500 engine in S10

[John Milner]

I have a nice rebuilt 500 engine that is ready to go in something. I'm wanting to put it in about a '90 S10 truck. Has anyone ever made this conversion before?

Thanks

 

[Monzallac 425]

I think it was done once, but I don't remember the details, maybe one of the op's will though.

I don't think it would be too big of a deal, since you can pull the front clip off. Hey, I fit a 425 in a GM HBody only the second out of 3 to try it. (#1 was in a Vega , # 2 gave up!)

Anything is possible if you try.

Doug in P.R.

 

[Darius]

"Kind of" is my answer to whether or not anyone else had mounted a big block Cadillac (500) into a first generation S10 pickup frame.

My Cadillac 500 build uses a 1985 S10 frame. It was a standard cab, long bed, 4 WD unit. Does the engine fit? Yes, easily is my answer. But my "kinda of" reply is because that frame is no longer under a pickup body but a very small 1950 Studebaker Champion 4DR sedan. What would you like to know?

bro. d

 

[John Milner]

It sounds like it can be made to fit in the frame them. I have an eldorado pan on my engine, which I feel certain is necessary. Some of my other questions would be what did you use for your motor mounts? Did you use the 500 oil pump/filter housing? Also did you use manifolds or headers? Thanks for the replies.

 

[5one9]

I didn’t exactly install in an S10 frame but I’m highly confident that it can be done. Worst case you are using a remote filter and building headers. I built my own mounts from 1/4” steel. You can somewhat see them in the picture.

 

[Darius]

It sounds like it can be made to fit in the frame them. I have an eldorado pan on my engine, which I feel certain is necessary. Some of my other questions would be what did you use for your motor mounts? Did you use the 500 oil pump/filter housing? Also did you use manifolds or headers? Thanks for the replies.

The pan used in my project is also a Caddy Eldo unit and that fits just behind the front cross brace. One thing to be aware of is the differences between the two wheel drive and four wheel drive frames. The stock 4X4 trucks use torsion bar suspension and that difference alone WOULD APPEAR to make it easier to have clearance for stock Cadillac exhaust manifolds. The 4X4 has taller shock towers and heavier arms (I think). Not idea if the front cross brace is the same or not.

No problem fitting the 500 oil pump/ filter housing either. If my old memory serves, it is the later style oil pump which nicely points the filter toward the crack and out of the way.

The engine mounts are home made and pictured here.

Hope this helps.

bro. d

 

[Darius]

Here are a few more pictures.

Don't get me started as there are well over a thousand images of the various stages of this project - and I am willing to challenge any proud grand parent against their collection of "first grandchild" photos as for sheer numbers.

d

 

[Caddylackn]

The steering shaft, exhaust manifolds, overall width, and the oil filter location are the biggest hurdles for transplanting a 500 into anything. There is also the required radiator size and necessary clearance to the radiator. These challenges can be overcome with ingenuity and fabbing. There is lots of aftermarket support for S10 with V8 swaps.

There are also the Eldo drivetrain rear engine swaps that can be done to the S10. That would also be fun, there are a few of these out there.

 

[PJ McCoy]

I didn’t exactly install in an S10 frame but I’m highly confident that it can be done. Worst case you are using a remote filter and building headers. I built my own mounts from 1/4” steel. You can somewhat see them in the picture.

View attachment 24816

I did the same thing to fit my caddy engine into a 81 trans am.

 

[PJ McCoy]

I've seen a Chevy 454 in a rodeo. If the 454 can fit a Isuzu Rodeo then a caddy will fit a S10. The rodeo radiator support was completely cut out. The big Chevy radiator was bolted to the outside and the grill was fitted over it. He used an air Grainger on the chrome plated plastic grill to make that fit. Looking at the truck you would never know. Sawzall is your friend. A friend with welding skills. Priceless.

 

[Darius]

Adding corrections to my post #6 above in this thread.

I wrongly indicated that it would probably be easier to have clearance for the engine in a 4 wheel drive vehicle, as opposed to a two wheel drive one. Actually, due to the height of the shock towers on the 4X4 units there is less room. The tall supports for the front shocks intrudes on the space when the exhaust manifolds are. It is tight, but can be made to fit. A 2 wheel drive vehicle would have more clearance space in that area due to the difference in front shock placement and how and where the A-arms are mounted.

As a note: I did away with the stock torsion bar suspension on the 4X4 frame and instead went with front coil overs as shown in the pictures.

Trying to be accurate - even as the years pile on.

d

 

[PROSTOCKTOM]

I am sure a 500 will fit it you want it to, but I have a few friends with 350 SBC in S10's and they have little to no traction as it is. So I think putting a 500 in one is probably a bad idea. Another friends has an 85 1/2 ton shortbed with a stock 500 in it and it's an absolute tire shredding animal @ 4200 lbs. The first 500 I ever bought was in a 1966 Ford F150 and it would blaze the tires for a city block with a bone stock engine. However that's what makes most of America great as you can do what you want unless in certain parts of California.

Tom

 

[Darius]

Howdy Tom,

Good to hear from you again. It's been a while.

For what its worth I'm in agreement with you on the likely overkill of Caddy 500 torque in a "rear-wheel-drive only" pickup. But as you say, that's what makes most of America great; to each, his or her own.

To briefly hi-jack this thread, in the back of my mind is a worry, that EVEN with the equally light weight of the Studebaker Champion body on my S10 frame, I'll be disappointed with off-the-line performance. But to borrow from that great philosopher, Forrest Gump, "stupid is as stupid does" (or thinks). Dumb to even worry about, but with the AWD of the Stude/Caddy build I still I want to have all four tires struggling for traction. We shall see.

bro. (It's been tooo long since I've felt Caddy torque) d

 

[Cadillac Kid 1]

Even at 4900 pounds with 11” wide MT drag radials a 3.77:1 moser 9 inch if I bring the motor anywhere near 3000 rpm I can’t hook up. My 60 ft times have been terrible. Perhaps it’s that I need to learn how to drive.
Besides diesels I think that 500 inch Cadillacs are the only motor with torque numbers higher than their horsepower.
200 more break in miles and I will be back at the strip for driving lessons.
Greg Surfas

 

[G-971308]

The steering shaft, exhaust manifolds, overall width, and the oil filter location are the biggest hurdles for transplanting a 500 into anything. There is also the required radiator size and necessary clearance to the radiator. These challenges can be overcome with ingenuity and fabbing. There is lots of aftermarket support for S10 with V8 swaps.

There are also the Eldo drivetrain rear engine swaps that can be done to the S10. That would also be fun, there are a few of these out there.

. I own your truck now and would love to talk to you about about it if possible

 

[Darius]

Hello Eric,

This is bro. d (dba - Darius), I’m Midvale, Utah. We share engine and truck frame choices, mine being the ‘75 500 in an 86’ S10 frame. I’d love to chat if you are willing. Drop me a PM note with phone number if you will please.

Best,
bro.d

 

[fierocious1]

Caltrack bars for traction. Variable shocks front and rear. Long travel mods for front suspension, but they got it done with mostly stock suspension.. Check out SRC on youtube.