429 Cadillac motor....should I? - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

oldspowered67C10 · 12-06-2013, 12:58 AM

As others have said, the 472/500 is a nice engine, very torquey. The 390/429 isnt really that great of a engine. I had a 67 Coupe DeVille with a 429 and it wasnt anything to write home about, drove a 68 Coupe DeVille with a 472(same car differnet engine) and that thing would smoke the tire(s) as long as you kept your foot into it, night and day difference.

sublime1996525 · 12-06-2013, 01:49 AM

I think swapping a Caddy 500 or 472 would be Sweet.

MARKDTN · 12-06-2013, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatherof3

The Caddy will solve two of the things I hate about SBC's: the plugs being below the exhaust ports and the distributor being at the back.

Tune ups will be a breeze!...

Distributor at the front is not always a good thing. If the radiator leaks, guess where the fan blows coolant? It's even worse with points than if you have HEI. Also you have to be more careful that your plug wires dont get into the fan.

Fatherof3 · 12-06-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MARKDTN

Distributor at the front is not always a good thing. If the radiator leaks, guess where the fan blows coolant? It's even worse with points than if you have HEI. Also you have to be more careful that your plug wires dont get into the fan.

"Also you have to be more careful that your plug wires don't get into the fan."

I meant having distributor in the front of the motor, not in front of the radiator

Dean'smeanmachine · 12-06-2013, 12:29 PM

go for it! not to highjack the thread but I CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO START A BUILD THREAD!! i looked everywhere for the "new thread" button but i cant find it. any help?

73737373 · 12-06-2013, 03:53 PM

It's on my bucket list to put a 472 in one of these trucks.

*low&slow* · 12-06-2013, 08:53 PM

I'll post some pics in a bit of the 500 caddy in my truck. I don't have any problems with plug wires or anything and I have a leaky radiator.

sublime1996525 · 12-07-2013, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by low&slow

I'll post some pics in a bit of the 500 caddy in my truck. I don't have any problems with plug wires or anything and I have a leaky radiator.

I am stoked to see this!

Bishops Trucks · 12-07-2013, 08:11 AM

I say go for it. I've always liked the "Dare to be different" types of rides. Anything can be built to work when you have a vision, a bunch of cool tools and a few cases of beer to bribe some friends to help you. Looking forward to watch this come together.

*low&slow* · 12-07-2013, 07:55 PM

Here's a few pics of the 500 in my truck. Enjoy.

Ft.ValloniaStreaker · 12-07-2013, 09:14 PM

Plenty of room, where were the motor mounts on the 500?

mud.man.rj · 12-07-2013, 09:30 PM

I would pull the heads first thing and see what the cylinders are really like and if half decent then pul the pan and have a look at the rest of it, only bad thing I see is outside storage is really bad on cylinder rust and seizing an engine, but still in if it turns out good. Get to it and keep us posted, dare to be different is very cool in my book.

*low&slow* · 12-07-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ft.ValloniaStreaker

Plenty of room, where were the motor mounts on the 500?

They are on the front portion of the block. Under the front cylinder.

Not to hijack the thread. Just showing that you don't need any mods to make it fit. As for a 429, see if it's good and go for it. May not be as beafy as the 500, but it's still different.

But you better make darn sure you want a caddy motor. Parts for these are WAY expensive if you want performance.

In The Ten Ring · 12-07-2013, 11:17 PM

I have no knowledge but I am in full support of you "going for it." :-)

YBNORML · 12-07-2013, 11:32 PM

I just went through the pros and cons of a swap like this. The only difference is I was considering putting it in a 29' chev.

I don't think I need to go into the pro's since most of them are quite obvious. The two cons that made me change my mind are, these engines are very expensive to rebuild and the nail in the coffin for me was parts availability. I plan on driving my car, not just to local cruises either. What happens if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere, parts for small/big block chevy's are still relatively easy to find in most any parts place. Big block Cadillacs not so much.

Ft.ValloniaStreaker · 12-08-2013, 10:06 AM

Performance is not an issue and I'll never be more than 50 miles from home. I drive 80 miles a day round trip to work, so I don't plan on it being a daily driver. A bit loud and comfortable around 60 mph is all I'm after. That doesn't mean I don't expect to jump in turn the key and go, I do all my own work so we'll all know who to blame.
I'm a hot rods come from junk yards kinda guy, so this is what I want the import tuner kids to see, the kinda stuff I grew up with. When I finally revel the $ amount on this truck most will laugh. (my Boss 308's with tires $70 for the set @ auction!!!) Stay tuned.

*Fitz* · 12-08-2013, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ft.ValloniaStreaker

Performance is not an issue .

You're talking of stuffing a caddy big block into a pickup and "Performance isn't an issue"?

Yeah. Right.

Lifetime Project 72 · 12-08-2013, 03:00 PM

I have a 1970 Cadillac with a 472.This engine has never been apart,never any issues other than regular parts that wear out,such as the water pump.It has almost 200,000 on it and still idles and performs smoothly.If you have to get the 429 rebuilt,you will have a very reliable engine.If it were me,I would definately go for it,even if the parts cost more.
When I rebuilt my truck,I entertained the thought of putting a 455 Olds in my 72 GMC.I realized that the extra weight would require different springs up front.
Don`t know how heavy the 429 is,but you may have to swap the front springs out.
Chris

1972RedNeck · 12-08-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fitz

You're talking of stuffing a caddy big block into a pickup and "Performance isn't an issue"?

Yeah. Right.

Get a 1970 500 and throw a cam in it and performance is no longer an issue.

**Palf70Step** · 12-08-2013, 06:30 PM

*low&slow* · 12-08-2013, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

You are correct about the pan and towers.

As for parts available at local part stores, good luck. They are expensive motors, but you don't need a lot to get more power. As for a cam, that's what a lot of people do for easy power, but it's not that much. My motor is all stock except an aluminum intake and an 850 double pump holley and I'm getting enough power to get my longbed stock truck down the track in low 12's. As for drive-ability for street use, I'd recommend sticking with a 650. Small carb yes, won't get all the power out, but better on gas and still have plenty of get up and go when you want it. 429's are the same way minus a ton of power in both hp and torque, but with a bigger carb and a cam, you can get a lot more power.

As for putting a caddy motor in a way older vehicle than a 69 c10, it's very doable. My grandpa was a fan of putting caddy motors in everything including 20' - 90's cars and trucks whether it be ford, chevy, or dodge.

mrolds88 · 12-08-2013, 08:02 PM

If it is a 429, it has to be a 64 (if I'm right) and has a "round" bolt pattern for the trans. 65 and up used a TH400 with a regular BOP bolt pattern. Its a shame, I have a complete 66 429 that turns over (last time we messed with it) and would be a good candidate for something like this. (I'm NOT trying to sell it here, just making a statement). As always the optimum deal is to pull an engine like this from the donor yourself, taking all that is needed.

*low&slow* · 12-08-2013, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrolds88

If it is a 429, it has to be a 64 (if I'm right) and has a "round" bolt pattern for the trans. 65 and up used a TH400 with a regular BOP bolt pattern. Its a shame, I have a complete 66 429 that turns over (last time we messed with it) and would be a good candidate for something like this. (I'm NOT trying to sell it here, just making a statement). As always the optimum deal is to pull an engine like this from the donor yourself, taking all that is needed.

You're correct about the year. Although 1964 was the oldest cadillac that came with a 429. The last year that had a 429 was 1967. Although smaller than the 500, it still made 340 hp and 480 torque stock. As for the bolt patter, I believe you are correct about them being round.

Ft.ValloniaStreaker · 04-14-2014, 09:22 PM

Well its been a looooong cold winter, I've cut and burnt A LOT of firewood, pushed a lot of snow. Put a clutch and pressure plate in my 92 Chevy, and done a head gasket job on my Subaru, all this while my hot rod sat covered with snow. So this weekend the Caddy came to life! I dipped the Carter in January (junk) and picked up a Edelbrock 600cfm at the Kyana swap meet in Louisville,bought a new set of points and that's it. I can't believe how big of battery I'm going to need to crank this thing! You can only imagine how cool it was to to see, smell and hear a roaring, fire breathing relic come to life. I have to say this thing is smooth,and sounds great even though I don't even have exhaust manifolds on it. I've been starting it once a day just cause I can....lol I didn't want to go any further on the truck till I had a runner, so now it's full steam ahead.

*low&slow* · 04-14-2014, 09:39 PM

Great to hear you got her running. As for a battery, you don't need a big one. Just a good charged one. I had a tiny car battery in a car that I raced. The battery wouldn't even start the car so I tossed it in my truck for the caddy motor to charge it and this little battery started it.

12-06-2013, 12:58 AM	#26
oldspowered67C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Cherry Valley,Ca Posts: 468	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? As others have said, the 472/500 is a nice engine, very torquey. The 390/429 isnt really that great of a engine. I had a 67 Coupe DeVille with a 429 and it wasnt anything to write home about, drove a 68 Coupe DeVille with a 472(same car differnet engine) and that thing would smoke the tire(s) as long as you kept your foot into it, night and day difference. __________________ Build thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=534956

12-06-2013, 01:49 AM	#27
sublime1996525 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 117	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I think swapping a Caddy 500 or 472 would be Sweet. __________________ 2006 Z06 2013 Cruze

12-06-2013, 12:29 PM	#30
Dean'smeanmachine Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Mount Morris,NY Posts: 788	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? go for it! not to highjack the thread but I CANT FIGURE OUT HOW TO START A BUILD THREAD!! i looked everywhere for the "new thread" button but i cant find it. any help? __________________ Dean 1972 Custom Camper c/20 5.3 LS swap in progress. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=610187 in God we Trust

12-06-2013, 03:53 PM	#31
73737373 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 1,000	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? It's on my bucket list to put a 472 in one of these trucks. __________________ 1968 Custom SWB, 327/3 speed OTC 1969 CST LWB, 402/400 1970 CST LWB, 402/400 1970 Sierra Grande LWB, 350/350 1971 Cheyenne LWB, 350/350 1972 Cheyenne Super LWB, 402/400 1972 Sierra Grande LWB, 402/400 1979 Silverado LWB, 350/350 1984 Suburban 1990 454 SS 1991 Silverado, X-cab, 4.3/5 speed Getrag 2005 Silverado Crew Cab Corvettes: 75, 77, 78, 93, 96

12-06-2013, 08:53 PM	#32
low&slow Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 1,046	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I'll post some pics in a bit of the 500 caddy in my truck. I don't have any problems with plug wires or anything and I have a leaky radiator.

12-07-2013, 08:11 AM	#34
Bishops Trucks KEEP ON TRUCKIN' Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Sterling, Va. Posts: 5,730	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I say go for it. I've always liked the "Dare to be different" types of rides. Anything can be built to work when you have a vision, a bunch of cool tools and a few cases of beer to bribe some friends to help you. Looking forward to watch this come together. __________________ JIM '97 GMC Sierra K1500 '95 Chevy Silverado C1500 '71 Cheyenne Z71 / LT1 & 4-Speed SWB K/10 Father/Son Project http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l689JKXPnA http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php "LIVIN' FREE FOREVER"

12-07-2013, 07:55 PM	#35
low&slow Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 1,046	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? Here's a few pics of the 500 in my truck. Enjoy. Attached Images

12-07-2013, 09:14 PM	#36
Ft.ValloniaStreaker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 160	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? Plenty of room, where were the motor mounts on the 500?

12-07-2013, 09:30 PM	#37
mud.man.rj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Creighton Sask. Canada Posts: 4,121	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I would pull the heads first thing and see what the cylinders are really like and if half decent then pul the pan and have a look at the rest of it, only bad thing I see is outside storage is really bad on cylinder rust and seizing an engine, but still in if it turns out good. Get to it and keep us posted, dare to be different is very cool in my book. __________________ 1987 Green n Green machine. 5.0 4spd std. 7" lift w 35's.

12-07-2013, 11:17 PM	#39
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I have no knowledge but I am in full support of you "going for it." :-)

12-07-2013, 11:32 PM	#40
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,844	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I just went through the pros and cons of a swap like this. The only difference is I was considering putting it in a 29' chev. I don't think I need to go into the pro's since most of them are quite obvious. The two cons that made me change my mind are, these engines are very expensive to rebuild and the nail in the coffin for me was parts availability. I plan on driving my car, not just to local cruises either. What happens if it breaks down in the middle of nowhere, parts for small/big block chevy's are still relatively easy to find in most any parts place. Big block Cadillacs not so much. __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

12-08-2013, 10:06 AM	#41
Ft.ValloniaStreaker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 160	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? Performance is not an issue and I'll never be more than 50 miles from home. I drive 80 miles a day round trip to work, so I don't plan on it being a daily driver. A bit loud and comfortable around 60 mph is all I'm after. That doesn't mean I don't expect to jump in turn the key and go, I do all my own work so we'll all know who to blame. I'm a hot rods come from junk yards kinda guy, so this is what I want the import tuner kids to see, the kinda stuff I grew up with. When I finally revel the $ amount on this truck most will laugh. (my Boss 308's with tires $70 for the set @ auction!!!) Stay tuned.

12-08-2013, 03:00 PM	#43
Lifetime Project 72 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cobourg Ontario Canada Posts: 35	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? I have a 1970 Cadillac with a 472.This engine has never been apart,never any issues other than regular parts that wear out,such as the water pump.It has almost 200,000 on it and still idles and performs smoothly.If you have to get the 429 rebuilt,you will have a very reliable engine.If it were me,I would definately go for it,even if the parts cost more. When I rebuilt my truck,I entertained the thought of putting a 455 Olds in my 72 GMC.I realized that the extra weight would require different springs up front. Don`t know how heavy the 429 is,but you may have to swap the front springs out. Chris

12-08-2013, 06:30 PM	#45
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? The swap has been done by a couple older, members. One of the things I remember is the need the Eldorado oil pan, as well as 72 style big block mounts/trees. Longhornman had a tread showing how he did it, but as yet I haven't found it on the board. UPdate Here are some OLD threads about caddy's in our trucks. First two are the main ones. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=20020 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=20763 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=194481 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=36377 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=163389 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=132306 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=144311 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=253716 __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 12-08-2013 at 07:27 PM.

12-08-2013, 08:02 PM	#47
mrolds88 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: WV Posts: 946	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? If it is a 429, it has to be a 64 (if I'm right) and has a "round" bolt pattern for the trans. 65 and up used a TH400 with a regular BOP bolt pattern. Its a shame, I have a complete 66 429 that turns over (last time we messed with it) and would be a good candidate for something like this. (I'm NOT trying to sell it here, just making a statement). As always the optimum deal is to pull an engine like this from the donor yourself, taking all that is needed. __________________ 72 GMC C2500 402/Th400 first truck (still have) 77 GMC C3500 CC dually Sold 70 C50 dump truck "Rusty" 87 K10 Suburban Sold 93 K2500 xcab 6.5TD 96 GMC K2500 Suburban 6.5 TD



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04-14-2014, 09:22 PM	#49
Ft.ValloniaStreaker Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 160	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? Well its been a looooong cold winter, I've cut and burnt A LOT of firewood, pushed a lot of snow. Put a clutch and pressure plate in my 92 Chevy, and done a head gasket job on my Subaru, all this while my hot rod sat covered with snow. So this weekend the Caddy came to life! I dipped the Carter in January (junk) and picked up a Edelbrock 600cfm at the Kyana swap meet in Louisville,bought a new set of points and that's it. I can't believe how big of battery I'm going to need to crank this thing! You can only imagine how cool it was to to see, smell and hear a roaring, fire breathing relic come to life. I have to say this thing is smooth,and sounds great even though I don't even have exhaust manifolds on it. I've been starting it once a day just cause I can....lol I didn't want to go any further on the truck till I had a runner, so now it's full steam ahead.

04-14-2014, 09:39 PM	#50
low&slow Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kuna, Idaho Posts: 1,046	Re: 429 Cadillac motor....should I? Great to hear you got her running. As for a battery, you don't need a big one. Just a good charged one. I had a tiny car battery in a car that I raced. The battery wouldn't even start the car so I tossed it in my truck for the caddy motor to charge it and this little battery started it.

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