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Description
About This Engine
The Cadillac 429 is a 429 cubic inch OHV V8 produced by Cadillac from 1964 through 1967- four model years only. It was the natural evolution of the Cadillac 390, enlarged by increasing the bore to 4.125 inches while retaining a 4.000 inch stroke to achieve the larger displacement. At 340 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, it was one of the most torque-rich American V8 engines of its era- designed not for high-RPM power but for smooth, effortless authority suited to Cadillac's full-size luxury vehicles.
The 429 powered every Cadillac model from 1964 through 1967: the DeVille, Calais, Eldorado, Fleetwood, Sixty Special, and all commercial chassis applications. By 1967 it had reached the limits of the original 390-series architecture, and Cadillac introduced an entirely new and larger 472 cubic inch engine for 1968- one of the largest passenger car V8 engines ever produced.
Today the Cadillac 429 is a low-volume specialty engine with a small but dedicated restoration community. Clean cores are genuinely scarce- far rarer than the Ford 429 or GM 454. A compression-tested unit with documented casting numbers is a significant find for any classic Cadillac restoration project.
Signs You Need a Replacement Engine
- Oil burning on startup- valve stem seal deterioration on aged engines
- Knock at startup that clears after oil pressure builds- main or rod bearing wear
- Loss of compression on one or more cylinders- ring wear on high-mileage units
- Oil leaks at valve covers and front timing cover- common on aged Cadillac V8s
- Overheating- aged cooling passages and original thermostats need attention on 60-year-old engines
- Low oil pressure at idle after warm-up- bearing wear or oil pump wear
Known Problems With This Engine
- Limited parts availability: The Cadillac 429 has been out of production for nearly 60 years. Pistons, rings, gaskets, and valvetrain parts are available from Cadillac specialty suppliers but supply is limited. Factor this into your restoration planning.
- Casting number importance: Cadillac used different casting numbers across the four production years. Correct casting documentation is important for show-quality restorations. We document and disclose the casting number of every unit before shipping.
- Crankshaft variants: 1964 Cadillac 429s used two different crankshaft configurations depending on transmission. HydraMatic and Turbo HydraMatic versions used different crank rear journals. We document the crankshaft configuration where identifiable.
- Cadillac vs Ford 429 confusion: These engines are frequently confused. A buyer who needs a Cadillac 429 cannot use a Ford 429- the architecture, dimensions, mounting, and compatibility are completely different. We verify application before every order.
- Oil pan removal: In some Cadillac applications, oil pan removal requires partial engine removal due to chassis clearance. We note this service characteristic for reference.
Cadillac 429 by Model Year
The 429 was produced in four model years with minor evolutionary changes:
| Year | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | 340 hp | 480 lb-ft | First year 429. 10.5:1 compression. Two crankshaft variants depending on transmission (HydraMatic vs Turbo HydraMatic). Positive crankcase ventilation introduced. |
| 1965 | 340 hp | 480 lb-ft | Minimal changes from 1964. Same specs throughout. |
| 1966 | 340 hp | 480 lb-ft | Minor tuning refinements. Same overall output. |
| 1967 | 340 hp | 480 lb-ft | Final year of the 429. Replaced by the all-new 472 cu in V8 for 1968. |
What Is Included- What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED- Long Block | Block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, camshaft, cylinder heads, valve train, oil pan, timing cover, and water pump where present. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold, carburetor, exhaust manifolds, distributor, ignition system, alternator, power steering pump, starter, flexplate or flywheel, accessory brackets. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The Cadillac 429 was factory installed in all Cadillac models from 1964 to 1967:
| Cadillac DeVille (all body styles) | 1964 to 1967 |
|---|---|
| Cadillac Calais | 1965 to 1967 |
| Cadillac Eldorado | 1967 (first-year Eldorado FWD) |
| Cadillac Fleetwood (all variants) | 1964 to 1967 |
| Cadillac Sixty Special | 1964 to 1967 |
| Cadillac Commercial Chassis | 1964 to 1967 (ambulance and hearse applications) |
The Cadillac 429 uses a Cadillac-specific bellhousing bolt pattern and motor mount configuration. It is not directly compatible with GM small-block or big-block swap components. For a correct restoration, it should be matched to original Cadillac motor mounts and the original Turbo HydraMatic or HydraMatic transmission. Call (240) 301-0095 with your specific year and model.
Transmission compatibility: Turbo HydraMatic 400 (TH400)- standard pairing from 1965 onward | HydraMatic (dual-coupling)- some 1964 applications. The 1964 Cadillac used two different crankshaft rear configurations depending on which transmission was installed.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095. We verify fitment before every order ships.
Common Names and Search Terms
| Cadillac 429 | Most common buyer search |
|---|---|
| Cadillac 429 V8 | Configuration search |
| Cadillac 7.0L engine | Displacement-format search |
| 1964 Cadillac engine | Year-specific buyer |
| 1967 Cadillac engine | Final year buyer |
| Cadillac DeVille engine | Application-specific buyer |
| Cadillac Eldorado engine | Eldorado restoration buyer |
| Cadillac big block | Big block designation |
| vintage Cadillac engine | Broad classic buyer |
| Cadillac 390 429 engine | Series history context |
Used OEM vs Rebuilt- Which Is Right for You?
Used OEM is the right choice for a DeVille, Fleetwood, or Eldorado restoration- particularly where a compression-tested unit with casting documentation is the foundation. Cadillac 429 cores are genuinely scarce. A tested unit is a meaningful find.
A specialist rebuild makes sense for a show car requiring correct specifications and fresh tolerances. Cadillac 429 rebuild specialists are few but the community is dedicated. Call us to discuss current inventory condition and whether a rebuild is warranted.
Condition and Inspection Process
- Compression test across all 8 cylinders- pressure per cylinder recorded before shipping
- Visual inspection for cracks, scored journals, and stripped threads
- Casting number documented- year and block family confirmed
- Crankshaft rear configuration noted where identifiable- HydraMatic vs Turbo HydraMatic
- Timing cover and gasket surface inspection for seepage
- Cadillac vs Ford 429 confirmed- application verified before every order
Mileage varies by unit. Where available we provide it. Where it cannot be confirmed, we disclose this before your order is placed.
Buyer Tips- What to Know Before You Order
- Confirm it is a Cadillac 429 not a Ford 429: These engines are completely different. Call us with your vehicle year and model and we will confirm the correct engine before any order is placed.
- 1964 crankshaft variants: 1964 Cadillac 429s used different crankshaft rear journals depending on whether the car had a HydraMatic or Turbo HydraMatic transmission. Tell us your transmission when calling.
- Parts sourcing plan: Before purchasing, connect with the Cadillac restoration community to map out your parts sourcing plan. Gasket sets, pistons, and valvetrain parts are available but not at your local parts store.
- Casting documentation: For show restoration, the casting number and date code are important. We document and disclose these before your order.
- Cooling system service: A 60-year-old cooling system needs full service at installation- new hoses, thermostat, coolant flush, and water pump inspection at minimum.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- Casting number documented before you pay- year and block family confirmed
- Compression tested across all 8 cylinders- results shared before order confirmed
- Cadillac vs Ford 429 distinction verified before every order ships
- Crankshaft configuration noted where identifiable
- No core charge- keep your old engine
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal engine defects
- Call (240) 301-0095- speak with someone who understands the Cadillac 429 and its unique restoration requirements
Jaxon Reed (verified owner) –
I recently purchased a Cadillac 429 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions, and I’m thrilled with the quality. The engine was in excellent shape, with all parts intact and functioning well. Installation was seamless, and it has significantly improved my vehicle’s performance.
Chase Thompson (verified owner) –
I recently purchased a Cadillac 429 engine from Vaz Auto Solutions, and I’m thrilled with the quality. The engine was in excellent shape, with all parts intact and functioning well.
Tom A., Atlanta GA –
Bought a 1967 Cadillac 429 for my Fleetwood. Vaz confirmed the correct year casting and provided compression results before shipping. One valve cover gasket was seeping — disclosed before purchase and replaced at installation for under $20. Engine runs strong and smooth. Good honest transaction.
Phil R., New Orleans LA –
Needed a 429 for my DeVille restoration. Vaz documented the casting number and confirmed this was a genuine Cadillac 429 — not the Ford version which a lot of sellers confuse. Compression came back 152 to 160 across all 8. Engine is installed and the DeVille drives exactly as it should. Outstanding sourcing for a rare engine.