Cadillac 429
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From: Middle Gawga
Cadillac 429
Is or has anyone here ran a Cadillac 429 in their Ford? I have access to a 64 Caddy in which my dad rebuilt the engine about 20 or so years ago. The car has sat for about 18 years but the engine still runs. I know it has a lot of torque weighs about 625 lbs and is backed up by some type of Turbo 400 (orginal trans). I know the 472-500 CID may be more popular but has anyone any experience with the 429?
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
Sorry I have no first hand experience with this engine, but a couple of observations (worth nothing).
The Ford only engine guys here will not like this much. Whatever, you got’a go with what you got. Hot Rods have been using Cads for years.
I would think that engine parts will be scarce and expensive?
Is the 64 Cad car body worth keeping or selling? It would not be so good to part out the body when you could sell it for more running and buy a real (heh heh) engine.
But being wrong keeps me humble!
The Ford only engine guys here will not like this much. Whatever, you got’a go with what you got. Hot Rods have been using Cads for years.
I would think that engine parts will be scarce and expensive?
Is the 64 Cad car body worth keeping or selling? It would not be so good to part out the body when you could sell it for more running and buy a real (heh heh) engine.
But being wrong keeps me humble!
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Kansas City, Mo
engine
I think it may be a 425 according to the history of that engine. One member has a 500 in his truck. I'm sure he will see this thread and respond. I found a 425 and am trying to get the guy to part with it. (Sorry, there was a 429)chuck
Last edited by 49fordpickumup; Jul 15, 2008 at 08:24 PM. Reason: correction
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From: Middle Gawga
The engine was rebuilt by my dad back in the late 80s I know he spent around $1,200 on the rebuild so it's been gone thru bottom to top. The car has rust issues and it's really huge! You can put a Honda Civic in the trunk! I guess I'm leaning towards the engine more for sentimental reasons (dads passed on) so I'm not worried about purest types. I'm 100% sure it's a 429 (they only made them 1-2 years). So I guess it's crush the Caddy and save the Ford!
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From: Kansas City, Mo
429 engine
Do some research. Check the dealer and NAPA a see what kind of parts support is available should you need them. If you put a front end and box the frame to hold the weight, go for it. This is what hot rodding is all about. If it feels good ,do it. Just check all angles so it will come out drive worthy. chuck
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Don't crush the Cadillac, a 1964 ? Remember there is probably a person who would buy it without motor or for parts if you wanted to go that way. Take money from Cad and put it into truck..... A 429 is a heavy motor so you'd probably need to beef the front end up good. Just something to think about.
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From: sparta ky.
Hey brucelee,Glad to hear you on here and great to see you in P.F., just looked a some pic early today and wondering where you've been.
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From: Middle Gawga
I wasn't really serious about crushing the car. I'm trying to find out information/interest on a Cadillac web site now. I would love to find a buyer for the whole car. When I switched from Mustangs (owned a 67 fastback) to Ford pickups one of the things that interested me was looking at the trucks at shows and never knowing what the next one had i.e. type suspension, engine, interior or other mods. Right now I have a 351W, 460 and the Cadillac 429 to choose from.
Hey, at least the distributor in the Caddy is up front (although leaning to one side)!
Hey, at least the distributor in the Caddy is up front (although leaning to one side)!
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From: springfield il
yeah it'a 429 . had a 64 convertible , i beleive it was an eldo . kinda of a pinkish red with white top and interior . loved that boat . it was powered by a 429 .as far as the truck man it's your's do what pleases you not us . if that big ol' honkin' caddy floats your boat go for it . bobby has a 500 i think in his .i have access to a completely rotted out 76 eldo convert with a 500 and its front wheel drive and i had this crazy notion for awhile of dumping it 'tween the rear frame rails of my old 55 and building something inspired by bill "golden " maverick and the rest of the early wheel standers .... i'm nuts though so ................
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Cadillac 429 offered 1964/67, replaced by the 472 in 1968.
1949/54: 331 cid / 1955/58: 365 cid / 1959/63 390 cid.
Beginning in 1964, the Hydra-Matic is a Super Turbine 400, replacing the awful Jet-Away that was used 1956/63.
btw: The 1949 Cadillac has the distinction of offering the first OHV V8, beating out the Olds OHV V8 (303 cid) by one month.
1949/54: 331 cid / 1955/58: 365 cid / 1959/63 390 cid.
Beginning in 1964, the Hydra-Matic is a Super Turbine 400, replacing the awful Jet-Away that was used 1956/63.
btw: The 1949 Cadillac has the distinction of offering the first OHV V8, beating out the Olds OHV V8 (303 cid) by one month.
Roast em' if you got 'em
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
The 429 is a good engine and would make a decent transplant into one of these trucks. I have a buddy running one in his 50 Ford 2dr sedan. There isn't alot of aftermarket (chrome goodies) parts available for them though.
I'm running the later 500ci in my 49. The 472/500 is actually only about 60 pounds heavier than a small block chevy....dimensionally its not a big engine. I'm not as familiar with the specs for the 429's but they are great engines.
I say go for it! Dare to be different, besides, its there, its available, and the price is right, and its fresh.
Good luck
Bobby
I'm running the later 500ci in my 49. The 472/500 is actually only about 60 pounds heavier than a small block chevy....dimensionally its not a big engine. I'm not as familiar with the specs for the 429's but they are great engines.
I say go for it! Dare to be different, besides, its there, its available, and the price is right, and its fresh.
Good luck
Bobby
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From: Middle Gawga
I've since found out this is an earlier version of the 429 which has the Hydramatic trans (possibly a "Jet-a-way" version?) not the Turbo Hydramatic. Some interesting discoveries I found out about the Hydramatic (not 100% verified)- it is a 4 speed, has no torque converter, requires no trans cooler, some earlier versions were used in WWII tanks. It supposedly shifts off the engine RPM? which had some early on popularity with drag racers. May have a greater fuel efficiency than many modern automatics as it would only be using about 20% of engine power at 65-70 MPH? Again, these facts come from INTERNET sources which have been read by more than two people so they must be accurate 
I'm far from deciding to use this combo but it does have some interesting factors and scores some points with the "thats different" crowd.
I'm far from deciding to use this combo but it does have some interesting factors and scores some points with the "thats different" crowd.
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If your looking for engine parts/gaskets and some chrome for the caddy engines there is a company called Speedway Motors,www.speedway motors.com . Haven't bought anything from them yet but they have Ford,Chevy and street rod stuff.