What do you know about Cadillac 500's - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72' Jimmy · 12-09-2008, 06:06 PM

I have option of buying a 500 out of a cadillac for a few hundred dollars. I don't much about these motors just that they got decent gas milage for a big block. I was thinking of putting it in my Jimmy. Do you think that it is worth rebuilding the 500 or looking for a 454?

LUV2XCLR8 · 12-09-2008, 06:09 PM

Longhorn Man is the only Caddy guy I know, try PM's him

brian26 · 12-09-2008, 07:41 PM

I know a few things.

I liked the '71-'73 472-500 engines the best. The most power on todays gas.

Oddly, the worn out 472 seemed stronger than the rebuilt 500.

A few things to consider-
1. Hopefully you're using an automatic since there is not a pilot hole for a standard. You'll need a BOP plate to adapt the Chevy trans to it.

2. use the right thermostat
3. You'll need a new motor mountig setup. Don't know if there is a bolt-on but it's possible.
4 Might have an issue with the left side exhaust not clearing the steering box. Headers may be a good direction.

5. 4 core radiator
6 I get 12 mpg, could be better but it's fine for what I do.

7- You'll need an Eldorado rear sump pan and pickup most likely.

Jtrux · 12-09-2008, 08:10 PM

I worked at a machine shop where we rebuilt a couple, one was a 73 I believe and the other a 75. One was bone stock but ran like a bear and the other had ported heads, decent cam (it's been a while so i'm not sure which one), Edelbrock intake and the stock quadrajet. It was very impressive and would out run a lot of cars and trucks.

The thing about the standard tranny is true but you can do it one of two ways.

1. cut off the end of the main shaft on the tranny and just run it like that

2. have the crank machined for a pilot bushing

There are aftermarket companies that make all kinds of performance parts for these engines including bellhousings, clutch kits, etc. etc.

tcb-1 · 12-09-2008, 09:09 PM

second the Andy (Longhorn Man).

vtblazer · 12-11-2008, 07:41 AM

Board member grendel has experience with these, contact him.

Huck · 12-11-2008, 08:31 PM

Interesting, you wonder about a 500 cubic inch Cadi and in the same sentance ask about gas mileage---on a 4x4?----HELLO!

72' Jimmy · 12-12-2008, 12:43 PM

I Had a buddy that got 14-15 MPG in his Cadillac. I think that I might have the option of getting a 472 also. I think that the 472's are more commen. parts might be cheaper. I will have to look into it.

brian26 · 12-12-2008, 02:43 PM

I'd go personally with the 472. Yeah I know-more cubes= more power. But my worn out '73 472 launched a lot better than my rebuilt 500. That 500 was rebuilt by a very reputable builder in this area,it was a stock redo but yet should have been more impresive.

FUEL MILEAGE? Right now our gas here is $1.75, adjusted for inflation that's about $.70 in 1981 dollars. $3 was the same as $1.27 or thereabouts.

Should you go with a Caddy, keep in mind an automatic is the easiest to adapt to. There are more options out there now than when I was putting one in my '60 Caddy. Never have regretted it. I wouldn't have used a 700r4 had I known everything I do now.

brian26 · 12-12-2008, 02:49 PM

Just remember they put out a lot of heat too. Keep that starter coool enough. I would think about a vent much like the vents on the '70s Tran-Ams-behind the wheelwell, in front of the door.

I did find the Tilton ministarter to be a good one to go with. Still had to mill 1/8" on the mount to get the starter closer to the flywheel. Then you'll have to grind/bevel the starter gear back enough so that it doesn't hit the flywheel.

NEVER USE A 425 PUMP. I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY SAY, I'M NOT DOING THAT AGAIN.

12-09-2008, 06:06 PM	#1
72' Jimmy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Klamath Falls Oregon Posts: 12	What do you know about Cadillac 500's I have option of buying a 500 out of a cadillac for a few hundred dollars. I don't much about these motors just that they got decent gas milage for a big block. I was thinking of putting it in my Jimmy. Do you think that it is worth rebuilding the 500 or looking for a 454?

12-09-2008, 06:09 PM	#2
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,468	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's Longhorn Man is the only Caddy guy I know, try PM's him __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

12-09-2008, 07:41 PM	#3
brian26 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: springer, oklahoma Posts: 110	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's I know a few things. I liked the '71-'73 472-500 engines the best. The most power on todays gas. Oddly, the worn out 472 seemed stronger than the rebuilt 500. A few things to consider- 1. Hopefully you're using an automatic since there is not a pilot hole for a standard. You'll need a BOP plate to adapt the Chevy trans to it. 2. use the right thermostat 3. You'll need a new motor mountig setup. Don't know if there is a bolt-on but it's possible. 4 Might have an issue with the left side exhaust not clearing the steering box. Headers may be a good direction. 5. 4 core radiator 6 I get 12 mpg, could be better but it's fine for what I do. 7- You'll need an Eldorado rear sump pan and pickup most likely. Last edited by brian26; 12-09-2008 at 07:42 PM. Reason: fix

12-09-2008, 08:10 PM	#4
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's I worked at a machine shop where we rebuilt a couple, one was a 73 I believe and the other a 75. One was bone stock but ran like a bear and the other had ported heads, decent cam (it's been a while so i'm not sure which one), Edelbrock intake and the stock quadrajet. It was very impressive and would out run a lot of cars and trucks. The thing about the standard tranny is true but you can do it one of two ways. 1. cut off the end of the main shaft on the tranny and just run it like that 2. have the crank machined for a pilot bushing There are aftermarket companies that make all kinds of performance parts for these engines including bellhousings, clutch kits, etc. etc. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

12-09-2008, 09:09 PM	#5
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's second the Andy (Longhorn Man). __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

12-11-2008, 07:41 AM	#6
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,537	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's Board member grendel has experience with these, contact him.

12-11-2008, 08:31 PM	#7
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,261	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's Interesting, you wonder about a 500 cubic inch Cadi and in the same sentance ask about gas mileage---on a 4x4?----HELLO!

12-12-2008, 12:43 PM	#8
72' Jimmy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Klamath Falls Oregon Posts: 12	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's I Had a buddy that got 14-15 MPG in his Cadillac. I think that I might have the option of getting a 472 also. I think that the 472's are more commen. parts might be cheaper. I will have to look into it.

12-12-2008, 02:43 PM	#9
brian26 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: springer, oklahoma Posts: 110	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's I'd go personally with the 472. Yeah I know-more cubes= more power. But my worn out '73 472 launched a lot better than my rebuilt 500. That 500 was rebuilt by a very reputable builder in this area,it was a stock redo but yet should have been more impresive. FUEL MILEAGE? Right now our gas here is $1.75, adjusted for inflation that's about $.70 in 1981 dollars. $3 was the same as $1.27 or thereabouts. Should you go with a Caddy, keep in mind an automatic is the easiest to adapt to. There are more options out there now than when I was putting one in my '60 Caddy. Never have regretted it. I wouldn't have used a 700r4 had I known everything I do now.

12-12-2008, 02:49 PM	#10
brian26 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: springer, oklahoma Posts: 110	Re: What do you know about Cadillac 500's Just remember they put out a lot of heat too. Keep that starter coool enough. I would think about a vent much like the vents on the '70s Tran-Ams-behind the wheelwell, in front of the door. I did find the Tilton ministarter to be a good one to go with. Still had to mill 1/8" on the mount to get the starter closer to the flywheel. Then you'll have to grind/bevel the starter gear back enough so that it doesn't hit the flywheel. NEVER USE A 425 PUMP. I DON'T CARE WHAT THEY SAY, I'M NOT DOING THAT AGAIN.



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