Cadillac hearse engine specs?

[rabidcat]

I'm new here, and I'm pretty sure this is where this thread should be, so here goes.

I want to get a hearse and mod it for fuel efficiency. I plan to do most--if not all--of the work myself.

Does anyone know where I could find the engine specs for '80s Cadillac hearses? I'm kinda fond of the Sovereign and Crown models. I'm totally new to this, any help is appreciated.

[Highbars]

try Amazon.com and see if they have a factory manual I got one for my 79 for $22.75. Just make sure it is not a Body Manual

[EternalCombustion]

Try here...

The Cadillac Database

This is for cadillacs in general. You probably won't find any listings just for hearses. The factory cadillac specs will most likely be the closest you can get

[Riff Raff]

I had an 82 S&S with a 368 (comm. chassis only motor) and an OD transmission and was getting 16-18 MPG. I haven't seen many with the OD transmission. If you had one and tuned it right and drove it properly, you might get around 20MPG. But I would not expect alot more than that, these are big cars.

You could start with a down sized FWD 80s model with a 4.5, avoid the 4.1 too many problems, and you may be able to get a little better than 20 MPG. But someone with experence with one of these will have to speak up on the subject.

[rabidcat]

I had an 82 S&S with a 368 (comm. chassis only motor) and an OD transmission and was getting 16-18 MPG. I haven't seen many with the OD transmission. If you had one and tuned it right and drove it properly, you might get around 20MPG. But I would not expect alot more than that, these are big cars.

OD transmission? Does OD stand for overdrive?

[cean]

yes," od" means over drive same here. my hearse is a 84 with carbed 368 motor and thm 400 tranny

[Tweek's Turbos]

Diesel swap?

[Riff Raff]

If you want to do a diesel swap, I got an 82 Chevy K20 with a 6.2 and a manaul OD 4sp. in it. Gets an avg of 20mpg.

[rabidcat]

My eventual goal is to design a whole new engine and build it, so I also need to know the rough physical dimensions of an existing '80s hearse engine. If only I could actually get my hands on one.

[hotroddwayne]

I'm with ya there Riff Raff on the MPG, my '80 S&S Victoria has the 368 but no overdrive, & it got 16MPG on average from Florida to Ohio. Was actually amazed at that! Rabidcat a big block Cadillac shouldn't be too hard to find... keep in mind the 368, 429, 425, & 472 are all basically the same except for the stroke from what i've learned so far. Remember that depending on what hearse you end up with, their weight ranges from 9,000lbs for a mid 70's 3-way hearse to about 6,200lbs for an '80's Victoria... the front-wheel-drive jobs weigh even less than that. Fuel economy becomes limited pulling 3 - 4 tons of steel, but doesn't stop you from trying your project.

[BIGEVIL]

A free flowing exhaust will instantly increase your gas mileage 1-2 mpg.

From someone who has done an engine swap in a hearse, it is a PAIN IN THE ASS!

Make the most of what you already have.

[BIGEVIL]

If your car has a carb, switch to this.

http://www.professional-products.com/EFI_3.php

Better mpg and more hp.

[mrkwizard]

If you are still look for an engine from a 80's caddy, I have a 368 (6.0 liter) from a 82 caddy hearse i'd sell. It would need a rebuild, i'm puting a 500 in my 82.

[Psychoholic]

If your car has a carb, switch to this.

http://www.professional-products.com/EFI_3.php

Better mpg and more hp.

That looks mighty badass - but at 1800 bones, it's a little much for now.