So you want to install a Caddy BB...

[Ogier]

Greetings,

Hopefully this will provide some level of help for anyone wanting to do this swap. The benefits are big block power without the price of a bigblock Chevy.

Older Caddy's are practically being given away. I bought a 1974 sedan deville for $400 and drove it home.

To do the caddy swap, you will really want to buy the whole car. The main things you will need from it are:

1) Engine
2) transmission (th400 longshaft)
3) power steering pump
4) all mounts (engine and trans)
5) radiator
6) Alternator harness

You will also need a rear sump pan from a FWD caddy with either a 472 or 500. All rwd caddys have front sumps and they won't clear the crossmember.

I used the factory exhaust manifolds and made my own exhaust system with duals that exit just in front of the rear tires.

You will need to move the factory motormounts forward in the truck.

Cut off the factory fan but keep the flange that bolts to the waterpump(this keeps the pulley from flexing and breaking). You will have to buy an electric fan or move the radiator forward about 2 inches. I opted for the fan.

The driveline will have to be shortenned. I think I took about 6 inches out of mine but I am not sure.

You will also have to cut holes in the chevy motor mounts to accomodate the caddy mounts.

When I did the swap, I took the front end off the truck to install the motor and trans. This makes the job a bunch easier in the long run.

I will add to this in the morning when I am thinking more clearly.

Ogier