Cadillac Flathead ? All information welcome. [Archive]

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 03:37 AM

There is one for sale here in Finland that i`m intrested of,
but want to know more about those flattys.
So would you guys give me some info? http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 04:21 AM

Few pics of the engine. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/cadillac1.jpg

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 04:22 AM

No.2 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/cadillac4.jpg

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 04:23 AM

No.3 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/cadillac3.jpg

willowbilly3

09-01-2004, 07:12 AM

I think the coolest thing about one would be running some wicked assed pipes out through the top of the hood and then laying over and swooping down. I have heard there is a bit of speed equipment out there for them. But they are very heavy. I have a friend that is trying to off a running 41 on me, I still am considering the project too.

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 07:17 AM

Well, I just quit wondering and bought it. I think it will end up to my -30 A Coupe.

willowbilly3

09-01-2004, 07:58 AM

Coolness, now you will become out flatty caddy expert and tell us about them.

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 02:01 PM

I just don`t believe nobody knows anything about these engines http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The37Kid

09-01-2004, 02:11 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I just don`t believe nobody knows anything about these engines http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I know we used them in WWII tanks. Back in the 1960's a friend used to buy new ones still in military crates from a scrap dealer and sell they to guys that were restoring old Cadillacs.The little 10MM spark plugs always looked odd to me. May have a box of them around here if you need them. Good luck with it.

The37Kid

09-01-2004, 02:20 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Well, I just quit wondering and bought it. I think it will end up to my -30 A Coupe.

[/ QUOTE ]

Can't wait to see the exhaust setup on an A Coupe! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Big A

09-01-2004, 02:23 PM

What was the theory behind those wacky exhaust manifolds? I don't get out much, but I don't think I've seen that before. What year is that?

Jim Marlett

09-01-2004, 02:31 PM

Bringing the exhaust out the top kept the Caddy from having to do what Ford did and run the exhaust ports through the block.

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 02:49 PM

My engine was also meant to be on a tank. I`ve heard that Russians used Caddy engines in their tanks during WWII.
Yes, and thanks for the offer 37kid i`m really interested of those sparkplugs. Thanks all for the posts.

Jaypee

09-01-2004, 02:54 PM

Anybody know any speed shop etc. that has speed equipments for flatty caddy?

The37Kid

09-01-2004, 03:03 PM

[ QUOTE ]
My engine was also meant to be on a tank. I`ve heard that Russians used Caddy engines in their tanks during WWII.
Yes, and thanks for the offer 37kid i`m really interested of those sparkplugs. Thanks all for the posts.

[/ QUOTE ]

Check your PM (the flashing flag up top) Bob

jetcitysicko

09-01-2004, 03:30 PM

I have some stuff for a flat cad. PM me your email.

briggs&strattonChev

09-01-2004, 04:41 PM

did anyone see that one on ebay a couple months back? Somebody posted it was for sale and I looked at it it was like 80,000 original miles runner, it was in minnesota and was reasonably priced like 250 or so, and I was gonna bid but realized that the auction was over, I wish I woulda seen the post earlier and I woulda had it. Oh well. Anyone know what trannys rodders use behind them? the original?

Briggs

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 01:35 AM

I also would be pleased if someone gives us some info about the transmissions.

willowbilly3

09-02-2004, 03:15 AM

I think the stick shift was fine, you might even use the Lasalle tranny everyone was using back rhen as Lasallle was kind of part of the Caccilac line. I would stay away from the early hydros that came in some from 39-40 on.

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 03:19 AM

Damn, i just got old hydro with the flatty. What might be the worst part of it?

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 07:51 AM

Does anybody have pics of old shifters roadster with caddy flatty? I think the car ended up in Sweden.
Engine pics please.

Rocky

09-02-2004, 08:03 AM

My 47 caddy had a hydro behind the flathead and it worked beautifully. They were a good tranny but heavy.

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 12:09 PM

Engine specs also needed http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Hp,torque,weight etc.

Slide

09-02-2004, 12:28 PM

We pulled one out of a 41 Caddy one time. That thing was ridiculously heavy. I don't know exact weight, but I am pretty sure they are heavier than a BBC, and I know they are heavier than a 500ci Caddy motor.

Looks like you have the cast iron exhausst manifolds, but some were made of some kind of ceramic.

If you do the wild headers thing, you better promise to show us pictures!

Kartsa

09-02-2004, 12:34 PM

Cadillac specs can be found here.
http://www.car-nection.com/yann/Dbas_txt/indx2001.htm
Hope it helps.

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 01:10 PM

Thanks Kartsa.

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 01:15 PM

Yes i will show pics of it later.

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 03:15 PM

I messed with my photobucket so the pics went down. Sorry. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
one: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/cadillac4.jpg

Jaypee

09-02-2004, 03:18 PM

another: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/cadillac2.jpg

Big A

09-02-2004, 03:31 PM

Just did a Google search for "cadillac flathead" and came across a couple of sites that might be of interest...

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/cad_early.htm

http://www.wilcap.com/webdoc8.htm

Jaypee

09-03-2004, 02:07 AM

Seems like the tranny is not a problem anymore.
Btw wilcap didn`t offer adapter to flatty.

**DONOTDELETE**

09-03-2004, 02:16 AM

caddy fladdy is a pain in the assy. Cyclone makes aluminum heads for them.... I think. The intake is going to be a pain in the ass and the exhaust will look cool no matter what you do. La Sal trannies are a pain. The motors are fucking huge and kinda a pain in the ass.

Now you know it all.

Cadillacin Marcus

09-03-2004, 02:21 AM

I have a few spares if you need one..

Jaypee

09-03-2004, 03:36 AM

Seems to me that i`m gonna get some pain in the ass from now on. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Jaypee

09-03-2004, 03:40 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I have a few spares if you need one..

[/ QUOTE ]
Pm`d you.
Jaypee

Jaypee

09-03-2004, 03:59 PM

A slight change for the plans. Flatty`s gonna end up in my RPU. Any links to head related sites?

Jaypee

09-05-2004, 02:29 PM

Finally got the engine (or whole freakin`creature what flatty was powering.) home last night. Try to guess what this is: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00602.jpg

Jaypee

09-05-2004, 02:34 PM

It`s a winch they used to get sailplanes up in the sky. I mean straight from the ground http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif GRAZY!!! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00606.jpg

Jaypee

09-05-2004, 02:36 PM

It was made out of old Borgward truck. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00605.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00604.jpg

Jaypee

09-05-2004, 02:41 PM

Well i finally got rid of all unnecessary stuff around the engine and got it running today. Boy it runs fine. Tranny seems to work ok also. I just have to say i`m quite happy http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif now. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00617.jpg

Jaypee

09-05-2004, 02:42 PM

Hydro http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v341/punkrodder/Caddy%20flatty/DSC00607.jpg

krooser

09-06-2004, 08:53 AM

I gotta telt ya this thing is too cool...I love odd-ball engines...(I've got four Hemi's that were irrigation pumps)...I'd keep the hydramatic AND use the Borgward hood and grill..

Revhead

09-06-2004, 11:49 AM

They weigh in at about 900 pounds.

Jaypee

09-06-2004, 11:54 AM

Yeah, i`ve noticed that http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Heavy shit though.

attitudor

09-28-2004, 06:01 AM

OK, The Cad Flattie won´t be jaypee´s problem anymore ´cause I just bought it home. That will end up into my low T-Tudor.

By the way, I broke my engine lifter when I tried to lift that piece of cast iron out of my trailer... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

All information will still be welcome!!

Stone

02-05-2005, 02:24 AM

Any updates on the flathead cadi?

Jaypee

02-05-2005, 02:36 AM

Any updates on the flathead cadi?
Stone, PM Attitudor about the Cad Flatty.

Jaypee

willowbilly3

02-05-2005, 03:31 AM

So Jaypee, why did you give up on it?

Jaypee

02-05-2005, 05:42 AM

So Jaypee, why did you give up on it?
I already have 59ab Ford block and Merc 4" crank + lotsa go fast goodies.
I have spent so much money to my stroker Ford flatty, that it would be a shame not to use it instead of Cad flatty. In other hand it´s lighter and much smaller for my -28 RPU. I think Cad flatty looks awesome in front of a deuce because the frame and firewall is wider and the whole body is higher.
But in my case -28 RPU channeled 4" it would look too big. Just my opinion.

Jaypee

Stone

02-05-2005, 12:44 PM

Any pics of it in your rides Jaypee?Or did you never get it set in there.

coupe33

02-05-2005, 01:15 PM

I was looking on the internet about these flatheads and there doesn't seem to much information about them. everything I could find only said they were virtually unchanged from 1936 through 1948. I would suspect even though they were used in pairs in tanks through out the war they would still be tough to find. 346 cubic inch still sounds good though.

Jaypee

02-06-2005, 12:54 AM

Any pics of it in your rides Jaypee?Or did you never get it set in there.
No pics man, i´m sorry. I just have one video clip where i start the flatty at first time after ten years. Straight pipes, sounds great.

Jaypee

lakes modified

02-06-2005, 01:28 AM

Damn, i just got old hydro with the flatty. What might be the worst part of it?

I just saw an ad in one of the rod magazines, where they make new alum. heads and intakes for them. if you can't find it let me know and i'll dig it out.

attitudor

02-10-2005, 02:19 AM

So Jaypee, why did you give up on it?

Don't be sad, the great Cad Flattie has a good home now. 4x2 intake and straight pipes in progress. Sparg plugs etc. coming from the US.

Mika

J.B.

02-10-2005, 02:25 AM

Got any more pics of that ? Thinking of selling my 1941 Caddy engine to a
fellow clubmember for use in his model A.

PEDDRO

02-10-2005, 05:48 AM

Timely post revival....I just traded a bottle of scotch for a Cad flathead, LaSalle box and a diff just a few days ago. Got some more research to do, but first I've gotta identify the exact block as the military and car blocks were slightly different (just the quality of the castings really). Also the pistons in the military motors were cast iron whereas the cars had aluminium pistons.

I've seen Edmunds heads and an Edmunds intake for the Cad flathead but that was a while back.

346's put out around 135bhp.
The 322s in the LaSalle threw out 125bhp.

I've got a big damn military dizzy to go in mine too....if I can find the sucker!!

attitudor

02-10-2005, 01:03 PM

pix

emiliedk

03-06-2005, 01:15 PM

I just saw an ad in one of the rod magazines, where they make new alum. heads and intakes for them. if you can't find it let me know and i'll dig it out.
HI!
I WIL BE PRETTY HAPPY IF YOU FOUND THE ADD FOR CADDY FLAT INTAKE. I JUST RECEIVED PICTURES OF CYCLONES NEW HEADS, AND THEY LOOK GOOD.
I HAVE A PAIR OF EARLY EDMUNDS HEADS, BUT HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR AN EDMUNDS INTAKE FOR A WHILE.
ITS ALL GONNA END UP IN MY 36 3W.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP
PALLE

Flat Ernie

03-06-2005, 01:47 PM

Timely post revival....I just traded a bottle of scotch for a Cad flathead, LaSalle box and a diff just a few days ago.

What kinda scotch?! :D

:cool:

snotrocket

05-26-2005, 01:02 AM

Engine specs also needed http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Hp,torque,weight etc.

150 hp and around 280 torque

InDaShop

05-26-2005, 03:31 AM

I'm working a deal with this old fella for a pretty decent one. Found out about the Cyclone heads, and the tranny adapter plates from Bob over at Tranny Adapters. Now for the intakes???????? What was made for these beasts in a multi-carb set up? Someone posted an ebay link awhile back of one with Edmunds Heads & Intake, very nice but the guy wanted serious $'s for the whole setup, it didn't sell.

Any ideas for intakes????? sources???

makke

05-30-2005, 06:53 AM

Well, I have Cadillac flatty soon too; actually there are two engines with automatic transmissions. I will bring those heavy things home after two weeks. One is OK, but don't be in use 30 years. Another have to dig under the ground. :(
I heard some story about these engines (told by old man who owned these two engines before me). These engines were originally ment to use in light tanks in middle Europe. Then engines don't need no more and those useless new engines were sold all ower the Europe to some flying clubs. They used these engines in machine which pull sliders in sky. That's why still can find almost unused Cadillac flatty's in Finland.

PEDDRO

05-30-2005, 07:23 AM

Makke, it's not uncommon to find unused Cadillac flatheads still in crates in Australia either. The Caddy officianados here tell me they pop up every now and then.....just wish they'd pop up while I'm looking!!

Keep us posted on the "dig". A fellow I bought my LaSalle box off told me he buried a Cad motor about 50metres up the road from his house, 'cos he could drag it but couldn't lift it (enough to go to the dump anyhow). It's now covered by housing.

attitudor

05-30-2005, 07:51 AM

These engines were originally ment to use in light tanks in middle Europe. Then engines don't need no more and those useless new engines were sold all ower the Europe to some flying clubs. They used these engines in machine which pull sliders in sky. That's why still can find almost unused Cadillac flatty's in Finland.

Makke, great to hear the news! The story you have been told is straight like mine one, but I quess that's not so typical way to go. I've heard these engines have been used in Sisu (or something like that) trucks in Finland...???!!!

By the way, there was a nice article in The Rodders Journal (#24?) which was said some firm is going to manufacture repro aluminium heads for 346-V8 again. I will check the name later from my magazine.

PEDDRO

05-30-2005, 07:56 AM

By the way, there was a nice article in The Rodders Journal (#24?) which was said some firm is going to manufacture repro aluminium heads for 346-V8 again. I will check the name later from my magazine.

Attitudor: that'd be the Cyclone heads by Cook's Machine. Cyclone Kev is a HAMBer (every so often). If you email him, he might send you pics of the heads. VERY VERY nice, they are.

makke

05-30-2005, 01:20 PM

I've heard these engines have been used in Sisu (or something like that) trucks in Finland...???!!!

I never head about it. I try to find information out from Internet, but no results. But heaven knows what they use earli days in Sisu. Later engines mostly were Cummins diesel engines.

kenergy

05-31-2005, 08:20 PM

I have a 37 motor and trans going into an abortion - here are some photos of some parts. I am always buying this shit for some reason. I have a pair of edmunds heads, an eddie edmunds intake and a mallory dual point dist. for it.

kenergy

05-31-2005, 08:23 PM

attitudor

06-01-2005, 01:59 AM

WOW, such a cool parts you got there!

makke

06-01-2005, 03:49 AM

Heh, I am moved up rusted car parts from swamp and some little lake.
Those another engine which I bought is into ground and seller don't remember exact place.
Now I have to loan some metal detector that I can find it.
It is worth of dig up because it's not been there many years and it was almost unused when they put it into ground.
We Finnish are just crazy with these old parts... especially me. ;) Shame on me!

attitudor

06-03-2005, 10:03 AM

The Rodders Journal (#24?) which was said some firm is going to manufacture repro aluminium heads for 346-V8 again. I will check the name later from my magazine.

I checked this out, it was TRJ issue #26 and it really was Cyclone too. Here's a link http://www.cycloneracingequip.com/ for their web sites but any Cad heads weren't available yet.

Kenergy: Are those ones showed in yours pictures the brand new Cyclone units? How much did they cost? Which spark plugs are used?

Cyclone Kevin

06-12-2005, 06:39 AM

I checked this out, it was TRJ issue #26 and it really was Cyclone too. Here's a link http://www.cycloneracingequip.com/ for their web sites but any Cad heads weren't available yet.

Kenergy: Are those ones showed in yours pictures the brand new Cyclone units? How much did they cost? Which spark plugs are used?

I'll answer that one for Kenergy:
Yep, those are the brand new heads made off 65+ yr old patterns that we had @ Cook's, as you can see by the jpgs, they still work mighty fine!;) The pictures that are above of the Cyclone head are what will be available. I have 3 protoptype sets that have now been pre-sold. According to the foundry they are a real pain to cast, I can explain in an e-mail. The retail price may be $1495.00 :confused: It all depends on what happens @ the foundry:eek: So the pic above was taken in my living room on the carpet for that nice contrast. None have been released as of yet, but will be soon!!!!!
Taking orders now!!!!!;)
Kevin

attitudor

06-12-2005, 09:06 AM

Thanks for good info. I like the fact you are able to cast these cool repro heads! Unfortunately I'm currently running out of cash but I might be interested later. One question still: What kind of spark plugs do these new heads use? The original small plugs seems to be quite complicated to find.

Mika

InDaShop

06-12-2005, 09:19 AM