cadillac engine transplant

how much modification would be involved in putting a 365 engine/****** from a 56 in a 53 to replace the 331/******?

i think the front mounts would be the same from what i've gathered. would i be making a ****** mount or would one of the crossmembers work as is?

i'm trying to decide if buying a whole donor car would be more sensible than a sbc transplant.

all things being equal, i'd rather keep it all cadillac.

thanks for any help you can give.

jw

 

A 365 should be a lot less work than putting in the typical Caddilac 500 to replace the 331 ...

Have you checked out the http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/ website yet ?

You'll find quite a few postings on that engine swap as well as bagging and suspension work to these old Caddy's ...

Ask them ... some of them have done it before ... and a lot more ...

Join the club ... its kind of the Cadillac chapter of HAMB ...

 

First, do you have the dual range hydro hooked to the 331? Or do you have the DYNAFLOW as some 53's had due to hydro plant fire? If you have the hydro, then keep it and find you a 55 Cad bellhousing, flywheel, and fluid coupling. This will allow you to bolt to later 365/390 blocks. If you can find a 55 and get engine and trans from that, it would be much better than the CC hydramatic that is with the 365. The 331 of 55 has better breathing heads than earlier and put out 270hp.

 

i have the hydramatic. what's the problem with the 56 ******?

 

The '56 up trans feels like mush compared to a Dual Range ... plus, the '56 Cad has MANY one year only parts in the engine/trans.

 

unfortunately that's what the available donor car is. i'll have to weigh all that against other options. it soulds like a 55 would be a better choice, but finding one with a good engine might take awhile.

thanks.