LS2 into a 1960 Cadillac
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Teching In
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LS2 into a 1960 Cadillac I am rebuilding (mild kustomising) my 1960 Cadillac coupe deville. I want to put an LS2 and auto trans in it... I am in Australia... we ran LS2s in our Holden Commodores and Monaros (or in the US - Pontiac G8 and GTOs.) I will buy a wrecked car and pull motor, trans and loom... but I want to hear from others on their experience with this swap. Thanks guys.
I have a '60 Cadillac, and I'm just finishing up my first LS swap. I think to get any kind of good information you'll need to ask a more specific question. I don't have nearly as much experience on this site as others, but I've yet to see a 59-64 Cadillac swap yet. I have pulled the engine and trans on my car (62 series convertible). The only thing I could foresee is whether the X-frame would pose any fitment issues. Considering the size of the 390 and hydramatic that's in them I can't imagine there would be much fitment issue.
There are all kinds of kits that should make this pretty easy now. Adjustable engine mount kits. Aftermarket LS radiator kits. Holley makes a pan (# 302-3) that will give you all kinds of crossmember clearance. Many of the 59 and 60 GM B-bodies share the same cowl and frame, windshield frame, and all kinds of other goodies. It's been a long time, but look into the '59 and '60 Impalas to make sure if they have the same from as the Caddy's. If so ( I think they do) then you could find good info from a lot of the '59 Impala swaps, of which there is more info.
There are all kinds of kits that should make this pretty easy now. Adjustable engine mount kits. Aftermarket LS radiator kits. Holley makes a pan (# 302-3) that will give you all kinds of crossmember clearance. Many of the 59 and 60 GM B-bodies share the same cowl and frame, windshield frame, and all kinds of other goodies. It's been a long time, but look into the '59 and '60 Impalas to make sure if they have the same from as the Caddy's. If so ( I think they do) then you could find good info from a lot of the '59 Impala swaps, of which there is more info.
I've heard people discuss this swap but I've never heard of anyone actually completing it so I doubt there are any magical write-ups for you to follow. You will need to pull out your fabrication tools, forge ahead and make your own path. The entire frame is completely different from an Impala of the same vintage. There isn't a drop-in no fabrication solution for a 1960's Impala which is a far more popular chassis. If you aren't comfortable building your own parts you will need to pay someone who is.
