will a cadillac 500 motor fit in a 2 door nova and will it have killer torqe?

Question

just trying to build a play car.

Answer 1

That's an old motor, an antique. The problem you would have is that you wouldn't be able to keep a rear-end on the vehicle. A Nova is a light car. The engine can be made to fit but you'd have to put motor and trans together, possibly knock out some of the firewall and inner fenders. You'd have to beef up or change the rear axle. You're looking at a lifetime project and this would be a project for an experienced mechanic. The Caddy 500 weighs so much that you'd have to change the suspension on the front and possibly on the rear of the car. It's too much motor. If you want something that's fun, that will give you extra ump and will bring you closer to the finish line, try a 327 and change the stroke and bore. I would also recommend a 350 with balance and blueprinting.
Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Several problems Weight is the biggest problem and the old caddy 500 inch engine and transmission were very long. What you really want is a LS-1 aluminium engine with 365 hp stock and six speed gear box. Out of a wrecked, trans am. camaro or GTO Or a GM crate motor and built automatic transmission.. You might consider a narrowed ford 9" differential too. The 1969 caddy 505 cubic inch engine did not make killer torque or horsepower.

Answer 3

Any engine will fit in any car, it just depends on how good you are at welding and fabbing things to make them work together.

I have done a few V8 swaps myself but I would go with a Chevy engine - much cheaper for parts and building.

Here is a 500 in a International scout 2 :
http://ih.off-road.com/ih/data/articlestandard/ih/522005/264159/rebld14.JPG
Notice the custom front frame
shock loop
Radiator looks to be a solid mount - (not good)

But hey if you can put a V8 in a fiero then anything is possible :
http://fp.enter.net/~rockcrawl/SBCLa.html

Answer 4

i know someone that has a 71 nova SS 396, that is bored out to 402... it fits fine, even though the 500 (?) may be a little bigger physically, the torque is up to you... you build it, they will come.

Answer 5

yes but....it cost twice what putting a chevy big block will cost....with chevy u get cheap motor mounts cheap headers....cheap speed parts and lighter weight...some yrs ago carcraft magazine put a 500 cad in a chevette...!!!