I have a good running '80 Fleetwood and I can't decide what to do with it. I have narrowed it down to 2 options (1) Sell it for $1500 (2) Swap the drivetrain with the one in my '84 Coupe deville and then sell it for a little less. I have a couple 500 motors but don't have the money to build them. The Coupe runs good but I hate the thought of having the 4.1 in it. If I do the swap at least the Coupe will be ready for a 500 when money permits. On the other hand, swapping the 4.1 efi motor for the carburated 368 might be a PITA (fuel delivery/electronics). Has anyone here done this swap? In your opinion, should I just sell the '80 and wait to build one of the 500s? I can really tell the difference between the power these two motors have. Especially when crossing the Dames Point Bridge here in Jax, FL (~240 feet tall). It is night and day.

 

Personally I need more information to give advice. Are these two Cadillacs your hobby cars or are they the cars you rely on for day in day out transportation? What level of mechanical skill do you possess ? Can you do the work for a swap or will you be paying someone ? Can you live with the inevitable shaking down period after a swap like this, breakdowns and tinkering that wil be required for months after?

Just a few inquiries to narrow this down.

If you need to use the car day in and day out and you are predisposed to a V8 rear wheel drive, why not sell both and find a nice Fleetwood or Fleetwood Brougham 93-96, no more that $3,500 right now if that. If you really need Horsepower get the Corvette engine LT1 in your Fleetwood and that will be a cheaper and probably as much HP alternative to your 500 build and swap.

So in summary, sell everything you have, find a LT1 Fleetwood and you will have a nice RWD Cadillac that is fast ( 0-60 in 8 seconds) and powerful (260 HP) with money and time left over.

PS: I know an older gentleman with a 78 Fleetwood with a built up Cadillac 425 (same block as 500) and he puts out 268 HP on the dyno. It has had the heads milled and ported and a special cam grind, high out put electronic ignition, open air cleaner and dual exhausts. It's up to you 268 vs 260 HP.

 

ya and hey im selling my 94 fleetwood with the LT1 in it for 3500. lol let me know if your in Florida if intrested.

 

Good afernoon,

this question is not relevant to this article but I need help finding part for this vehicle and I'm new to this forum.
looking for a diferential for a 1979 Cadilac Fleetwood Brougham 5.7L engine.

any advice?