Spare Motor and Drive Train

[steve douglas]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado with 81k miles as
spare parts. I have read about replacing the original 455 with the 500cu
inch engine. Does anyone have advice as to whether the engine will fit
without major modifications? Will the drive train Half Shafts, tranny,
and drive unit fit OK? Will other parts such as the steering knuckles, A
Frames and other front suspension be usable if needed? Also, I have
located an 81 Toronado with 81k that may be available. Although it
appears from what I can get off the net that the drive train design
changed after 78 and would not be compatible.

The info from the GMC net has certainly helped me to check out the unit
and perform needed maintenance. The Airbags are manufactured about 4
miles from my home!

Steve
New Owner of a 74 Eleganza

 

[kara m kosier]

Yes!!!
If you can snatch up that Eldo at a reasonable(read cheap) price, do it.
Many good parts there. The engine requires modifications, of course,
but not really major. Tranny is a good piece, but the final drive ispro-
bably a 2.79 ratio. It makes an excellent core for a gear swap.
Half-shafts are too short, but the CV joints(expensive) are good. The
center shaft is available from Cinnabar to build extra half-shafts for
spares. The knuckles need to have the lower ball joint holes reamed
to motorhome size, otherwise exactly the same. A-frames need some
reinforcement welded on them.(as does the GMC)
And forget the 81 Toronado, it's nowhere.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!
Gary Kosier

 

[thomas g. warner]

steve the engine will fit if you use all of the mounting adapters for the
air conditioner etc. Be sure to save them all.

The shafts will not fit, they are to short, however the CV joints both inner
and outer will.

Tranny and final drive is the same as the GMC.

Upper and lower A frames can be used although the lower will have to be
reinforced which is easy.

>I have an opportunity to buy a 1971 Cadillac Eldorado with 81k miles as
>spare parts. I have read about replacing the original 455 with the 500cu
>inch engine. Does anyone have advice as to whether the engine will fit
>without major modifications? Will the drive train Half Shafts, tranny,
>and drive unit fit OK? Will other parts such as the steering knuckles, A
>Frames and other front suspension be usable if needed? Also, I have
>located an 81 Toronado with 81k that may be available. Although it
>appears from what I can get off the net that the drive train design
>changed after 78 and would not be compatible.
>
>The info from the GMC net has certainly helped me to check out the unit
>and perform needed maintenance. The Airbags are manufactured about 4
>miles from my home!
>
>Steve
>New Owner of a 74 Eleganza
>
>
>