Yeah, whoever rated such things changed the way they rated horsepower.

My old Chilton manual shows the '71 500ci engine with 8.5 cr to have 365hp@ 4400 rpm and 535 foot pounds of torque@2800rpm. The '76 shows 190@3600 and 360 foot pounds @ 2000.

If this was done to confuse people, it works.

The Cad 500 is quite a bit lighter than a Chevy big block and is only about 50# heavier than a small block. It's also smaller dimensionally than a BBC despite it's greater displacement, and it has a reputation for better gas mileage.

In his book "Big inch Cadillac" Doc Fromader says you can get the Cadillac to crank out 400hp and 550 ft. lbs. using just stock parts. If you should choose to go that route be sure to get advice first. For example, if you mixed early heads with late pistons, or late heads with early pistons, you would wind up with a compression ratio of 5.6:1 or 12.5:1, either of which might be a tad inconvenient.

Cad after-market stuff is comparatively expensive. I know. I ordered a complete overhaul kit from Northern Auto Parts (They had the lowest price i could find) and it cost me about $750. Their price for a 350 Chevy? about $160.

Read all you can. If I can help you with information or sources, I'll try.

Good luck,


Jim