Caddy 390 help

Hey guys I'm looking at getting a caddy 390 for my model a build. What should I look for and what would be a good price? What would be the best Trans to put behind it? Thanks for your experience and $.02 worth!


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Well for starters there are two Cadillac 390s. The early ones - '59 to '62 and the later one from '63. The later 63 390 is less desired, one-year only engine. It is also lighter.

There are several kits to put a more modern TH350, TH400 or 700R4 behind the earlier ones. The original hydramatic was a tough transmission, but it needs all the correct linkage, and carb to make it work right. People have built thier own linkage to hook it up to other carburetors, but I hear it is pretty tough to get it just right.

I'm not sure what they go for. I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a complete one and it should turn over and look fairly clean for that price.

 

Revhead,
Thanks for the insight! The one I'm looking at is a '62. I'm hoping that the seller will make a move on his end sooner than later! I didn't know about the linkage issues, and that sounds very critical! From the sounds of it, maybe the th350 would be easier. Thanks once again I do appreciate your time and knowledge!

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=497477

FWIW I paid $400 for my last 365/390. you should get a good core anywhere from 200-700 depending on how motivated the seller and how complete the engine is. for my money the tranny's a boat anchor. they're fine as long as they're good. if you have to rebuild just make the swap.

 

u should fine a rebuildable 390 fairly cheep under 400$ the addaptor to 350 400 700r are out there to but 3 to 500$ saves alot a weight for the org why not go with a flathead cadillac very cool