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

That ain't no lie....

 

I am reading you can't use the early Olds/Cad flywheel because of balancing info? Does anyone have any information on that? Or can you simply balance the flywheel? I have found an aluminum flywheel from a 55 331.

 

The '55 Olds / Cad flywheel will work fine.
The balance issue comes into play with flywheels from '57 & later Olds motors.
The later motors use the flywheel to help balance the crank. They are not "neutral balanced".
Think 400 ci small block Chevy.

 

Ok, this is a flywheel from a 1955 Cad 331 and I want to use it on a 1958 365...so you are saying it should work fine? Sorry, I am just slightly confused LOL

 

I just read the thread that was posted a few pages back regarding flywheels...and I guess any year will work on Cad's, only the later Old's have the balancing issues... Just what you wrote above @42merc. I think this makes sense now...I just did not want to buy it if I could not use it.

 

So, was there ever an aluminum single carb intake ever produced for any of the Cadillac line? 331,365, 390 specifically?

I have never seen one, but I was just curious.

 

Kinda what I figured.

 

i've seen a couple. both came off boats and had the carn deck machined at a heavy angle

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Hey guys… I need some help identifying a 390 I just picked up. Number on the rear center of the block is 1473267 which indicates ’63 390. It is clearly not a ’63 as the distributor is still in the normal spot in the rear and not in the front like '63 390's. Numbers on the intake and exhaust manifolds that came on it indicate ’59-’62 390. There is no numbers on the front of the block like the 331’s had but there is a number on the driver’s side rear of the block. Appears to be 16X80292. Possibly a late ’62?? Can anyone help?? Pretty stoked on the old chrome 331 valve covers!! Thanks.

 

If the distributor is in the rear, it’s a 62. The 63 390 is like the 429.

 

Well, not always. I too have an early 63 390 with the rear distributor. But I tell folks it's a 62 to avoid the discussion. Halfway through 63 they brought in the ugly engine

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/caddy-engine-casting-numbers.397279/

 

That’s kinda what I figured, a late 62 early 63. Last of the run.....

 

So, now it’s my turn. Is there an aftermarket rod that is the same dimensions as the Caddy rod? I am probably going to have custom pistons built, so a stock piston pin height etc is not a concern. I have the stock rods, but Lord only knows the history on them.

 

Thanks guys... Any ideas about the 16X80292 on the back of the block??

 

Your new engine, is without-a-doubt, a 1961 390ci.
Cadillac flipped the first two digits to indicate the year it was produced.

Great find, man!! Those vintage chrome valve covers are super cool!!
...these would be the numbers if it were a '62


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The engine serial number will be stamped on the lower drivers side of the block just above the pan rail. First two digits should be the model year...

 

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Is


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Roothawg,

What's your thoughts on using the sbc or BBC Rods like the fellow that built the good looking caddy on H.A.M.B. Over the winter? How much trouble was it to use them? Seems like I remember he had some push back from his builder over the custom crank grinding it required...

Trey


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He said he wouldn’t do it again. I don’t want to offset grind the crank or anything crazy.

 

My build is changing direction a bit, I do not think I will be using the Cadillac or speed equipment if anyone is looking It is a 1958 365.

 

The 390 makes close to 300ft lbs at 1600rpm.

That isn't enough?

Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races

 

Never enough.

 

Whatcha got?

 

The vultures are circling

I'm telling myself I don't need any more Caddy stuff... we'll see if it works.

 

I really want an Offy 3x2. They say they are going to release them again, but who knows when that will happen. I bought the Weiand 2x4, but it’s not my first choice.

 

I want a blower intake but I can wish in one hand and want in the other but neither will be full anytime soon so I'm just gonna make it I've gathered up some parts to assemble the motor to make it and as soon as this 62 olds convertible is done it's full speed ahead so stay tuned


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I have a 58 365 that looks good (usable) inside. I have a Edelbrock tri power intake, Sheifer aluminum flywheel and a Offy bellhousing to go from the short bell Cadillac to early Ford. I planned on using all of this in my build, but my plans have changed a little. I know this is not the swap meet section, so if anyone is interested in it PM me