The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Engine Swap

I currently have a 327/T400 in my 52 p/u. I'm considering swapping the 327 for a Caddy 512; anybody out there thats done that before? Any tips? Appreciate your inputs.

PBO

I am looking on putting a 283/TH350 in my '52. Did you have to move the steering box over. Anything else I need to be aware of for this conversion. Also, I know of a guy here in Klamath Falls, OR looking for a 327 if decide to put in the 512. Have fun with your project, Wayne

Here is a shot of a 500 caddy in a 51 GMC which is the same as your Chevy. Been in it for over 30 years and 200,000+ miles(rebuilt twice). Go to page 2 and scroll down to blue truck. http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d41/coilover/
To ZB3--don't have to move box if you use a 55 or 56 265 exhaust manifold.

Hey coilover,
Would you tell us about that steering conversion? Looks interesting.
Thanks, Jeff

FYI: a '51 GMC is not the same as a Chevy. The crossmembers are different. There's less space between the radiator and the firewall on the Chevy.

Weird looking steering job there. I've seen something like that before but can't remember where or what it was.

When your doing something like a 500 Cad into an AD truck the original radiator position doesn't mean squat and, the front sheet metal clips will swap if you fab a new core support so they're the same truck from a swappers point. The dual roller chain from column to gearbox keeps the box in the rear steer position and eliminates snaking the steering shaft through the exhaust and other close areas. Not a problem with a small block but very crowded with a big hunk or iron like the caddy. The chain would wad the 3/4" steering shaft up like playdough and never feel the strain. Must be in perfect alignment and have an adjustment for tension. Trouble free for 200k+ miles. All the farm boys recognize the chain and sprocket setup cause the old balers, combines, thrashers(showing my age), etc., had them in many locations. Something different makes some leery but chains turn the cams in a Formula 1 engine 12 grand and twist cams in race engines that have 16 valves with 300# seat pressure each. As slow as a steering shaft is turned and probably 25#'s or so
twist to the power steering box I don't worry.

Thanks Guys for your info to me on the Cad swap, sorry to be so long in thanks/reply but had to attend the loss of an old friend, been out of town. Regarding my moving the steering box to put my 327 in; I used a Camaro (or Nova ?) front frame clip which alievieated that problem. Not sure I want to use the Cad, seems not to be the optimum if your looking for more than torque (unless you spend a lot of money), thinkin BB Chevy - any inputs appreciated.

PBO

The Cad engine is only a few pounds heavier than a SBC, and it develops enough torque you don't need high RPM. There are several hotrod parts available for the Caddy, also, things like roller rocker arms, camshafts, intake manifolds, etc. I'd pick it over the big block Chevy on weight alone. I'm about to build up a 54 Chevy pickup on a Nova front frame/S-10 rear frame setup, with a 500 Cad/Turbo 400 drivetrain.
Jerry

I can think of some advantages of the BB Chevy, including you can buy one new with modern EFI if your pockets are deep enough.

Another is related, in that even the first generation BB's are more common than the Cadillac, and both performance and standard replacement parts are easier to buy at your corner parts store.

I have a Cadillac 500/Turbo 400 combination sitting in my shop with every intention of installing it one of my old trucks someday. I also have a Chevy 454 and may put it in the project truck sitting in my shop right now.

They both have a place and neither of them will go in one of these trucks without some modifications.

Oil was $93.00 a barrel today... Otherwise I'd have gone in that direction.

Sorry to be so long in reply, a couple of diversions kept me away from the site. No, I did not have to move the steering box when I put the 327 in the 52. You have probably long ago figured that out but wanted to close the loop. PBO