry I thought I posted a pic of the mod I did to the overflow tank

 

The overflow looks great! I might have to steal that idea one day.

 

I have the battery box mount all welded up and am getting ready to pitch the old one

 

forgot to post pics. the one the left is the old one. previous owner just thru a board on the box and put another box on top of that . I just used a large tie wrap to secure the battery. Now I will have something alittle more solid.

 

Great ideas....I'll probably steal a couple of them sooner or later

 

Now if I didnt want anybody to use my ideas I shouldnt be posting any pictures
Todd

 

nice and clean...

 

I have the bottom tin that goes in front of the radiator trimmed up so I will only have to make the two side panels to route the air to the radiator.

 

Well I have a running 454. WOOOHOOO!!!!!!! My friend Scott was suppose to come down on saturday to get the bad boy fired up but he ened up having to work. I dont have a clue about the inital set up for her to run. when momma found out that that he wasnt coming down she had me very busy. I wasnt able to finish what I needed to fire the beast up. I went to the NHRA Richmond race on Sunday .I met up with Scott and another friend and watched the races. He suggested we go over to my house to get the engine fired up . I got the loose ends finished up. at 9 pm we woke up the neighborhood with the roar of a 454 and 3 inch collecters . My wife and kids came out to watch. It was pretty awesome. I still have a ton of stuff to do. I dont know when I will be able to drive her but I know the hardest part is done. I still have to swap the rear plus problaly have to change the wheel cylinders. then have a drive shaft made. I ended up using a hei distributor but am going to get an adjustable vacuum advance. tighten the intake manifold and header bolts. Fix a leaky fuel fitting. change the oil and filter. adjust the throttle rod.

Like I said lots of stuff to do. I would like thank all the people on here who helped me . this place is a great place for information and inspiration. I know my motor selection isnt a traditional choice but it was gonna cost me alot of money to rebuild the ****** and motor. The bottom line is that I want to drive her. Thanks again

Todd

 

Love that car. I used to have a black one just like it. If I were you, I would try running the original rearend. I believe it is stout enough to handle the 454.

 

the rear I am putting in I think is in better shape than the caddy rear. I can always put the caddy rear back.plus the ****** will match the rear for the speedometer .

 

The engine fires up first hit of the starter. Its great to hear it with the open exhaust. the whole car rocks when you hit the gas. I couldnt imagine it being solid mounted. I hope to start on the rear if the rain stops this weekend .

 

Well I started to pull the rear today. I have everything disconnected and it is unbolted. I found the p***enger side brake drum and shoes covered in grease I dont think it would stop very well with the additional power and also found that the exhaust was hitting on the brake lines so it was a very good thing that I am checking everything out. I am going to have the exhaust redone to have it routed the right way . I will take some pictures tomorrrow.