Hello to NC folks, and help needed once again

[Larry Blanchard]

I have always associated white smoke with water getting in the firing chamber.  After reading your last post about #3 cyl. being sleeved, I suspect you are on the right track.  A small crack in the head can also cause your symptoms.  
Your 60 should have a Jetaway version transmission and it should not have a vacuum modulator, hence no vacuum lines going to it.
Good luck.

[Chris Braun]

Ok, found out prices on rebuild, partial and full today, and Im still squealin, and deciding what to do.  Pretty much at the point of "park it" via my wife.  SO.. now Im thinking.  What other engines do I have that will swap in easy?  I know the good ole chevy 350 would take a different transmission and motor mounts...(as in NO way).  Are there any engines made by cadillac (or others God Forbid), that will swap in easy, fit the trans, and have me on my way?  427? 472? 500?  Gimme a clue, lemme know if Im nutz.  

Facts are,  I spent close to 7 gs on last rebuild, I know I payed more than I should have, but "thought" itd be worth it.  

Im looking at close to 4 gs to get it rebuild here in Wilmington now.  and I just dont have the $$$ right now, although eventually I will prolly get the original engine rebuilt and put back in.  That includes the 1000 to pull and re-install and set up the rebuilt motor.

So...  if I can get a different motor, for around 500 bucks or maybe a lil more, I can pay the same price to pull and re-install a different motor temporarily.  That I can afford.


So.......... suggestions?

[Porter 21919]

Chris,

You might look for a parts type car that has a good engine. I picked up a free 67 CDV last fall with lots of rust but the 429 runs super, starts right up, smooth idle. I have already welded up the floorpans and the lower rear window opening, it will be a Rat Rod of sorts, just something to practice some autobody work and mechanical skills. Another member I know grabbed a 75 CDV locally for $ 350, runs beautiful.

The right engine will be the easiest swap.

Just a thought,

Porter

[Bruce Reynolds # 18992]

Gday Chris,

Man, what sort of a rebuild are you talking about for $7000.

Even here in Australia, one can totally rebuild a motor for around $3000, with all machining, parts, etc, and that includes buying a motor to rebuild.

I realise that the 390 Cadillac parts are a little bit more expensive than the "run-o-the-mill" stuff, but all machining costs will be relevant, no matter what the motor is.

The money saved in performing a transplant which will require modifications, will allow you to cove all and above the added cost of the Cadillac parts.

There are a lot of suppliers of basic parts for the 390 like Federal-Mogul, Felpro, Mellings, etc, but you have to shop around.   Your local engine rebuilding shop will even be a good source of parts, if they know that they are going to do the machining.   Pistons have to be purchased before the cylinders have to be bored.   The crank has to be measured before the bearings are purchased so that the correct grinding can be done.

If you need any expert help, dont hesitate to contact me, even though I am in Tasmania, I can assist.   And, there is really nothing to stop you doing most of the work yourself.   Just need the basic tools, and a friend with the specialised other stuff.

Bruce,
The Tassie Devil(le),
60 CDV, with a rebuilt motor (pulled out a 454)

[Michael Stamps 19507]

Did your guy get it down to the rings?  Why not just tear it down and rering that piston if everything else is good.  Even if you bore that one piston out slightly to fix it then you wouldnt be doing anything that the factory didnt do.  Any different type of engine swap would cost you more than a simple rebuild.

Stampie

[Ed Mobley]

Chris,

In my experience, the only way to afford this hobby is to do the work yourself.  Anybody can open up their check book, but to learn from doing the work is the greatest reward in my opinion.

Three years ago I had never pulled an engine or tranny, but now my 60 Coupe is back on the road and I rebuilt the tranny myself.  I had the local machine shop do a short block rebuild and I did the rest.

Even if you pay somebody to do the work, they are going to take certain shortcuts because they will not have the time that you will to get all the little things right.

That $1,000 that they will charge you to pull the engine will allow you to purchase an engine hoist, engine stand, floor jack, jack stands, transmission jack, and a bunch of other stuff.

In summary, the least cost option is to do the work yourself and stick with the original engine/tranny.

Regards,

Ed

[Ed Mobley]

Bruce,

Assuming his 60 has the original tranny (controlled coupling hydromatic a.k.a. Jetway) there is no vacuum modulator.  So Id rule out the tranny.  

Regards,

Ed

[Ed Mobley]

The 60 Cadillac has a vacuum reservoir between the engine and the booster (assuming you have the original setup).  It is attached to the firewall below and to the right of the booster as you are facing the car.  When I took my reservoir out during my rebuild, almost a gallon of brake fluid had found its way into the vacuum reservoir over 40 years.  I can only guess it came from a leaky master cylinder.

Perhaps your engine is sucking up brake fluid that has accumulated in the vacuum reservoir?

Regards,

Ed

[Ed Mobley]

n/m

[Porter 21919]

It is much cheaper to buy a nice car or one that somebody else already restored. If you are an average Joe farming out the work $$$ is out of the question. I keep my 15 year old daily ride running on just parts cost, very economical. If you want it done right do it yourself. Napa is my candy store, I look up the parts on their website and pick and choose what I want.

Some of us own these cars to work on them, I grew up working on cars self taught with shop manuals out of financial necessity.

My garage used to do all the work on my cars when I was too busy making money, now it is my hobby.

Come on down to http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/ TARGET=_blank>http://www.modifiedcadillac.org/ and see what we are up to, your car is modified stock,(custom paint color and modified master cylinder) you should join us an post some pictures of your 60 CDV, our good buddy the Tassie Devil(le) has a few pictures posted of his 60 CDV.

My 66 CDV is 95 percent complete but I had to pick up this free 67 CDV, been taking up all my time this year.

Porter

[Chris Braun]

I guess Im in the waiting and seeing stage.  Gotta get a house first.  Then maybe Ill do the work I can on my own.  Cant hurt to try.  Worse case scenario, I mess it up and end up with a car I cant drive... hmm... I think Im already there!!!