Hello there, I live in central california and just came across a pretty nice 72 deville. Paint has its oxidation but not bad. Interior has some rips also. Motor has 91k on it with ALL original factory paper work. very very minor surface rust and all in all looks like a very solid car. I am considering trading my 91 Camaor RS for it hes asking 2200. I was wondering if I can get any input on these motors/cars as it will be my first caddy (maybe) Anything bad with these 472's? What kind of MPG will I see. Thanks guys!

Also shifts fine and has a magnaflo muffler dumped in front of the rearend. all electrical works.

So you're deciding between a Camaro and a Cadillac. I hope it's a two door, otherwise I wouldn't bother. I don't really like the front end of the 72, but the back looks really sleek. As far as gas mileage I've heard everything from 10-17.
mtscadparts.com has a cam that they claim someone got 22 mpg.

No no I am thinking of trading my 91 camaro for this Cadillac. I haven't had much experience with the BB caddy and general and wondering if the 472 is something to maybe stay away from? Just some general info. And yes it is a 2 door very straight car.

Get it! Two door and straight sounds good. The 472/ 500 is a very strong motor. You won't regret it. The only thing I can think of that might be trouble is maybe if it still has the old plastic timing gear in it. They used them to keep down noise or something. I had a 472 (which I kind of... roasting the tires for no good reason) that the timing chain jumped some teeth and bent the valves.
:yup:

Thanks Caddy. That shouldnt be hard to go around. These caddies are nice. Nice and easy to change the plugs I noticed :eyebrow:

Got some pictures of it, Turns out its a 71 the vinyl top has kinda gotten messed up but not rotted through and no rust on the roof at all except for some surface rust above the door. Only concern I have is I dont know how strong these motors are. And dont know if hes drove it hard, But sounds really good and idles fine. I saw a little bit of oil in the lip of the valve cover but he says its coming from the breather hose? And it did look like it was stemming from there. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Again it has 90k original miles on it. Also how easy is it to find parts for these motors? Tranny also. He said it doesnt slip at all I will be driving it soon to see. What are the values like with these cars also? Thanks guys! Great site.

**EDIT** also he said he needs to run premium fuel in it do to ping underload on the cheap stuff. Is that normal with these old big blocks?

There are no reliability issues with these cars. That is a very solid looking car with many reliable miles left in it; congratulations. There was a debate here a couple weeks ago about when GM made these cars unleaded fuel compatible. I thought it was 73 but I think we concluded it was 71 so you should be all set with unleaded. I would convert it to electronic ignition because I hate messing with points, and that's it. It probably wouldn't hurt to change all the fluids for peace of mind. Enjoy.

That car brings bac memories to when i was a kid, My "POPS" had 1 and it ran like a dream ran that car frm NY to FLa. get it u won't regret it.

Awesome guys. The guy is going to get back to me within a week or so. Going to call around and see how much a pre purchase inspection would cost. Call me paranoid haha. I would like to have the motor and tranny looked at just because of the age. The kid seems like the type to hot rod it and such so a compression check would be ideal. But with 91k on the clock and he got it at 60k...shouldnt be TOO bad. Ill keep you fellas updated. Gas prices are making me cry though haha.

The 472 is an incredibly strong motor. Same motor as the 500 - the 472 just has a shorter stroke. They make tons of torque. Ditch the Camaro, get a new vinyl top, buff that paint, and cruise in style... Cadillac style:cool2: