So it seems that the Caddy motors are all the same external dimensions from 368-500cid. Also, at about 580lbs they are not THAT heavy.

Any way to mount it to a manual tranny bellhousing (NV4500)?

Will a GM saginaw P/S conversion still slip by the block?

I know this has been done by others and would like to know what was learned.

I know that a SM420 will fit behind one.

A friend of mine has one.

to fit it and the sag box he had to do some creative steering linkage.

You will have to make the linkage go around the exhaust manifolds.

I suppose depending on engine placement this might differ but that is what he had to do.

If you already have the sag box I would probably go this route. If not Iwould do a scout/mini/FJ60/ford 4x2 box instead..

Thanks!!

Any adapters for the sm420 or straight bolt up? who's your friend, I'd love talk to him?

I'm pretty sure the sm420 & sm465 have the same bellhousing bolt pattern and that you can use any chevy bellhousing with a 5.150 index diameter to bolt up a NV4500. if those asumptions are correct i should be able to bolt a NV4500 to a 500inch caddy.Correct?- time to call AA.

I don't already have the sag box but have done a couple of conversions and feel comfortable with it, thought about the scout option-wasn't sure if that would clear either, don't know anything about the Ford 4x2. enlighten me with a link.

Keep it coming.:D

I just sold a 425 Caddy to Tiki, but I did quite a bit of research before I did.
I know of no GM bell housing or flywheel to allow use of a manual tranny, which leaves you to Advance or some of the Hot Rod companys for these items.
Personally, I would stick with a Turbo 400 and find a Tcase that will bolt up with factory parts, any shop can build the 4x4 stuff into the Caddy case.
Butch

There's been a write up in JP mag about mating the SM420 to the caddy 500. I have it at home. IIRC, they had to drill a pilot hole in the back of the crank because a manul tranny was never intended to mate to the caddy block. The article was very well written, complete with part numbers & tips. :bounce:

Originally posted by ckolloff
Thanks!!

Any adapters for the sm420 or straight bolt up? who's your friend, I'd love talk to him?

I'm pretty sure the sm420 & sm465 have the same bellhousing bolt pattern and that you can use any chevy bellhousing with a 5.150 index diameter to bolt up a NV4500. if those asumptions are correct i should be able to bolt a NV4500 to a 500inch caddy.Correct?- time to call AA.

I don't already have the sag box but have done a couple of conversions and feel comfortable with it, thought about the scout option-wasn't sure if that would clear either, don't know anything about the Ford 4x2. enlighten me with a link.

Keep it coming.:D

Heres the scoop. Buick OLds pontiac bolt pattern for bellhousing on caddys. NONE (caddy's)were ever offered with a manual, so no OEM flywheel. Contact these guys (http://500cid.com/) about the flywheel.

A manual tranny bellhousing from a BOP car will work. they are aluminum and are probably not up to the task of a really beat on drivetrain, as in hitting rocks etc.
Warning: the car bellhousings have a 4.688" index ring diameter. Only an sm420 will fit that, and the bolt pattern is fine for that. SM465 have a 5.125" ring diameter and the same patterns some machining might net a working setup, BUT I would get a Lakewood or other scattershield custom made for the truck index ring diameter. they can do it and it will be pricey but put up with a hell of a lot more abuse!

No way an NV4500 will fit without a custom bellhousing.

-Brett

I'll call Rod and see exactly what he had to do to get the SM to work behind the caddy..

Originally posted by Jason M
I'll call Rod and see exactly what he had to do to get the SM to work behind the caddy..

Knowing him it involved a Sawzall & cutting torch :D

I think he told me once that there is a hotrod company that makes bellhousings & flywheels for caddy motors to mount manuals to caddy BB's. forget the name though but I had heard of them before. I'd still go with the th400... autos RULE!!!!!

Originally posted by sixty


Knowing him it involved a Sawzall & cutting torch :D

I think he told me once that there is a hotrod company that makes bellhousings & flywheels for caddy motors to mount manuals to caddy BB's. forget the name though but I had heard of them before. I'd still go with the th400... autos RULE!!!!!

Fair enough :)
probably a scattershield though..

check out this site for caddy motor info www.500cid.com

they claim tohave an adapter for mounting a caddy motor to a chevy tranny