Cadillac 429

[RITTER]

Has anyone ever messed with one of these? Has anyone ever put one in a Gbody? Would it be the same as a Cadillac 500 swap?

A local auto shop near me has a Cadillac 429 short block sitting in there storage shed and it has been sitting there more than 12 years. It looks real clean, no rust in the cylinders or anywhere else. It was all rebuilt in their machine shop before it was placed in their storage for non-payment customer. I was just kind of wondering if it would be worth snatching up, because he said he would get rid of it real cheap if someone wanted it. There is also an old 3.8L short block he has sitting in there that is in the same situation and he said he would get rid of that one too.

 

[Vern]

No the 429 was from the previous engine series. 472, 500, 425 and 368 is the newer series. The older 429 was heavier and used a different trans. www.cadillacpower.com has a section with info on it.

 

[RITTER]

Probably why nobody has grabbed it up then? So what's it worth, about scrap yard price?

 

[Vern]

To the right person who wants one for a restoration etc it might be worth something. The older heavier engines needed more machine work to make right for high power applications and you had more casting problems to contend with. Their is very few speed parts available for them. That being said their are super stock guys read real racer/fabricators who have made them make stupid power so it can be done. No I would not recomend you select this motor for your g-body project. But the 472/500 is a great choice, is available, cheap, now has all the needed speed parts and is a relatively easy swap into a g-body. I should qualify that great choice for a reliable pump gas motor to about 500hp. As a serious over 500hp race motor its not cost effective. That being said if you want one Potter will build you an aluminum headed single plane roller cammed 550ish cube stroker that makes 750hp & 730tq for about $16,000. 🙂

 

[RITTER]

....$16,000 good lord!!!! :shock:

I wasn't really looking to do the swap into my car, I just pretty much wanted to know if I should get the engine and put it in storage or not? 8)

 

[beeterolds]

those engines are better saved for guys restoring those early cars..or save them for the smelter... they are worthless when it comes to performance..