500 cid into a 86 shortbox

[chronos]

Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this. Truck has 3/4 ton suspension and pairing it up with a 400 tranny
 

[VileZambonie]

I assume you are talking a caddy engine? It can be done. You'll have to make a lot of things work and it's not really cost effective unless you just happen to have a donor kicking around to plop in.

[chronos]

Doner is ready to go...any things come to mind??
Engine has seals, cam, lifters, timing chain, and oil pump,
Edelbrock intake.Got motor mounts but not sure how thats
going to work?

[eventhorizon66]

I think the caddy motors are cool.  They make brutal low-end torque and weigh only a little more than an all iron SBC.

Check these guys out if you want to hot rod it.  MTS

[chronos]

Thats my thinking,something different but want a 'good' different
Heard alot about these engines , but I have never even
been in a vehicle with one,let alone one of our trucks...lol

[zieg85]

A good friend growing up has one in his 69 Longhorn.  His dad and grandfather put it together in 1970.  They use to buy them wrecked at the auction, fix em and then sell them.  This one had 17K on it.  They used the Eldarado setup 501 with the front wheel drive and spliced it into the frame.  Used to get good gas mileage, we took it on a trip one summer while we were still in school.  They even used the telescopic/tilt column.  He still has the truck.  One of a kind for sure.

[VileZambonie]

One of my former customers had an old Chevy with a 501... All I can remember about it was something with the oil filter was problematic. Anyway if you've got the donor go for it. Check out the BB Caddy forum

http://caddy500.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=75c5e5994f192dd7b45d5e6b0c40025e&board=2.0

[dumbucket1]

I've driven a couple early 70's caddy's with 500ci engines. They were pretty doggy in my opinion. Maybe they were just wore out though I don't know.

[chronos]

Thanks for the links

[HAULIN IT]

Chronos, Is this a 2wd or 4wd truck? This is really a pretty nice swap. The oil filter needs a little clearancing, as for the problematic part (I've heard of this also) if you drain the oil out, change the filter & don't put new & start it relatively soon, the engine loses it's prime - rattles & the oil light comes on. You need a Left exhaust manifold from a RWD car, both sides are tight to the frame, but ok. The motor mounting is simplest using RWD parts (homemade metal half could work) On a 2wd , the oil pan needs to be from an Eldorado. You will need an adapter plate if you are going to use your existing transmission. A few minor things (HEI & sending unit wiring) need dealt with, overall, it will make a great swap for the truck. Lorne

[comp]

Thanks for the links

i agree

[SUX2BU99]

I've always wanted to do this swap too. Great motor to use and only about 60 lbs heavier than a SBC. Abundant power that is easy to make. Costs a little more to build one up but you don't have to build it too crazy to get great power out of it. May even be able to build a mild one for cheaper or the same as a BBC. Too much little stuff to fab up for my skills, but it surely isn't impossible. MTS is a perfect resource. If they can fit them into a G-body car (Regal, Monte Carlo, etc) then they'll fit great in our trucks. When I was searching to buy my truck a guy had a 77 short-step 2wd for sale that had an Eldo 500 FWD setup in it. It was intriguing but I had no idea on the quality of installation and didn't need the transaxle to fall out of it on the highway!

[Chevalade]

Hey guys ....yeah I will be doing the same swap soon I hope.....right now the block is stripped and ready for machining.

For anyone that is intrested in the 500 for parts or info....look up  MTS Specialties (Marty) or Potters Automotive (Jerry)

Those guys can get ya almost any possible part ya need.

My plan is a single turbo with a fuel injected setup. Hoping to make around 1200 crank hp.

[DnStClr]

Wow! Chevalade- you doin the engine for the strip or street?

[Chevalade]

Wow! Chevalade- you doin the engine for the strip or street?

Bit of both actually.....lol.