I have a '29 tudor sedan that I have always wanted to put a big caddy engine in. I have been given a 1974 caddy with a 425, complete with tranny, and running. Obviously, I can use the motor and tranny (sweet!) but is there anything else that makes sense to scavenge off of it? This is my first ground-up car build, so I don't want to end up junking anything that might be useful later. Thanks in advance.
it's a free 425,man...use it!!!........i'd keep the rear if i were you,unless you just want to part it...always nice to make a few bucks......
Correct--it turns out it's a '77. But it's got an edelbrock intake, brand new carb. . .shit, it's FREE!! Once I pull the headers and build new ones to let it breathe, it should be pretty fast.
Put the 425 in there to get going then maybe later swap it out for a warmed up 500 caddy which will swap right into where the 425 would be.
I didnt see him mention building a period correct car? The Cad is a cool doner, in a light car it will be more than enough. Big engines like that are TORQUEY, makes for fun stoplights! I was talking to a customer at the shop today about this same fact. The 348 in my touring is a blast, those Cads came up as well. You will be driving 2400 pounds vs. 5000 that the Caddy had! Think about it. Fun times. Keep the engine and tranny. Save the MC for a core charge exchange, the counter monkeys wont know nor care. Sell the seats off to a street rodder. Keep the roof skin for a donor panel, works good for lots of things.
Thanks to all for the advice. I am not building a 100% period correct car, not worried about that. Just want a neat car that goes fucking fast. The next debate is whether I should use my stock A frame (box it, of course) or buy a repro. Can't decide 'til I blast the frame and see what I have to work with. . .
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