engine swap 1983 RWD Brougham

[76eldo]

How tough is it to do an engine swap in a 1983 RWD Fleetwood Brougham?  Can you easily drop in a 425?

Anyone know?

Thanks,

Brian

[Dave Shepherd]

I would think a 5.7 Chev, which was done in the later 80's would be an easier fit

[76eldo]

True.  Later Brougham's used the Chev engine.

Brian

[Guidematic]

A parts car would be the key to the conversion. There are many pieces required since no engine really is a direct drop in. The HT4100 is in a family unto itself. Also you may consider an Olds engine? The Broughams from 1986-1990 used the Olds 307.

However the 425, 350/403 Olds or the Chevrolet 350 engines can be good performers and offer bullet proof reliability.

But, why are you wishing to do the conversion?

Mike

[76eldo]

I saw an 83 brougham advertised and just want to know the options for when the 4100 dies if I buy the car.

[936CD69]

Brian, a 425/THM400 swap would certainly wake up that 83. The frame is essentially the same 77-92, other than the rear trans crossmember. IIRC, the 200r4 and the short tailshaft THM400 are very similar in length. The most you would need there was a crossmember/propshaft from a donor car. Probably a different radiator up front. I doubt you could keep/adapt the throttle body fuel injection, so a fuel tank and sender from an 80 carbed 368 or an 86-90 307 would be in order (no intank fuel pump ). The only issue may be with the ECC, but I don't believe it would be difficult to adapt the compressor control to a different type IF needed. HTH

Craig

[Louis Smith]

Given the infamous history of the HT4100 engine, why would you want to purchase a RWD Brougham of that Vintage?  Given that, that body style continued into the early 90's, why not look for one past at least 1986?

[76eldo]

It's a very low mileage car, but i am going to pass on it.  Too many other cars and projects.

Thanks for the info.

Brian

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Every now and then I'll scan listings of 82-85 RWD Cadillacs and there are still many really nice examples out there. I just came across what appeared to be two exceptional '83 FBs- a 2x black w/grey leather; other a Midnight blue d'Elegance w/ blue velour. Both with miles in the 40s or so. It's really a shame to see these magnificent sedans in such preserved condition but can't touch them because of that time bomb under the bonnet. Even worse is the fact that Cadillac eliminated the RWD coupe model after 1985 so a 2-door buyer must limit himself to 1980 and 1981 for the 1980s style.

A well known late-model Cadillac collector/dealer in TX had some incredible HT4100s with a few hundred miles and it appears he has sold them. When they're like that, I guess the 4100 doesn't matter because they're probably never going to be driven...