Anybody running '49-'62 Cadillac V8 in TasK Force truck?

[terd ferguson]

I finally got my dream engine, a freshly rebuilt Cad 365. Well, a 390 would've been better, haha! But more than close enough. Its got 3,500 miles on a rebuild. Excellent oil pressure/compression and looks brand new inside (still has grease packed in rocker arm shafts). I've cleaned it up (some bondo dust), pulled parts off, and begun removing old paint in preperation for new paint. I hope to have it totally bare and painted by next weekend. This is replacing a sort of tired 261 inline.

My question is who has done this swap? Anything to look out for? Only fab work I forsee is engine mounts and shortening a driveshaft. Oh and converting the manual shifter on the column to work with the cad hydro.

Any tips, tricks, advice, et cetera is greatly appreciated.



This...



...is going in this...

[OrrieG]

Was a popular one in the 60's, in I almost owned at 57 Studebaker truck with one in it, but tranny had problems. Take a look at Wilcap and Advanced Adaptors if you are thinking about using a different trans. Wilcap might even have engine mount stuff. Other wise should be relatively simple. Bellhousing crossmember will be a challenge unless you remove it.

[alden]

I can't provide any insight, but that is a great looking motor and I'm looking forward to hearing how it all works out!

[solidaxel]

Is that 4 speed Hydro the only trans that will bolt up to the Cadi. block without a great expense?

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Was a popular one in the 60's, in I almost owned at 57 Studebaker truck with one in it, but tranny had problems. Take a look at Wilcap and Advanced Adaptors if you are thinking about using a different trans. Wilcap might even have engine mount stuff. Other wise should be relatively simple. Bellhousing crossmember will be a challenge unless you remove it.

Thanks Orrie! I didn't think about the crossmember.

Originally Posted by alden

I can't provide any insight, but that is a great looking motor and I'm looking forward to hearing how it all works out!

Thanks. If you think it looks good now, wait til next week when its painted!

[OrrieG]

I didn't remove mine because I want to keep the frame stability at the spring shackles. Only hassle is it makes it hard (not impossible) to remove the trans pan and the converter cover has to be a two piece affair. Most guys just remove them, and for around down or cruising it will be ok. Off road stuff puts a lot of rotation in the frame that would then be relying on the body thru the body mounts to resist. You can always take it out, get every thing in place then make one out of tube to fit around the tranny bellhousing.

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

Is that 4 speed Hydro the only trans that will bolt up to the Cadi. block without a great expense?

Yes, unless you're dealing with the earlier 331 with the integral bellhousing on the block. Manual trans with the 365 and 390 is expensive and labor intensive.

[oldcarfart]

The old hydros are great 4 speed trannys, a deep first gear allows tight rear axle ratios for highway mpg's (like 2.79 or so) or killer acceleration (4.11's), I have a used set of finned aluminum valve covers for $150.00 & shipping from 29325 (10 lbs?) if interested. Offenhausers IIRC, used as wall art right now.
oldcarfart@aol.com

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by oldcarfart

The old hydros are great 4 speed trannys, a deep first gear allows tight rear axle ratios for highway mpg's (like 2.79 or so) or killer acceleration (4.11's), I have a used set of finned aluminum valve covers for $150.00 & shipping from 29325 (10 lbs?) if interested. Offenhausers IIRC, used as wall art right now.
oldcarfart@aol.com

I am for sure interested. I sent you an email. Thanks a bunch!!

[52 Rat]

Cool retro engine. All you need now is that old skool Caddy air cleaner housing.

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by 52 Rat

Cool retro engine. All you need now is that old skool Caddy air cleaner housing.

I've got one waiting to be chromed. I'm not sure how it will look with the edelbrock carb though. And I kind of hate to cut up such a nice piece.

[oldcarfart]

Originally Posted by terd ferguson

I've got one waiting to be chromed. I'm not sure how it will look with the edelbrock carb though. And I kind of hate to cut up such a nice piece.

The later model carbs have a larger top, there are adapters available to run the smaller air cleaners.

[terd ferguson]

Originally Posted by oldcarfart

The later model carbs have a larger top, there are adapters available to run the smaller air cleaners.

Thanks for that! I sent you a PM and an email about those valve covers. I want them if they are for 365/390. Can you send me a pic? Thanks!

terdferguson13@gmail.com

[oldcarfart]

Originally Posted by terd ferguson

Thanks for that! I sent you a PM and an email about those valve covers. I want them if they are for 365/390. Can you send me a pic? Thanks!

terdferguson13@gmail.com

will do!