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Technical Cadillac Flathead ID...

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by ShortyLaVen, Jan 4, 2014.

  1. ShortyLaVen
    Joined: Oct 13, 2008
    Posts: 689

    ShortyLaVen
    Member

    A few days ago I picked up a complete Cad flathead with LeSalle trans.. I was told its a '39, but I'd like to be sure. I found a number on the back of the block, but the info I've found on the subject is hard to decipher to say the least.... the number I found is 9J40270, which I believe to be the unit number? Based on what I've read here and elsewhere this would make it a '46? But it does not have a number near the water pump like a post war motor.... What does this all mean!? Any help is greatly appreciated, as always:D
     
  2. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    Hopefully some one with a book can check out the numbers for you, but over time it seems so many engines had been swapped out and switched around.

    I maybe wrong but Cadillac had auto ******'s so to have a Lasalle ****** is a hint that stuff had changed.

    So many surplus engines around at one time it must have been tempting for folks to do a swap and up date from what they had.

    Stay posted as I am sure the power of the HAMB will prevail and info will come in soon...

    What are plans for this engine project wise???
     
  3. ShortyLaVen
    Joined: Oct 13, 2008
    Posts: 689

    ShortyLaVen
    Member

    It'll be going in my Model A project..

    I always know I can count on the HAMB for this sorta thing!
     
  4. Dan Hay
    Joined: Mar 16, 2007
    Posts: 6,451

    Dan Hay
    Member

    As far as I know, Cad and LaSalle motors looked the same on the outside but the Cad was a 346 and the LaSalle was a 322. Since it has a LaSalle trans, you might have a 322, but not guaranteed. I'm sure a google search will tell you some identifying numbers that will tell the difference.

    EDIT: sorry I re-read the orig. post.... if it is indeed a 46 motor it is a 346 because the LaSalle along with the 322 ended production in 1940.
     
  5. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    Well, that is a good point, I also learn't something I didn't know from that...

    Model A project, sounds great.
     
  6. ShortyLaVen
    Joined: Oct 13, 2008
    Posts: 689

    ShortyLaVen
    Member

    That makes sense.. Ill look more closely this afternoon for other numbers.. I still havent found any resource online with any sort of list of engine numbers.
     
  7. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    There is exists a Cadillac Flathead Book, kind of a Maintenance & Specifications Manual, I have seen but don't own one yet, which has included in it a list of car engine numbers sequences and years of manufacture.
    I use this link once in a while when cornered for info.
    Check it out and see if anything there can ***ist you.
    I have not looked at for sometime now so am a little rusty on all its content...

    http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/do***ents/
     
  8. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,401

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

  9. ShortyLaVen
    Joined: Oct 13, 2008
    Posts: 689

    ShortyLaVen
    Member

    Thanks for that link! That dragster is too kool for school!!
     
  10. rontiffany
    Joined: Dec 13, 2013
    Posts: 21

    rontiffany
    Member

    Fory I have been trying to find the same info! Seems to be as rare as frogs hair! So I hope that you don't mind if I hijack your post and ask along with you?
    I found numbers at the right rear of the block that reads 9G 111 I also found numbers at the right front above the water pump that reads *5380253* It does have the military heads with "Cadillac Motor" and cylinder numbers cat into it, but has all car accessory's on it and a hydra-matic dated 42. Thanks fory! Someone has to know!
     
  11. ShortyLaVen
    Joined: Oct 13, 2008
    Posts: 689

    ShortyLaVen
    Member

    I dont mind at all man! I still haven't found any info... does anybody maybe have an old Chiltons they could look in maybe? I know my 54-63 book has some numbers in it... I used to have a 40-53 but I dont think it was returned the last time I loaned it out.... I have yet to make an account on one of the Cadillac forums, but I will try that route as well.
     

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