Modify an old 60s Cadillac for 4 or 6 cyl?

[amcpacer]

I wonder what the weight and drag coefficient of an old say 65 fleetwood would be. I have always wanted a luxury car but cannot afford to fuel a 500 cubic inch V8.

My idea is to take a 2.8L V6 out of an 80s firebird along with the transmission and install it in place of the V8.

What kind of fuel gains would we expect? Perhaps there is a 4 cylinder 2.5L engine from a dodge dakota pickup that would work.

As long as it is as fast as my suzuki swift 3 cyl then it is fast enough.

[trikkonceptz]

For the moment think along the lines of money being no object,

Transplant the front wheel drive V8 that cadillac has to power the front two wheels, convert it to propane. Since the trunk in those things are huge and often measured by the dead hooker meter, put 2 electric motors and a battery bank in the trunk to power the rear axle and you have one cool hybrid. An extended range electric with some serious mileage and vintage looks.

[amcpacer]

That is an idea. Just keep the V8 and convert it to propane. I am interested in getting this car: 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

I wonder what the cost to operate the vehicle would be on propane compared to gasoline. Also driving range would be an issue if say I take a trip across the USA and need to find places that sell propane only. Ill bet that cadillac only gets 9mpg on gasoline. Probably would need a giant propane tank to tow behind the car kind of like the space shuttles booster rockets.

[trikkonceptz]

As an emergency you can rig it up to use barbeque tanks that you can get and refill at most walmarts, or gas stations. It would take a bit more trip planning but not impossible.

[Duffman]

60s Caddys are Heavvvvy. Put in a small engine and not only will you have a car that gets poor FE but you will have a gutless wonder to boot.

[whokilledthejams]

I suggest paying to have the Caddy dyno'ed with the stock drivetrain, and use that as a basis for the minimum hp and torque you should look for.

It's important to bear in mind that before '72 or so, engine hp ratings were gross hp, i.e., without any accessories on the engine (no water pump, oil pump, alternator, distributor, fan, etc), so they were inflated a lot. A more modern engine could be smaller, more powerful, and more economical, even without radical modifications to the car.

[amcpacer]

Oh well. It was a thought. I guess a caddy will never fit my lifestyle unless I become rich but then if I were to become rich I would not waste my money on gas. I would buy a tesla car.

[Frank Lee]

I wonder how the much-hyped Neil Young barge hybrid came out? Wasn't it sposta be done by now?

[Doofus McFancypants]

here is the website.,.
LINC VOLT - Repowering The American Dream

interesting idea...

[Tony Raine]

since there are miles of room under the hood/in the trunk.

full EV, but throw a generator under the hood for charging on the go. the electric would have the grunt to move the mass, and between home charging, generator charging, and maybe some solar panels, you may be able to get decent range.