Differences on a Cadillac 331 V8 vs 390 V8. plus an update on the 52 engine swap!

[@Normanx964]

Nice job. The 390 had a taller deck height too. 10:1 pistons as well.

[@rustyrobinson8027]

That's interesting thanks

[@michaelbenardo5695]

The 52 Cadillac engine having only 180 lbs. ft. of torque??? You would have go back to the mid 20s to find a Cad engine with that little torque. The 52 Cad had 320 lbs. ft. of torque at 2700 RPM. The 390, which came out for 59, generated 430 lbs. ft. of torque at 3100 RPM standard, 435 lbs. ft. of torque at 3400 RPM with tri-power. 1952 was the last year of 6 volts for most GM cars. 53 was their first year. The pre-56 Hydramatic does indeed have a park. You put it in Reverse, then shut the engine off. Trans is then locked. And while I am one of those who think classic cars should be kept stock, I salute you for keeping it all-Cadillac and not putting a dam Chevy engine in it!

[@Cadillac_Coach_Works]

180hp not torque. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@Normanx964]

Remember to covert figures from Gross to SAE net. Its a big drop. 30%.

[@antonfarquar8799]

331 certainly was a popular displacement - Buick Nail Head 331, Chrysler 331 Hemi, and Cadillac 331 V8 go figure.

[@anthonybianchini5144]

Buick 322... then 364... then 401... then 425... No Buick 331.

[@antonfarquar8799]

@@anthonybianchini5144 you are correct.

[@thedeagle1007]

I'm looking at a 61 DeVille. I'm thinking of buying the 390 in it. Would it be too heavy for the front end of a S10? I'm also looking at 350s, which I know isn't too heavy. But I don't know much about these 390s.

[@Cadillac_Coach_Works]

I would do a sbc or an LS conversion honestly

[@michaelbenardo5695]

It might be too heavy. These are 700 - 750 lb. engines. A Chevy V8 is dandy in S10s.