[vanaisa]

Does anyone know, where i can get technical information about this engine.
Haynes? Chilton?
And - is it good(reliable) engine?
It has necessary power (for now ) and good torque, but other thing - how long it runs?

 

[lux hauler]

This series motor was introduced in 1963 as a 390. The next year (1964) the bore was changed to 4.13 inches which took it to 429cid. The compression was 10.5:1 and the motor was rated at 340hp. It was used in all Cadillacs from '64-'67. There were no optional engines during those years.
I would assume that either of the manuals (Chilton, Haynes) should have technical info for it.
I don't know of any major problems with that particular motor.
As far as how long it will last......that would depend on how well it was taken care of.

 

[elwesso]

OVERALL, the older big block engines are pretty reliable if they were taken care of pretty well, they can usually take a beating. If you just bought one or are considering one, I would rebuild it as soon as I got it if I didnt know much of its history.

 

[vanaisa]

Thanks, of course i open this engine and replace all parts, what needed. And as i made it mostly for normal driving, i think it will run years and years
So block is similar to 390?
By the way - does anyone lives in Wisconsin? One guy offered me there good and complete parts/project car - i think its worth to buy this for parts, than buy different (and expensive) parts in shop...

 

[Liseckas]

The 429 should last a long time. I had a '67 Cadillac convertible with the 429 and it had over 200,000 miles on the original engine and it still ran good.

 

[paulzo]

First car I ever had was a 67 Caddy.

I ran the snot out of it from age 16 to age 21 and learned a couple of things in the process.

They are realatively bullet proof if you don't abuse them like I did.

I did not change the oil enough. I did not check the oil level enough. I would stomp on the gas pedal right after start up without letting the motor warm properly. This flattened two lobes on the cam. I was an idiot.

A leaking carb gave 7MPG in town and 11MPG on the highway. A well rebuilt carb from a 73 Caddy gave 12 in town and 17 on the highway. Better acceleration too.

The car ate battery cables. I went through two positives and one negative to cure a hot start problem. I live in Houston so that exacerbated the situation.

Starters last a long time but the solenoids don't. See above heat related issue. Starters grow in size when released from the confines of captivity between the oil pan and transmission lines to the extent that re-installation is almost impossible.

The water pumps fail at about 65,000 miles rather catestrophically. The pump fails and punches the fan through the radiator.

In 1983 when the gen 3 Z28's and Trans Ams were a year old and prolific in Houston on Westheimer, I could take them all from 0 to 100. The only ones that stayed with me were the missfire (crossfire) injected ones. Pissed of a buddy of mine with his new Z so bad he sold it.

The 100MPH thing also happened with a long time and still current motorhead buddy, Walter. It was against a 2nd gen Trans AM, however. He had a 400/4spd and we raced from a stop light to about 100MPH indicated on my speedo neck and neck till he started dropping off at about 110/115. Walter was lying on the floor behind the front seat scared to death. We still laugh about that time.

The brakes are useless past 60MPH. See above.

Running an open element air cleaner without rejetting caused a lean condition so bad that the resulting bog going from primaries to secondaries lasted almost a full two second count.

Best car I ever owned. A collecter I knew at the time described 60's vintage Caddy's like this, "If it took two bolts to hold something together, Cadillac used three."

 

[vanaisa]

Thanks paulzo - i keep those things in my mind.
For now, car is totally stripped. I want to take it off from frame, but we have here so cold (all this year), so it must be wait....and then, its paint stripping job - yam, yam.

Can anyone recommend some good chemical stuff for this purpose?

 

[sabotage14]

Thanks paulzo - i keep those things in my mind.
For now, car is totally stripped. I want to take it off from frame, but we have here so cold (all this year), so it must be wait....and then, its paint stripping job - yam, yam.

Can anyone recommend some good chemical stuff for this purpose?

I had 1967 429. From what I have been told from several people is the original eng. is really strong. Once you rebuild it and have it bored it has a tendency to over heat. This was the problem I had. I think you drive by babying it you will be fine. I did'nt and I am looking for a new motor! I think a 2nd rebuild is asking for more troubles.

As far as stripper you are better off to have it meida blasted. The hours of work it will save you and cost of chemicals it is well worth it.

 

[vanaisa]

What is "meida blast" - is it some kind of sand blasting?
We dont have here good sand blasters, and i dont want ruin good body. And as my car is in original paint, its not too big job with chemical stuff eather....only big hangovers in next morning :lildevil:
I dont opened engine jet, but mileage is only 117460, so i think engine can not be in very bad shape and its sure, that it isnt overhauled.

 

[sabotage14]

media blasting uses many things like walnut shells or glass beads that are not damaging to metals.

 

[vanaisa]

OK, i know this thing, thanks!