1965 deVille Convertible - 429 engine rebuild downunder

[frankn]

Hi, I've just imported a 1965 Cadillac deville Convertible into Australia from the US for my own use, unfortunately the car wasn't as it was described and it needs an engine rebuild, the engine number is F5190880, and I believe it has the original transmission, its either a Turbo 350 or 400, I can't get any specs on what its really is over here.
My concern now is that no one over here (that i can find) seems to know anything about these 429 engines, and when I do some research, for example on various US websites, there is much more information on the 472 & 500 engines, this concerns me a bit - have i bought the wrong car?
Should i have bought something a couple of years newer with a 472 or 500? - although its too late now, I love this '65 caddy, I love it's shape and everything about it so I will persevere to get it going right - can you help me with some advice on how not to make a mistake in getting this engine rebuilt, I do have a good guy who has a great machine shop and engine rebuilding business, he's been around doing this for over 25 years and says he is happy to work with me to get this engine rebuilt right, however he is mainly experienced in older Chevys.. - what guidance can any of you give so we can get this done right the first time.
Thanking you in advance.

Frank Nardone

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Frank,

Firstly, congratulations on your purchase, and secondly, sorry that it was poorly described, and therefore made you very disappointed.

Now, the Transmission is a TH400, and the only difference with the basic GM TH400 as in the Chevrolets, is that it has a longer rear extension housing, and the bolt pattern on the bellhousing is the Buick, Pontiac (American) Oldsmobile and Cadillac style.

The 429 is not that bad an engine, and the only real problem that people have with these is that sometimes the oil pressure drops off after changing the Oil Filter.   

As for parts here in Australia, All American Auto Parts in Ballarrat will have whatever you need, and Ron McLean, a fellow CLC (AUS) Member will be glad to assist you.

As with anything down here that isn't either Small or Big Block Chev, or Ford Windsor or Cleveland, people think that there is something really hard about the way they work, but the fact is that the parts are always expensive, which is true even in USA.   You can get a set of Gaskets for a SBC for $50.00, but a Cadillac is $150.00.

All the machining principles are virtually the same, and therefore the actual cost of boring, grinding, head machining, surface grinding etc. is the same for all engines with the same number of cylinders.   The big cost blow-out is the parts.   The reason Chev and Ford parts are cheaper is only because there are so many more of these parts made.   You know, economies of scale, etc. etc.

The BEST advice I can give you is to purchase a written Workshop Manual, and read it through and through, and if you are familiar with motors and cars, you will see that the main differences with  the Cadillacs and Chevrolets is that the options, accessories, and everything else is so vast.

Don't forget, that when the Chevrolet V8's came out, machinists were familiar with the Stovebolt 6 and the Ford Side Valve.

There are a 52 Cadillacs owned by Australian CLC Members, according to the 2012 Australian CLC Membership Directory, so you aren't alone.

Bruce. 

[frankn]

G'day Bruce,

Thanks for replying to my post, and for the words of encouragement, the guys at at All American have been helpful already with some steering parts, and the engine rebuild guy that is looking at my motor has spoken to them so hopefully this is bit of an endorsement that we have actually started in the right direction.

I have been in contact with a Caddy specialist company in the US that can supply a complete rebuild kit, which didn't appear over the top cost wise, but it may be better to go with the local guys I guess, at least there may may be some local support in needed.

Thank you for the confirmation of the transmission, whilst the engine is coming out we will take the trans out as well (tomorrow) and send it off to have a kit put through it and checked out, although it appears to be working well.

Actually I'm not disappointed that the engine has to be rebuilt, at least i know if we do it right its something ill probably never have to deal with again.

I'm a bit confused as to the "Australian" CLC - maybe i could get some more info from you via email, my address is frank@traminer.net if you don't mind, as i don't want to wander too far off the subject at hand.

Again thank you for your input, I'll keep at it and let you know how it turns out.

Cheers,

Frank N

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

G'day Frank,

The Australian Cadillac and LaSalle Club is affiliated with the CLC in USA and you can view their website at   http://cadillaclasalleclub.com.au/index.php   But, being a Member of a local State Club doesn't automatically make one a member of the USA Club.

There is a Region in each State, and the National Rally is held every 2 years, with the next one being in Western Australia in April 2014.  This year was in Toowoomba, and 2010 in Bathurst.   Cruising around the Mountain was a blast.

One of the biggest problems with dealing out of USA, or any other country for that matter is that once anything departs that Country's shore, there is no Warranty, and everything leaving USA by post, has to come via Air Mail, which is very expensive, unless you really need it fast.   USPS doesn't use Surface Mail any more.

Dealing with places local like AAAP, creates local employment, and also they stand behind their parts.

Bruce.

[60eldo]

  Hi,,,hope I can help you, I have a complete 1965 convertiable that Im parting out, so if you need anything let me know. Mine is also a 429 so I have parts for you,,if I can be of any help let me know,,Johnny

[Brad Hemingson CLC #18437]

The 429 is a decent engine. I have 3 '66 Cadillacs and have found the engines to be pretty reliable. The biggest issues are excessive wear in the front engine cover due to the oil pump gear being steel and the housing aluminum, the timing gear has plastic teeth and the water pumps will wear out. Also, I have been told but have not had personal experience that these block won't take a big overbore as they are modern "thin-wall" castings. The turbo 400's are bullet proof and that transmission was used in millions of cars. Make sure your carburetor is in good shape and you have the proper spacer and choke plate.

My advice is you see a deal anywhere on a pristine engine cover buy it and hide it away. Change the water pump and timing gear as a preventitive exercise. Good luck!