2nd Generation Seville Advice

[Scot Minesinger]

The Olds 307 is fine, just fixed a 1985 Riviera with one.  It ran terrible until a guy on this forum really helped me to get to the root of the issues.  After diverter replacement, cat convt replacement, numerous vacuum leaks were fixed and timing was properly set it ran very well. 

The issue with the 4.1 to me is not reliability (although that is a major concern not to be ignored), but drivability, it is just so slow.  Test drive it before you buy a 4.1 to make sure you are happy with it.  If I go to hell, my car will be a 4.1 powered Caddy with a bad suspension.

[fellenzer]

LOL. Yes, that would be hell, especially if you had to drive through the mountains for eternity.

My Riviera runs great. Fortunately, I've never had any trouble with it. I stupidly purchased an '83 coupe a few years ago that wasn't running well but the body and interior were in good shape. Drained/cleaned the fuel tank and lines, new plugs, wires, cap, filters, hoses, etc. Coil tested good. Never could get it to run right and gave up and sold it. Got my money back out of it. Selling that car was the best decision I ever made!

[LenInLA]

Again, for what it's worth - the 1982 Seville I drove for 4 years is one of the most memorable cars I've had. I got the same kick getting behind the wheel as I do now when I drive my Bentley. Second generation Sevilles - in my opinion - look way better than any 70's model. Just something about that slanted trunk... As I mentioned before - it is slow. But unless you have a lot of uphill driving, it'll drive just fine. My Seville had 112K miles when I got it and I put another 30K before the engine gave up the ghost and I decided to donate the car.

So - do get it and enjoy it! If I had room for another car, it'd be high on my list.

Leonard Grayver

[fellenzer]

Thanks, Leonard!

[James Landi]

T.J. mentions my small block 1978 Cutlass Oldsmobile engine swap out (instead of a third 4100 disappointment).  Yes:  the 4100 distributor functions perfectly well in the old Olds! Yes, ALL dash board digital displays on my 85 Biarritz convertible function as built.  THe "FUEL ECONOMY" fuel average and instant average work (They work of off of the vacuum intake-- NOT connected to the ECM).  The electronic climate control was not negatively affected by the swap.  Although the "iron horse" old Olds is heavier than the 4100, it doesn't affect the ride.   And yes, my car is for sale....

[fellenzer]

Interesting. No room for another convertible. LOL

Thanks.

[bcroe]

T.J. mentions my small block 1978 Cutlass Oldsmobile engine swap out (instead of a third 4100 disappointment).  Yes:  the 4100 distributor functions perfectly well in the old Olds! Yes, ALL dash board digital displays on my 85 Biarritz convertible function as built.  THe "FUEL ECONOMY" fuel average and instant average work (They work of off of the vacuum intake-- NOT connected to the ECM).  The electronic climate control was not negatively affected by the swap.  Although the "iron horse" old Olds is heavier than the 4100, it doesn't affect the ride.   And yes, my car is for sale... 

The Olds engine has a carb?  Apparently through 85 engine swaps don't
destroy the electronic functions, if the same HEI is retained. 

As for cars with the 5L Olds, a 5.7 or 6.6L small block Olds works, and
I have seen a 455 put in there.  Bruce Roe

[TJ Hopland]

Its interesting that apparently the TPS was only used for fuel an that lack of that sensor or missing injectors doesn't trip the check engine light and anger the computer to the point of running the timing flat and not locking the torque converter. 

Almost makes me want to go look for a Fleetwood Coupe.   I would think a 403 would move one of those around nicely. 

[James Landi]

Yes, my swap is an anemic CUtlass 2 barrel carburetor model 260 cu... ecm is working the egr,engine temp, idle control (no throttle position) cruise control works... have run over 15 000 miles since installation. And the 4100 distributor appears to be happily adjusting timing in real time. Slight loss in fuel economy  Car has noticeably more sustaining power on the highway   James

[Scot Minesinger]

James,

I cannot think of a single V-8 except going back to the early 50's that had less power than a Cadillac 4.1, so IMO any V-8 replacement of a 4.1 would be an improvement.

[V63]

Some 15 years ago i sold a very low mile red 85 Biarritz convertible to a collector/dealer in Atlanta suburb. he removed the 4.1 and installed a chevrolet 350 AND went REAR wheel drive! Yes, with a drive shaft and rear diff! He said it was an amazingly easy conversion. It was done in very short order too. It was a keeper for him and he was driving it for several years after as we kept in touch.

I remember asking him about the front spindles and he said he just left the drive  axles out.

I'm wanting to do one of those convertibles as well... but I'm leaning towards a small block Olds...403? But in theory a cadillac 472 should work too. Installing (IMPRESSIVE) F.A.S.T fuel injection that i have had great experiences with! I would keep the FWD I suppose.

Planning on changing a 75-9 Seville to FAST injection soon

BTW people refer these as first gen, but first gen is really 1956... Jus say'n

[fellenzer]

How did they get the drive shaft to the rear wheels?

[V63]

He said it was no problem and with no floor alterations either! I specifically asked about that. He had it all done in a few weeks. He made it sound wham bam. Pretty incredible really.  I will try and get in contact again if i can.

[fellenzer]

It would drag on speed bumps, etc. He would have needed special u-joints to get it back to axle height, wouldn't he? The axle would be higher than the floor pan. It would be interesting to see pictures.

Regarding Seville as a name, didn't earlier versions share a name, i.e., Eldorado Seville? People make a similar argument about Riviera being introduced in 1963. The name was used earlier; however, it wasn't a model of it's own. Roadmaster Riviera or something like that. I haven't researched thoroughly but it seems earlier Seville references all have some other name with them.

[bcroe]

I remember asking him about the front spindles and he said he just left the drive  axles out.

I'm wanting to do one of those convertibles as well... but I'm leaning towards a small block Olds...403? But in theory a cadillac 472 should work too. Installing (IMPRESSIVE) F.A.S.T fuel injection that i have had great experiences with! I would keep the FWD I suppose. 

If he doesn't put something in the front wheel bearings, they will eventually
come apart, wheel rolling down the road.  Yes a 368 is a direct fit, and using
its flex plate you can adapt a 472.  But the trans isn't likely to survive much
of that kind of torque.  I got around the problem by putting in a 67 TH425
trans, not a simple conversion.  Bruce Roe

[Glenn R. McLeod]

The best engine by far was the 350 Olds of '79 and California spec '80. After that there is little to choose between the Buick 252 cu.in V6 (which was an up-rated Buick 231 cu. in. specially for the Cadillac) or the 368 cu. in. The diesels weren't too bad either, provided you went for an '81 and onwards which had been further modified to eliminate the problems with the earlier types. However, if you have ever been denied the pleasure of spending money, you will have plenty of opportunity with a 250 cu. in. HT4100.