1963 International Gets The Cubic Inch Treatment..Caddy 500 Style!!

Wow, the Travelall looks good man...

 

I know dude. Thanks for the hook up. More projects


BloodyKnuckles

 

very nice, i just picked up a 472 for my 31 chevy.

I was at Summit a few weeks ago doing some training and i asked them about a cam and distributor. They said they've been happy with the CompCams Thumper cams. They have great bottom end and a nice torque curve, plus that nice idle. They also pointed me towards an MSD dist that is made for the 472 & 500 motors.

 

Man, Thanks for the cam info. I would love to hear from someone who has run them to get real world feedback. Looks like you also like old Plymouths. You have great taste



BloodyKnuckles

 

What's in the T'All? Please keep them Caddy motors clear of that beaut. My 345 has gets me 15 mpg on the Hwy at 65mph. Plenty of torque left over.
-johnny

 

Nice truck! What kind of work do you use it for?

 

Try Potter Performance. I have bought many parts from them all first class and the guys are very helpfull also

 

Interesting thread, I've got a 500 and turbo 400 waiting impatiently to be dropped in my 7 years OT GMC 3/4 ton. Maybe then I'll be to tow the sailboat over the pass at more than 40mph.

 

Nice T'all. Needs a 392/727 retrofit...

 

yeah,yeah. What he said.
-johnny

 

As of now the 345 that's in it will stay until it get's built. Then I'll see if it has enough power for what I'll need it for. I'm hoping to keep it. We'll see.

I do historical and old house renovation and reconstruction. It fits the bill nicely and my clients appreciate the fact I use an old truck to fix their old house. Thanks man.

I'll look for them now. Thanks!!

You'll be pleased.



BloodyKnuckles

 

I have a few extra 500's laying around so for some reason I have to change out the 345 (..which I really hope I don't have too) I will swap in the Cadillac. It's hard to beat the cheap power.

I'm not opposed to the 392/727 but I haven't come across any locally and have been looking.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Like a dumdum I forgot to call the machine shop today to check on the status of the heads.

Oh well, I'll check Monday.

On a different note I put a Pertronix in the distributor today. What a difference in overall performance. Very pleased right now.



BloodyKnuckles

 

The engines is rebuilt with 30 over pistons but everything else stock. It will has roller rockers, hi performance oil pump, Flow-Kooler water pump, Edlebrock intake and 750 carb, Pertronix ignition, Chevy big block radiator. My plan is to paint it this week and install in 2 weeks.

I chose to keep a stock cam to keep the torque curve low. We'll see if my thought process works.

Also, keep in mind the style of flex plate that is used. Stay away from the open hole style and use a solid style. The open ones are prone to cracking as I have found.

Pics soon.



BloodyKnuckles

 

I had the 392/727 set up in my 1110 Travelall. To be honest, I wasn't impressed at all. At first I thought it was the gearing, then I found it had 3.somthins. I'm sure it could pull down anything you hooked it to, but for daily road use it sucked. If I had kept the thing, I'de be down with the 500 swap and most likely some sorta EFI. OR a Cummins

 

Very cool project, I dig the old 4x4's, unfortunately none of mine are old enough to be discussed on this forum.

I ran Flow Kooler water-pumps on 2 of my previous trucks, never had a complaint about either of them.

1st one was on a stroked sbc in a truck with 38.5" tires climbing rocks, sand dunes and mud bogging. NEVER overheated, I had 2 temp gauges in it to moniter it, and I pounded on that truck.

2nd truck was an early 90's big-block chevy that towed the truck described above along with tools and spare parts. The temp. gauge in that truck ran in the same position as it did with the stock pump but I think the March underdrive pullys may have had something to do with that.

Hope this helps, keep the pictures coming!

 

B'knuckles,
I think you done good. Even though some will not like the truck it is a go and bring 'em back truck, correct? You just can beat an old 4WD for hauling chit.

My line on it is this if you are going to be a rodder you need a good truck

 

I have the '65 Travelall with a 345 that will be on the road soon. It will be interesting to see the difference. Thanks for the input.

Most people who know of the Flow-Kooler, including myself, is in the off road world in one way or another. I am excited to try it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks.

I drive this sucker everyday. Constantly picking up another project. You gotta have a truck just like you said.

Thanks again guys.


I am picking up the engine tomorrow. I will probably start prepping for paint.

Pics soon.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Just another update.

After gallons upon gallons of OIL I have chose to rebuild another 500. What I found wrong with the original one was most of the umbrella valve seals were gone, 5 of the push rods were marred and slightly bent, 3 rod bearings had significant play and so many leaks it was discusting.



What I will say is, even with the issues I had, that this was the best thing I could have done for this truck. The power from that wore out engine is shocking and surprising. I have towed many times and hauled many heavy loads and every time I have a grin from ear to ear (until I have to put more oil in...).

So I decided to build another one that has a stock cam, 30 over pistons, hi-po oil pump and a hi-flow FlowKooler water pump. I put new, good quality, 8mm plug wires and a Pertronix ignition.

Today was the "fire-in-the-hole" day. It fired right up, ran it to 2400rpms for 25 minutes and everything was perfect.

This was a learning experience for me to say the least. I have gathered a ton of information on these suckers.

I'll have a few pics of the fresh install tomorrow and performance details shortly there after.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Dang. I missed this one the first time around. There are some killer rides coming together over in North Carolina nowadays.

 

I love the binders! I am big fan of keep brand in brand, but I love the caddy power. I really like the Travelall. I have been wanting one forever. Untill that day comes, I'll keep enjoying my Scout 800. I will enjoy following along with your builds.

 

Thanks man. We have all kinds of shit going on over here. Come on out for a visit sometime.

Thanks man.


Here is a pic of the new one in it's place;


So I spent the day driving around and I have to say it is wierd to not have all the friendly knocks and ticks that I have grown accustomed to. It is so quiet its odd.

Power is nice. Very nice.

All I have to do now is change the mufflers. The one's I have on there are a good sound but I think I want a quieter style.

Funky pic of it with the painted hood.


Long term reports will follow.


BloodyKnuckles

 

Man it's cool to see you go...

 

There are adapters out there to run International valve covers on the 472/500 Cadillacs... http://www.cadillacpower.com/forum/...67280&hilit=international+valve+covers#p67280


Somebody is looking for a set now.
http://www.cadillacpower.com/forum/...4283&hilit=international+valve+covers#p154283

 

Interesting.

Would love to see them mounted on a 500.



BloodyKnuckles

 

Definitely. One of these days.. I'd love to do just that in my roadster.

 

Good to see you got them swapped in and out Boobs. The work truck shall live on!!!!!

TXSpeed, I'll be bringing a little NC with me to Texas on April 12th.

 

Don't get too friendly with me. The water over there in NC seems to be doing something funky with y'all!

 

Thanks dude.

What do you mean??


BloodyKnuckles

 

It's a nice trip in an open top. Out of necessity, I made the trip from Austin in JJ's "Hussy".

Fun!


BloodyKnuckles