Cadillac 429 Engine for Sale | 1964 to 1967 Big Block V8 (7.0L)

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:

What Is Included- What Is Not Included

Vehicle Compatibility

The Cadillac 429 was factory installed in all Cadillac models from 1964 to 1967:

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.

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.

Common Names and Search Terms

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.

FAQs

Is the Cadillac 429 the same as the Ford 429?