[1979 Eldorado]

Anytime I've read a similar question the consensus is the question isn't whether or not the HT4100 will go bad it's when...meaning they will all go prior to what most people consider as normal. In addition it seems to be a fact that the HT4100 is less rebuildable.

That said if you buy it with the idea that you will need to change the engine when it goes bad and you adjust the price accordingly it would be possible to install an Olds small block in the Seville. All of the parts needed existed in the Toronado and the Riviera (1979-1985). You will need an entire set of brackets. They do not necessarily need to be from an E-Body Riviera or Toronado but having a Riviera or Toronado would make it easier.

I personally cannot stand the look of the "bustle back" Seville. I think the Toronado/ Eldorado and Riviera are much better looking cars. The Toronado and Riviera will have much more reliable engines once the Seville/Eldorado moved to the HT4100. If you find an E-Body in great shape please do not sacrifice it to save the Seville. Any set of Oldsmobile brackets with the AC compressor on the passenger side, alternator on the driver side should work. The fan shroud is a question. You will need to get engine mounts, should be replaced anyway, and you will need to at least rework the AC suction/discharge hose assembly. None of that should be that challenging. The radiator shroud might be a question but without trying it I wouldn't guess. The left/right position should be correct but not certain about the up/down location and not certain about the distance from the radiator. There's also an axle support bearing/bracket which may be specific. I'm not certain how close the similar bracket is for the HT4100.

Where in Eastern Europe are you?
Scott

 

[1979 Eldorado]

Joel,
I don't know the rules in Lithuania either but the annual inspection where I lived, Poland, was a functional safety check. They had a functional brake check to make certain left and right were consistent. They perform it for the back and front separately. They also check the shock absorbers. The equipment is sophisticated with a dyno-like drive driving the wheels. A computer program determines if left/right and capability are in an acceptable range. They check the all the lights and aiming of the headlights. They go underneath and do a manual/visual inspection of the steering and suspension components. It actually felt like you really went through something to ensure your safety compared to at least what's done in NY (OBD computer hook-up, lights, wiper blades, obvious visuals and pulling a couple of wheels to look at the brakes). In Poland I don't believe they were ever required to verify the engine. The reason I say that is a friend owned a car which was honestly and accidentally registered with the wrong engine (different available engine for the same year). It makes a big deal for taxes, due to displacement, and it makes a big deal when trying to sell it, but it was never an issue during inspection. Those are of course functional experience versus written experience. It would be interesting to know the written rules.

Purple,
It seems like you would need to research the rules specific to Lithuania. That "Bustle back" is certainly unique. It's polarizing for most people; either love or hate. I've had 3 Toronados ('2x '79 and an '84) and 2 Eldorados ('79 and '84). None of these cars will be common in Lithuania; they aren't even common in NY anymore. Most people think my Toronado must be a Cutlass. I have an '83 Olds Delta 88 and someone told me nice Monte Carlo. That brings me to another point to consider: Body/Model specific parts are nearly impossible to find for "oddball" cars. They simply are not supported by the aftermarket. If you buy a Chevelle, Camaro, or Mustang you can essentially buy the entire car sometimes down to the body shell (Chevelle and Camaro at least). It's sad because a lot of these "oddball" cars were really unique and cool but people gravitate to the vehicles which were initially more popular and once parts are no longer available it makes things much more difficult for those of us who wanted or liked something different.

Scott

 

[1979 Eldorado]

the Swedish market is not that far away for you, below a few cars from that era for sale now, divide with 10 to get to €

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

Blocket - Sveriges största marknadsplats, bilar, bostäder, möbler m.m.

www.blocket.se

Robroy,
That last link for the bronze colored Seville is really nice looking and that's the RWD car and only RWD Cadillac which ever had the Olds 5.7L. In my mind that car would be the clear choice. It has the 70's Cadillac EFI but there is still quite a bit of knowledge regarding that system.

I have a retired colleague who loves the 5.7L Diesel but those were never highly regarded. He has 2 of them. He knows them well and can work on them. Many were replaced under warranty with a "Goodwrench" engine. If it has been replaced it will say "Goodwrench" on the valve cover. Outside the USA I would think parts are even harder to find and it's not easy here so I would avoid that car. The other 3 are really large cars compared to the Seville the OP was originally looking at. Those older '76 - 79 Sevilles have a look which seems to have survived time quite well.

Still doesn't change the fact that you should have a back-up and I'd hate to see that bronze Seville driven in the salt of winter.

Scott