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which engine?


soleman10
11-25-2009, 06:33 AM
I've just recently purchased a 1991 fleetwood Brougham commercial chassis vehicle (hearse), and I'd like to know as much about it as I can find. I've been told so far it has a 5.7L engine and that it has a throttle body injection system. The guy selling me the car (yes, a dealer) also told me it was an LT1 engine, same as was used for Corvette in 91.
Now, I find it hard to believe that Cadillac used a Chevy small block 350 (5.7L) instead of an engine of their own design, much less a corvette engine. Is there a serial number on the engine somewhere that I can find and look up somewhere to see just what I do have?

Thanks in advance,

Mike Helphinstine

maxwedge
11-25-2009, 12:17 PM
Get the vin code, 8th digit, the 91 Vette was tuned port which is the LT1, not throttle body. Post back the VIN code.

soleman10
11-25-2009, 12:27 PM
Here's the VIN code: 1G6DW5478MR713236.
8th digit being a "7", what does that indicate?

Thanks,
Mike

maxwedge
11-25-2009, 06:35 PM
LO5 engine was tbi 5.7 Chevy engine, not the LT1 Corvette engine that was a different efi tuned port system like the Vette.

MagicRat
11-26-2009, 12:35 AM
The late '80's through mid-90's rear wheel drive cars did not use Cadillac engines.

The cast-iron Cadillac blocks went out of production in 1981. For a few years, the aluminum Cadillac 4.1 engine was used, but this was a weak engine and lacked power and durability.
Cadillac went to the cast-iron Oldsmobile 307 V8 for 1986 -89.

In 1990 through 92 the used the Chev 305, with the Chev 350 as an option. 1993 saw the 350 only.

It was in 1994 to 96 that the RWD cadillac used a 260 hp, iron-head version of the Corvette engine. It was not the same as a corvette engine, only similar. However, these particular models are prized for their engine.

So, imo the dealer was using the notoriety of these 94-96 cars to confuse (aka. lie to) you.

Anyways, the 350 that you have is a fine engine. BTW, I love the hearses and would have bought a similar car a few years ago, except my wife refuses to have anything to do with a car that hauled dead people. :(

maxwedge
11-26-2009, 08:09 AM
The late '80's through mid-90's rear wheel drive cars did not use Cadillac engines.

The cast-iron Cadillac blocks went out of production in 1981. For a few years, the aluminum Cadillac 4.1 engine was used, but this was a weak engine and lacked power and durability.
Cadillac went to the cast-iron Oldsmobile 307 V8 for 1986 -89.

In 1990 through 92 the used the Chev 305, with the Chev 350 as an option. 1993 saw the 350 only.

It was in 1994 to 96 that the RWD cadillac used a 260 hp, iron-head version of the Corvette engine. It was not the same as a corvette engine, only similar. However, these particular models are prized for their engine.

So, imo the dealer was using the notoriety of these 94-96 cars to confuse (aka. lie to) you.

Anyways, the 350 that you have is a fine engine. BTW, I love the hearses and would have bought a similar car a few years ago, except my wife refuses to have anything to do with a car that hauled dead people. :(

Magic, good info as usual, BTW I agree with your wife. LOL

wafrederick
11-28-2009, 08:09 PM
Plus Cadillac came with the worthless 2-4-6-8 system and it did not work very well.Most people unplugged this system and it ran a lot whole better.The 4.1s were known for headgaskets going out.Some 4 door RWD Cadillacs had the 350 and I have seen one with one with the TBI setup.1991 LTIs were the early version LTIs and are horrible to work on.I replaced injectors on one in a Corvette and is a real pain in the butt job to do.

maxwedge
11-29-2009, 08:35 AM
FYI the 8-6-4 was in 81 only so this thread doesn't touch on that combo.

soleman10
12-01-2009, 06:44 AM
Thanks for all your help guys. I really appreciate it.
Magic- The hearse is really a fun car to drive. I get so many people from all walks of life coming up to me and asking about my coach. Most often asked? Is anyone in the back? LOL!

Mike

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