Well the novelty of the LT1/4L60E combo in my '30 A Tudor has worn off. I'd like to replace it with some type of more traditional setup. I prefer to run the car with no hood sides so it's not the most attractive engine for that either. I'd also rather use something other than the common SBC and 3 deuces. A friend of mine has a rebuilt '68 472 Caddy that I can get very reasonably. I'd really like the extra cubes and torque! I've recessed my firewall for the standard small block setup and I really rather not have to butcher it up any worse than necessary. I'm sure a number of people have installed one of the 472/500s in their A's. Anyone have any pics they can post? Particularly radiator clearance and firewall mods. Thanks. Denny
One alternative is to stretch the engine compartment; by moving the front cross-member forward. This car is on 32 frame, with stretched wheelbase.
Time ** Thanks. Those are indeed inspirational! Doug, That is possible. I could move my rad forward slightly. Mine is on an A frame so I don't have as much realestate to work with. Your install looks great! Sweet setup. Thanks for the pics. Do you know if anyone makes an adapter to mount a caddy engine to chevy motor mounts?
My freind Howard ran a 500 Caddy and turbo 400 trans in his Model A highboy coupe on Deuce rails for nearly ten years. To make room for the engine, he moved the front cross member forward 2 inches. Put an aluminum intake manifold on it and it is nearly within 50lbs of the weight of an SBC. Also, you'll need high rear gears, these things are torque monsters, but they don't high revs. A set of 2.75s would be the ticket (that's what Howard's car ran). This set up worked really well in that car. Punch it from a dead stop (even with the high rear gears) and the car would plain haul *** with no fuss no muss, making everything in the rear view get really small really fast. Plus, it would cruise on the high way very nicely.
They make motor mount adaptors to fit caddy motors into Camaros, Chevelles, etc, so you should be able to find adaptor mounts.
I'm running a Jag rear with 3.07 gears so hopefully they'll cruise pretty well. My friend has already put an Edlebrock aluminum intake on it and new rings and bearings. It's pretty much ready to go. I'm just trying to make the install as painless as possible. If I can find the adapters for the motor mounts and move the radiator forward a little I should be able to get it in there!
With a 3.07 rear end, you better run some tall tires. Like Mike said, it don't like to rev much. I've read that they float the stock valves at about 4200 rpm. I usually don't go over 2500 rpm and It gets me where I wanna go, quick.
My 30 sedan runs a big block caddy motor,this is the new 540 ci blown alchohol caddy motor.Should make the sedan run abit quicker Tim
Where is Schraders? He ran one with a 6 speed a few years back. I think there is only one aftermatket intake for those. Also check a place called cowboyseven or7.
The picture's Doug F. posted are of the Schraders built roadster, his shop is here in SoCal. Here is a source you might want to checkout, http://forums.500cid.com/ CBB
damn man...i'll have to get out to the salt with tom again and see that next year. i might have me a caddy powered rod on the salt next year too but i'm still on the hush about it all while i collect stuff. not 472/500...
Thanks for all the info guys, especially the links. Tim, that's one wild sedan! I'd love to see that thing run. Love the color too. Being from TN, Orange is near and dear to my heart. As for tires, I'm running 235/75-15s on the rear. It wouldn't hurt if they were a little taller I'm sure.
This guy is one of the leaders in Caddy tech. He can answer any question anyone has about cadillac 472's & 500's, plus strokers, blowers, you name it. http://www.cadillacperformanceparts.com/ Later- John
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