I was wondering if you could make some suggestions for my Cadillac project. The car is a 1982 Fleetwood Brougham that I want to yank the 4100 and replace it with an engine that will move the car in a respectable way.

I would like to keep the 2004R that is in the car and fuel inject the replacement engine. I have no problem using a carb but I may need fuel injection because I would like to maintain the “fuel data display “ and all of its functions. Would I also need a computer to control the lockup of the transmission?

I have access to 2 complete donor cars, a 78 coupe with a 425 and a 400 transmission as well as a 1980 Fleetwood with a 368(4/6/8).

Can I make what I am looking for from these cars or do I need something else. The 82 Fleetwood would be a daily driver so fuel economy and reliability are a must. What would you suggest?

If it was me, I would use the 425, get a 425 or 500 fuel injected intake (these have 8 port fuel injectors), modify as needed to use modern injectors, get a TPI (speed density or MAF, depending on what you feel like using), add the appropriate ECM sensors. Work with a tuner to come up with a 7L tune for the TPI computer, use the THM400 (or if you have lots of $$, then build up the 200 4R to handle the 425, but note the gear box will be tough to handle that much power). Get a decent cam, port the heads, make a very good exhaust (duals), and make a SWEET 350-400 hp ride that has impeccable street manners.

The carb'd 425 puts out the same power as the TBI 305. So why not just do a 350 TBI conversion? It will make it more modern with the fuel injection and give you some adequate power for daily driving.