Hi All, Has anyone installed a Cadillac motor in a Shoebox Ford (1950)? Pan clearance, converting to standard shift(flywheel). The motor in question is 429. Are there others that might be a better fit? Thanks, Steve
The first generation (1949-1962) would have less installation issues due to the front cross member. A 1962 or earlier 390 would be my choice. The second generation of 390 and 429 had the distributor in the front.
I did 331 with a hydro into a ‘51 a long time ago and don’t remember any difficult issues. As far as a 429, they are a similar block, but longer due to the front extension housing that relocates the oil pump, fuel pump and distributor, so may not fit as well. In addition the 429 has a front sump oil pan except for those in Eldorados
The late 390 and the 429 are orphans. Run great. Lots of torque. Very little aftermarket support. The 331-390 had a lot of aftermarket support.
My ‘51 331 was the smoothest running V8 I ever had. You could barely feel the engine at idle speed. Damn I miss that car.
This gravy sandwich you referred to, where would a fat guy obtain such a thing? Every Cadillac engine I’ve been around was super smooth. They are, The Standard of The World.
They will run as smooth as you make it, depending on cam and such. But they are like Buick and Oldsmobile engines, prepare to dig deep to rebuild one.
the manifold is open inside, I set it when I put it on there 12 years ago and have not touched it. was really easy. Idles at 500 rpms, instant throttle response ... runs great. I did jet down from .045 to .041
Road trip for you. Load your wife and child into one of your trucks and proceed south on I-380 to I-80 east for 123 miles to Iowa 80 Truckstop for Gravy Sandwiches and the World's Greatest Porkchops. After all, Iowa perfected pork.
Any overhead valve engine with a front mount distributor is going to be a pain in the **** on a Shoebox Ford. Putting a 500 in my 71 GMC 3/4 ton was a big enough pain in the ****. Ex sister in law's boyfriend back in the day alledly had a shoebox ford with a Pontiac V8 in it but I never saw it. In the town she lived in at the time it allegedly held the record from running from a popular drive in there to a popular drive in burger joint 35 miles away, buy a pop and get a receipt and make the trip back. Speed run bragging rights on narrow two lane roads. Still with any OHV swap in a shoebox you had best do your homework on crossmember and tierod clearance before buying an engine.
Of course they did. I’m an Iowan, born and raised, living in Southwestern Illinois for the last 36 years. I’d love a good Fried Tenderloin right now. Can I ***ume you are a fellow Native Iowan?
You’re kidding right ? That’s Moriarity,,,,,,all of his stuff is immaculate,,,,,and runs like a top ! When I first read this thread’s ***le,,,,,,Mark was the first guy I thought of ! Tommy
The 390 would be a great swap for your 50 , very similar to the Fordillacs. Just be aware that unless you have a good low milage runner they aren't cheap to build. But they are awesome engines.
How is a school marm’s inner thigh covered with a gravy samich smooth? I must have missed something, I was married to the school marm for twenty years but there was nothing smooth about her…
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