Thread: Cady engineswap

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Is it possible to replace a '61 390CID cadillac engine , by a small block Chevy engine (coming out of a Chevy van from around 1990??
does autogearbox fit, does torque conevrter from cadi fits cchevy crankshaft ?? anybody got a solution??
my cadillac has excessive oilburning and carter pressure .. in other words , rings ar finished .. but i gues all engine is tired .. so would like to replace by a cheap alternative from GM that is easy to find , I just look for a straightforward or easy engineswap ..

please reply on my emailadres: benjaminmassy@hotmail.com
thx very much for help ..

swap out the whole motor & tranny it would be the easiest to do , but you will have to fab up motor mounts (most likely), move the tranny cross member and most likely have a driveshaft either cut down or made for it. and since you're doing all that you might as well get ridd of that generator and put an alternator on it.. BUTTTTTTTT I'm sure others will chime in give ya more help also..........joe

Actually, this may sound REALLY strange, but if your running a 61 caddilac. why not go with the 502? Granted, the gas mileage will suck (Read:none) but with a +500 displacement, there should be an unreasonable amount of torque. 502s are out there, you just have to find them. Or order them online. Either way. Rebuiltautoengines.com has the 500 and 472 for $1660, or the 425 for 1647. I dont know if you want to spend this kind of money, but it is a good platform to start from.

Jerk it out and rebuild it. I can't really imagine too many of those around belgium. Streets is right be very expensive to change all that out for a 350.

Rebuild the Cadillac. Save yourself from all the headaches of an engine swap. Edelbrock has an intake manifold for you if you want more power and Comp Cams sells cams for these torque monsters.

I agree with the guys who say keep the Caddy. Not sure what the market is like over there but changing it to a Chevy would definitely hurt the value too. For what it would cost you to buy a Chevy and get everything to fit, you could do a dandy rebuild. Good luck with it, those are great cars! Talk about a land yacht!

Pat

My first look when needing an engine, or major upgrading is to look for a doner car. Depending on your situation, I would look for a rough bodied/wrecked Caddy with a 472/500/425 with attached auto. If you have the skills and tools it is possible to upgrade to a Chev. Remember, the longer you have this car (no matter which drive train used) the fewer parts will be available. So decide if shortterm or longterm before swapping.

I imagine it's nearly impossible to find another Caddy engine where you are that doesn't need rebuilding. I would rebuild the 390. at least new rings and bearings. A Chevy engine in a Caddy wouldn't be an upgrade in my opinion. Save your Chevy engine to build a hot rod or sell it to finance the rebuild of the 390.