Just a question on an engine swap

[Marine_mike]

Hey people,
I just a a question for you guys(and girls). I found a 1975 cadillac elderado convertible for $300. I still have yet to hear back from the seller about it's mechanical condition, but the ad says it's rusted out. My question is this; What kind of work do you think it would take to squeeze the 500cid engine into my YJ? I found a sight with the universal engine swap kit, but I'm wondering about the room in the engine bay. I did a search and found the engine weighs about the same as a sbc 350 due to the aluminum block. I know that some of the waggys with the BOP th400 trans will bolt up to it. I just need to hear some advice from you engine guys out there. Thanks.

[68CJ]

well it would take some work but you can cut some firewall and fender-well and build your own motor mounts and im sure it will turn out really cool...

[irish1371]

hum unless i really hit a time warp but cads 500 in 75 sure did not have a alum block. that engine should weigh in around 400-450 mattering on accessories. it is a great engine for torque. pull stumps right out of the ground with the tree still attached.

you should be able to mount it with any big block swap kit that covers BOP. Also I would think about a built th 350 for it instead of the 400. With a lil work the th350 can handle that sort of engine and wont suck half the hp that a th 400 does. Plus the th350 is physically smaller and can be mounted higher up between the frame rails then a th400, also has a smaller pan to armor then the 400.

the 2 spots you will run into room issues will possibly be the dist/firewall and water pump/radiator. the dist is usually handled with a small cap conversion and a lil massage from a BFH and there are alot of low profile room saving water pumps electric or mechanical that should do the job.

With that much room sucked up in the engine bay I would consider adding a hi vol water pump/thermostat when you set that up along with some hood vents to let that heat out

[Marine_mike]

Thanks for the info. Maybe I read the article wrong about the weight. I am just throwing around the idea for now. I know that engine makes monstrous power in stock mode. Money is always a factor, so I'll have to compile a grocery list before I think about buying the caddy.

[Jacob]

Just throw some 60's under the caddy and cut the top off. Call it a Jeep and be done.

I grew up in Alabama, don't hold it against me.


Second thought, Rockwells would be better.

[USMCHarleyJeepGuy]

If you decide to roll with this swap...make sure you keep the pics posted and updated. I'd love to follow the build.