I can get an old cadillac with a running and driving 472ish motor in it for dirt cheap. I'd like to put the motor and tranny, radiator,etc. into my 79 camaro. Has anyone done this before? Are there any websites or references to make this a little easier? Thanks!

In the late '90s Hot Rod and/or Car Craft did a few articles on the ease of swapping and making big torque with the Cadillac 500 engines. Most of the focus was on G-bodies, IIRC. However, the engine should fit into any GM car without too much trouble. In fact, I've been thinking I'd like to find one of these motors myself to use in a truck.

Maximum Torque Specialties should be able to help you. The company specializes in Cadillac 425-472-500 swaps.

Also, any transmission or belhousing with the Buick-Olds-Pontiac-Cadillac bellhousing bolt pattern should be a bolt-in affair in an F-body.

I would stick with a Camaro (H-D/A-C) radiator, and just find hoses to fit the Cad motor.

My camaro currently doesn't have a radiator. I took everything apart so I could clean and paint it, and got rid of the parts that were broken or rusty. The car has been apart for too long and I'm gettng antsy to drive it again. I wanna go the low headahe route and get a drivetrain from something I know runs and drives. I haven't got the $ or time to build my own setup. I only get 3-4 weeks a year to work on the car (just when I go home on leave)I'd REALLY like to buy a kit or someones old setup, but whatever. Thanks for the advice!

To make the swap you will have to get the motor mounts from a late 70's Caddy with the 425. The Accesories like PS, AC and matching brackets from one of these engines will also fit much better. The oil pan and pickup must come from and El Dorado FWD to get the necessary clearance over the crossmember. Exaust manifolds should be left stock for now. Dual w/o cats should work fine for a stock engine.

Does it have to be 425? My parts car IS a late 70's caddy, may or may not have the 425. It's like 4500 miles away right now, haha. Don't care either way. The motor mounts bolt right up to my frame???

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by MILLER8338:
To make the swap you will have to get the motor mounts from a late 70's Caddy with the 425. The Accesories like PS, AC and matching brackets from one of these engines will also fit much better. The oil pan and pickup must come from and El Dorado FWD to get the necessary clearance over the crossmember. Exaust manifolds should be left stock for now. Dual w/o cats should work fine for a stock engine. </font>