500 big block into chevy

[chronicsmoke]

I have a 1972 500 big block from and El Dorado. I wanted to swap it into my 1986 chevy monte carlo ss. The mounts are a slightly different style, what do you guys recommend?

[1969cadillaceldorado]

Originally Posted by chronicsmoke

I have a 1972 500 big block from and El Dorado. I wanted to swap it into my 1986 chevy monte carlo ss. The mounts are a slightly different style, what do you guys recommend?

go get some cadillac 500 big block motor mounts and weld them in

[zonie77]

Most of the frame mounts are bolt on. You'll have to find a frame mount that lets it fit right. Any chance you can get the frame mounts from the El Dorado to try?

[The Ape Man]

One way is to remove the existing sbc frame mounts and mount some flat 1/4" X 5" X 10" (or so) steel plate stock (don't quote me on the plate size it's been 14 years since I last did this). Drill the steel to match the car's original frame mount holes and bolt it in. The 2 plates will allow you to mount a set of Cadillac frame mounts further foward on the frame. The Cad mounts are way forward from chevy types. You can then lower in a test Cadillac engine block with 425 RWD mounts already hooked to a pair of frame mounts. Hooking to the transmission bellhousing will give you the proper position. A level across the valve covers helps. Trying to do it without the transmission in place requires very careful measurements and is asking for vibration problems. Position everything, mark the plates for the frame mount holes, drill and install. If your transmission has an SBC only bolt pattern then you will either need an adaptor for BOP or another transmission. Note: Use of a fuel pump other than the mechanical block mounted type will help access.
Last time I used this method was in a 1982 TransAm. I replaced the 3-yo-5 with a 500 Cadillac. The steering column had to be moved over at the floor about 1/2" due to interference with the exhaust manifold. I also landed up having to change windshield wiper motor styles. The thing fit pretty well but oil pan fabrication was a major pain. I was happy to find that the Cad engine was not all that much heavier than the SBC. The front springs were left alone and the car just sat a little lower.

[61 Belair]

I used early Chevy motor mounts on an adaptor plate to attach them to the block. Then I made new tower mounts from 1/4 plate, using the factory holes to hook them to the frame. I still have to finish up the welding, but the 500 fits real good in the 61 Chevy.

I hope the pics help.

Kevin

[The Ape Man]

That engine block mount looks pretty good. Looks like it is a couple inches lower profile than a stocker.

[TorqueInc]

nice low mounting position

problem with the cad is it being so tall and that seems to be one way to solve that problem.

Good work

[61 Belair]

I got these polyurethane motor mounts from Energy Suspension, part number 3.1114, and they do have a very low profile. I was able to get the oil pan a 1/4" from the frame crossover. The polyurethane should keep the engine movement to a minimum as well.
The TIG welder I bought last month is really being put to good use for sure! Now I just have to construct the left side header and the engine will be ready to fire up.

Kevin

[ghetto_superman]

does anybody happen to have any pics of the rwd engine mounts as previously mentioned? im not very familiar with caddy mounts, all ive seen is my 71 eldo's 'v-style' motor mount.. is there any difference?

[ghetto_superman]

never mind i figured it out.

[befranjo]

Hi I found Your forum searching for information about the cad 500 I bought several days ago.
Can enybody tell me if the flyweelhouse of a big block chevy fits on my engine?
please forgive my bad english, i`m from Germany.
thank`s a lot
Joe

[534BC]

No, it won't fit. Have to use a Caddy flexplate or if a flywheel is needed then many of the flywheel makers could make you one using a BOP ring gear.

[befranjo]

Hi 534BC,
thanks for You reply.
i was lucky to buy a 74 Cad500 on Ebay for 71 Euro and I want to use it in a boat with marine transmission.
The only bad thing about Cad engines is that there is no Market for marine hardware like manifolds ore Bellhousings to drive a marine transmisson.
So I have to try make things from a chevy big block fit. Don`t You think i could juse a adapter like the one I found on this site:
My english isn`t that good. When You say flexplate do You mean the part for the clutch?
Because for the marine trans I `d only need a damperplate that is put on the flywheelweight that a friend would make for me.
Please answer in the forum because i think somethings wrong with my e-mail.
Thank`s a lot
Joe

[kiowamec]

Check the net for BOP/Chevy bellhousing adapters.