Technical VIN - Engine designation for 1957 Cadillac

I just posted a thread about a locked-up block on my newly acquired 57 Cadillac Eldorado which I believe is a 365ci. I was informed by the previous owner that it originally optioned with a dual quad carb setup but is currently missing the intake and carbs.

Question 1:
In 1957, Did Cadillac stamp the car' VIN number on the block ?

Question 2:
How can I verify (for sure) that this car was originally equipped with 2 carbs and not just a single quad setup ? Is this info stamped on a data plate or VIN ?


I have to prepare for a plan B in case the block is bad and I have to find another engine,

Thanks in advance ?

Mike

 

first page of the 57 Cad shop manual....

(btw there was no such thing as a VIN in 1957, there was an engine number, and a car serial number...Cadillac might have the same number on both?)

 

Use the info. Squirrel posted to figure it out; the Engine Unit Number is stamped on a pad behind the L/H cylinder head.

 

Look for the number to be stamped on the frame, near the p*** side motor mount, and also see if it matches the number on the plate on the door hinge pillar.

 

If it should be a 2x4 engine, there were 4 different sets of carbs used, all Carter WCFB's:

Early non-AC:
2582s front, 2583s rear

Early AC:
2584s front, 2583s rear

Late production non-AC:
2690s front, 2691s rear

Late production AC:
2692s front, 2691s rear

I am showing two different intakes also: 1465950 and 1469263

I do not know if the change in intakes coincides with the change in carburetors.

1955 2x4's were Rochester, 1956 2x4 were Carter WCFB's but different numbers.

Jon.

 

Thanks for your reply.

I found a dual quad intake for a 1959 (390) casting number: 1464580 and ***uming that is going to work for the time being since the originals are made from unobtanium.

Question 1: Is this a correct ***umption ?
Question 2: Any idea where I might find a batwing (even if it's a repop) ?

I'll start looking for the carbs next.

Thanks in advance.
Mike

 

Thanks,

Found the VIN on the block on a raised pad just under the p***enger side head.
It matches the VIN.

Still trying to soak it and remove it from the ******.
Still can't seem to rotate it.

 

OK, now you know that this is the original engine for that body... Now find the Engine Unit Number behind the drivers side cylinder head, this is NOT the same as the serial number. Check the number you find against the chart that Squirrel posted and that will tell you if the car was originally equipped with dual quads.
And yes, the '59 intake will work as all '49-'62 Cad intakes will interchange...

 

Any idea where I might find a batwing (even if it's a repop) ?
doesn't work with dual quads.

 

I'll hopefully have the engine / ****** out tomorrow and will inspect and do***ent the numbers behind the driver's cylinder head.

Thanks !

 

Transmission Options:

I've read dozens of posts about the original Jetaway ****** and the opinions vary (some never give problems and others constantly gave problems and were yanked & tossed in the dump.

(Not trying to be sarcastic) ***uming my ****** guy will rebuild it and will do it correctly, is that honestly the way to go if I'm wanting to drive it long distances and not just to the local car show ?

I've seen at "several" posts where TH400s have been installed behind the 365 / 390 using readily available adapters that include bell housing adapters, flex plate/flywheel, starter, etc...etc...

I want to stay period correct and true up to a point, but I also want it to be reliable.
-- Example: I'll be installing modern tires, dizzy components, brakes, etc...

Question: Will the TH400 do a decent job behind a rebuilt 365 or is it really that important to reinstall the original Jetaway ****** if I can get it rebuilt ?

Since this is my first Caddy of this vintage, I'm all ears to those who have been there before me.

Thanks in advance !

Mike

 

I had a 59 Jetaway and it was a very good trans,it does not shift as firm as the hydramatics but mine was a good one.

 

Heidz57-
Trying to understand what you meant by that statement, are you saying that the batwing does not work with dual quads ? What breather originally came with the dual quad carb setup ?

Thanks

 

You will probably spend more money for the aircleaner then the carbs and intake.

 

You are probably right !

What's a good alternative that others have been using ?

Mike

 

Find some pictures and try to make one,if my memory is correct its a dual oil bath system and might be able to make one from truck parts.

 

Got the engine & ****** out of the car and apart and both are on the way to their respective spe******t for engine block inspection and ****** rebuild. Hopefully I'll be able to use both and maintain the original drivetrain.

I also found a good deal on a 1956 dual carb intake and it should be arriving in the mail any day now.

 

Found this helpful illustration on the web about my carbs.

Question: Since these carbs are cast in an alloy made from aluminum & unobtanium, what is the best alternative (readily available) and cost less than the car itself ?

I'll be looking for the correct set as I go, but what's the best alternative (easy to find) to bolt it up and get it going ?

Since it's a dual carb setup, my concerns for the alternative are:
Bolt pattern / footprint (do they require an adapter plate)
Physical size (will they fit back to back)
Dual Quad linkage

Thanks for any info !

---> See the Cadillac Carb Do***ent attached !

 

wonder if this is easier to read?

 

Thanks Squirrel !
"Image" is a lot better than .pdf