Cummins or Cadillac?

[Brownhouse]

This is fantastic! Can't wait to see the progress of your build. I have a while to decide which way I'm going to go, but Cadillac 500 is one of my options when the Suburban needs a new motor. I've got a '70 DeVille and have been a Cadillac 472/500 fan for a long time. Read through the whole thread and was surprised there wasn't a mention of MTS, was going to mention it and came to the last post. I'm curious to compare the cam you're using with the MTS cams, I've been considering the MTS 5 or 10 cam for the DeVille should it ever need a rebuild, but I suppose those are more intended for horsepower rather than torque, and the DeVille is a lightweight at 4,400 pounds. Another option for me would be an Olds 455. Got an '83 Cutlass with a '70 455, another torque over-achiever. Anyway, I'll be watching with much curiosity...

 

[chilliwak]

Woofwagon does a stock Cadilac motor from the old school caddys have any serious torque?:Wow1:

 

[Woofwagon]

Yes, the 500 inch motor was rated at 550 foot pound of torque in 1970. Or are you talking of the earlier 331,390,429 Caddies?

 

[chilliwak]

Wow:Wow1:that is an amazing amount of torue from a 70s moter. How was the hersepower rating? I guess you need a cady transmision or would it bolt up to a turbo 400 or other standard big block chevy transmission from that era?

 

[Woofwagon]

With a simple adapter plate between the Chevy bolt pattern and the BOPC (Buick Olds Pontiac Cadillac) pattern, the Caddy will mate right up to the TH400 that is in the Suburban now. Remember that the TH400 was first introduced on Cadillacs in like '64 if I remember correctly. I think Buicks had it that year too. A later mod I may consider is installing a 4L80E and get the benefits of overdrive. The TH400 can more than handle the torque this engine is going to put out with my easy driving style.

 

[Sooper Camper]

cool thread, needs more pics!

 

[chilliwak]

cool thread, needs more pics!

I second that motion. A true lack of pics here!!!!! Woofwagon?!!!:Wow1:

 

[Woofwagon]

Haven't had time to do the tear down yet. I want to get some items done on the Burb here before the weather turns really nasty. I'm going to start the quotation process here with local machine shops and save up the money to do this engine all in one go, rather than piecemealing the engine. That's where errors and rust start to crop up like mushrooms.

 

[Woofwagon]

This is a completely rebuilt Quadrajet I bought at the recent Monroe Washington swapmeet last weekend. Purchased for 180 bones, the vendor saved me nearly that and said he'd give me 50 bucks for the core. This is the correct carb for the 500 Cad too.

 

[chilliwak]

Wow:Wow1:now thats what I call a deal. I might just have to come down your way next summer and check out your rig!

 

[Clutch]

Killer!

 

[Woofwagon]

I had seriously thought about fuel injection, but the simplicity of a carburetor in primitive conditions won me over. Plus the sound of a Quadrajet at full toilet-bowl-of-gasoline mode was a clincher :smiley_drive:

 

[Clutch]

I had seriously thought about fuel injection, but the simplicity of a carburetor in primitive conditions won me over. Plus the sound of a Quadrajet at full toilet-bowl-of-gasoline mode was a clincher :smiley_drive:

Yeah nothing like that sound!

 

[Regcabguy]

I had seriously thought about fuel injection, but the simplicity of a carburetor in primitive conditions won me over. Plus the sound of a Quadrajet at full toilet-bowl-of-gasoline mode was a clincher :smiley_drive:

Agreed. I had a '73 Chevy 3/4 ton van w/350. I bought a brand new Quadrajet at retail from the dealer for about $180 in about 1983. That truck ran so well and stomping on it did induce that throaty gas guzzling sound. Loved it aside from feeding it. Set the choke in the morning and you were done within a block. Kick it down and that's it for the rest of the day.:sombrero:

 

[chilliwak]

I love the sound of a Quadrajet when you punch it and all the other drivers just stare in amasement.....:bike_rider: