472/500 Caddy into late 50's GM? Advice?

Hi guys! I've got a '58 Pontiac that I want to put this 472 with the Tubo 400 into.

I was wondering if anybody has any ideas on mounting? I pulled this motor out of a '69 Fleetwood and everything is there, including the original mounts which I'd like to use unless someone out there has a better idea.

The original mounts were a center mount in the front under the crank pulley and of course, the side mounts at the bellhousing area.

This motor has the traditional block side mounts with one trans mount almost at the rear.

I'd appreciate any help, Thanks Much! Mike

 

Clearance for the steering is going to be tough. The original engine actually dumps the left manifold at the front of the motor and crosses over there. Unless there is a super tight manifold off say the 1980s 368 version of this motor, you may have to make a major change here. The tri-5 Pontiacs will take a Saginaw 605 steering box fairly easy, but I don't know how hard that install would be on the X-frame cars. It should have a rag joint, but I just looked at a '58 a few weeks ago and I don't remember if it's down low by the box or not - if it's there, you might be able to score a U-joint to replace it with (Chevy van columns have two with GM splines on each end) and change the way the shaft runs to make it go.


It would be easier to do a Pontiac engine in this car, because even if you go to a 65-up Pontiac block and add side mounts, the stock '58 manifolds would bolt on, or you could use some tight manifolds off a 301 from a 79-81 Gran Prix to make it work. Same deal for the dreaded small block Chevy, for that matter, there are a number of tight left manifolds that let you use one, although I hate to even suggest the idea.

 

My advice....DO IT! Sounds like a killer swap.

Will the Caddy work with a Hurst-type front plate? That might get you around the steering box/manifold clearance issue.....

Just a thought. Keep us posted!

 

this is a 368/400 cad same size as the 472/500 in a 53 chevy, look at my build to see how I got it in there, honestly not that hard.
I used the stock manifolds and modified the steering, did it with only 2 joints down to a mustang II rack. I recessed the firewall 3.5 inches, but I could have made it fit with the firewall mod if I ran electric fans. My goal from the begining was to run a mechanical fan.

Good luck MrC.

 

Someone else posted here 440 Mopar mounts bolt right up to 472/500 cad blocks. They have a horizontal through bolt, instead of the vertical bolt the stock mount has.

 

That's what I used.

 

Thanks for help, guys! I guess i'llmlower it in, and start sizing it up...

 

1969 472 was rated at 375hp and 525 ft. lbs. Have fun but be sure you've got TALL gearing in a real strong rear end. Add the Edelbrock Performer intake and gain another 15 lbs of torque and 12 more hp.