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Which Cadillac OHV Engine To Use In 1937 LaSalle

Started by carlhungness, October 08, 2018, 02:10:48 PM

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carlhungness

  I have limited knowledge of all Cadillac OHV engines from 1949 onward and am seeking some knowledge from the membership. I do know the 1949-54 331 engine had a bellhousing on the back and it is fairly easily installed into my '37 for example.
It is my understanding the later engines were flat on the back and the transmission had the bellhousing. I believe the cubic inches were increased to 365 in 1956 and later to 390 in 1959. I believe a new block was introduced in 1963 and it too was 390, then increased to 429 from 1964-67.
   I drove my '37 Coupe 110,000 miles with two different flatheads and recall the gas mileage was horrible. Thus I want to make an every day driver out of the car now and would rather put in a Cad V-8 than for example a Chevrolet 350.
   Thus I'm seeking suggestions. I want to retain the original transmission and install something that will give me pretty reasonable mileage. I can easily install another rear end too if necessary.
   So I'd like to hear from those who are driving some of the 365's and 390's at least. I have also been researching the new fuel injectors that bolt to a carburetor manifold and all reports have been they work beautifully, albeit a little pricey at about $800.
Thanks,
Carl Hungness

harry s

Carl, I can't help you much on an OHV replacement engine. Glad you want to keep it Cad. Congratulations on driving your LaSalle 110K with the flatheads.     Harry
Harry Scott 4195
1941 6733
1948 6267X
2011 DTS Platinum

"Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364

Carl,
If you wish to keep your transmission I believe the only motor it will live behind is an early 331 (49-53).  Nice combination and no doubt enough power for a daily driver.
Greg Surfas
Cadillac Kid-Greg Surfas
Director Modified Chapter CLC
CLC #15364
66 Coupe deVille (now gone to the UK)
72 Eldo Cpe  (now cruising the sands in Quatar)
73 Coupe deVille
75 Coupe deElegance
76 Coupe deVille
79 Coupe de ville with "Paris" (pick up) option and 472 motor
514 inch motor now in '73-

carlhungness

I believe you are correct, and think I've seen some of your posts on the 500 cubic inch engines. In fact if memory is correct I dropped a 500 inch Cadillac in the car just before I gave it away years ago and the motor mounts matched up. Thus I may have a big inch engine for sale. Then again I may have enough fabrication skills (and friends) who can build an adapter for the larger engine. The car will be here on the 17th so I'll take a look.

bcroe

To get good mileage of course the engine must be in good
condition, ignition timing accurate and carb working.  My cars
do it by turning about 2000 rpm at 60 mph, that requires a
2.41:1 rear axle ratio.  That might slow down a stick shift a
lot, the torque converter in my TH400 makes up for that. 

Fuel injectors are not going to solve this problem.  Bruce Roe