Hot Rods Let's talk Cadillac 331's, 365 and 390's

Since it is a 4.00 bore, I am going to research some later model pistons to see if any have a similar compression height. With all of the SBC stuff they make these days, surely there will be a forged piston out there that will interchange.

 

i have not heard of that before. Interesting

 

Now I want one! Hope that one on CL is a good core.

 

We used Chevy rings on my '60 390 with stock pistons. Been severely road tested with no problems and they cost less.

 

So...what was that stamped number?

 

Dunno yet. It's unloaded, but it is a grimey pig. It has an oil filter adapter on the pass side though. Kind of a clunky looking deal.

 

Looks like I scored after all.

 

so it looks to be a 61? Nice.

 

Just bought a set of Studebaker rocker arms from a fellow hamber last night.

 

So, are the exhaust ports the same configuration up through say 67?
I see some later 390/429 aftermarket headers for sale. Just wondering about interchangability.

https://www.sandersonheaders.com/sa...l?category_id=1043#product-details-tab-tab162

 

It says in that link they fit 51-65 Cadillacs. They might have limited those years because of steering box configuration.

 

I know. It's confusing. You would think they would list the 331 and the 365's if they are all the same.

 

My guess is the reason they list odd years instead of CID of the engine is because of fitment into the engine compartment. In other words, these may bolt up to a 331, but the physically won't fit in a 49-50 engine bay, but they will fit in a 51 engine bay. (That's just a guess)

 

Gotcha.

 

Have never messed with a Caddy, but may venture that way...
After snagging these, this thread came in mighty handy....

 

Please post detailed pictures of all the components during the tear down and build, we all need to see what made these Cad engines tick.

 

I plan on it. If nothing else, just for my own reference. Pics are good when memories are bad.

 

...here's a 1960 390ci in the works...

 

Very cool.

 

I just picked up the newest issue (July '16) of Hot Rod Deluxe after work and they have an article on rebuilding a 365 tripower engine titled "Finding Eldorado" on P.66 you might want too stroll on down to your favorite magazine stand and get a copy. I'm reading mine now!

 

I saw that. I had printed the same article off the web the other day. At least I think it was the same article.....

 

I just read that article, Now I know why there is a vacuum line hooked to side of the block.

 

So, I am wondering who on the hamb is an expert on Caddy cams? I see Howards will do a custom grind but I don't really know what the max is before I have to go to adjustable rockers etc. I have recently bought the adjustable Studebaker rocker arms, but I am unsure if I can run those with a hyd cam or or is strictly solid?

 

Would you need them with the hydraulics?

 

You can run adjustable rocker arms with a hyd. cam; you just need to figure out how much to pre-load the lifters when you set it up. Just remember that it'll require custom push rods and dimpled valve covers to run them...

 

That's one of my questions. At what point are the adjustable rocker arms required? Anything with more lift than stock?