Came across what looks to be a good deal on a caddy engine out of a '61 de ville with the trans still attatched. I'd love to drop something like this in my '53 sedan. Anyone ever done it on here or seen it done? I don't want to have to get into a ton of fab work. Anyone foresee any problems I'll run into?
I can only see one problem, you're gonna have to get into a ton of fab work on the project. Break out the tape measure and see what gets in the way. Look at the engine in the Caddy first if possible to see what is common (good luck!) between the two chassis. Bob
X2........... Caddy tranny is "plus size", steering box/linkage problematic, firewall interference....trans crossmember....... It's doable.......just a lot of work Ray
in 1968 a friend showed up with one he bought and i did some work on it and it was packed in pretty tight but had fender wells yet my 303 olds in a chev had a lot more room
While you are in the engine/trans swapping mode, plan on changing rear ends and building a driveshaft also. If I remember correctly, that 53 has a closed driveshaft, which will not mate up to the caddy trans.
sure it can be done, I did it so Im sure you can to. I recessed the firewall 4 inches, widened the trans tunnel 3inches mustang II front end ( steering/ oil pan clearance) removed and filled the 3spd selector ( gear shift ) s-10 rear end and a fast shafts drive shaft went to swing pedals under dash modified the trans cross member s-10 fan and shroud custom radiator infront of core support custom core support moved battery to firewall Mine is a 368 caddy same sizes as the 500 physically. check out my build thread if you want to see more pics. Godspeed MrC.
This is why The Good Lord gave us the sawzall, the oxyacteylene torch, the chop saw, the arc welder, various hand tools, a tape measure, beer, and lastly...the BFH !!!
my sentiments exactly. if someone can put a blown hemi in a fiat. cad in a chev is easy. I've had cad motors in 5 different car and never had any thoughts about "would it fit ???" my 331 cad in a 48 plymouth had the gas pedal and all linkage to the carb and trans with zero modifications
My main goal right now with this project is getting it running for as cheap as possible and quick. I don't have a lot of time right now to do a ton of stuff. May have to just continue my search for a good replacement 6. V8 may just have to be put on the back burner. Thanks for the info guys.
Being an individual has never been the easy path to follow,...I say DO it ! A lot of "can't be done" projects are out there on the streets . 4TTRUK
That being the project requirement.........the easiest, cheapest V8 install will be...........painful as it is to say.........a small block Chevy. Picking the right combination of factory manifolds, trim the vertical firewall supports and you are almost done! well, almost......still have to modify the trans mounts/crossmember, change the rear end etc, etc........but you CAN use the stock steering arrangement. Ray
can't go wrong with cad power imo. if it matters the weight is about the same as a mouse motor, but the cool factor FAR outweighs the PITA of installation.
Cheap and easy, no it aint. I have no real skills to speak of, but this type of project snowballs. If you want cheap/easy buy a complete running small block chevy with trans in a wrecked car or truck (carbed ), buy the walton fab motor mounts ( they will set the engine high enuff to clear factory steering, buy 88-95 chevy shorty headers, buy an s-10 4x4 rear axle, relocate the spring pads to your stock springs, a new driveshaft, look at fast shafts there premade and afforable. that should get you up and running. you may also need radiator trans cooler throttle linkage/cable modify the stock trans crossmember convert to 12 volts 12 volt battery/wiring and maybe gauges shifter linkage. Personally I would look for a standard shift trans and v-8 out of a 79-87 fullsize chevy, grab the shaft just in case. I hope this helps and does not detour your project, but be realistic with yourself on time and money for any project. Godspeed MrC.
thing about replacing a straight six with a V-8 is the 8 is much shorter and can be moved forward a couple inches for clearance. no need for a sawzall
Thanks for the info. I bought the car thinking I could get the old 216 in it running, but it's locked up. I just want to have a little cheap fun in it before I go to cutting it up. Diggin your car BTW
Plan alot and work smart, you can do it, its been done before, my car went from the trailer to the shop and I never got a chance to really drive it, kinda wish I had before the tear down. so I understand There are hundreds of 53/54 threads on the HAMB you can pick and choose from them all, some are more straight forward, some are not. make a todo list and also a parts list, and follow it like a recipe, manage your time and money and you will be fine. I tell myself this often "every minute I work on my car, makes me one minute closer" Godspeed MrC.
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