Questioncan I put a 1988 v-273,4.5L engine into my 1987 Cadillac sedan deville...will this work? I'm having problems with oil in my coolant system...sure the head gaskets are the problem. I can't get anyone to change head gaskets on my 1987 v8-272, 4.1L. Is this engine switch possible?
AnswerHello,
This is a frying pan into the fire situation. Same issues and most of those engies are junk because they too have been overheated. this is the problem when dealing with aluminum engines. I doubt if you will find an interchange book to see if the engine is a go for a replacement, but before going to the work to find out the 4.5 is bad, you need to run a cooling system pressure check. If not in the car, stay away from it!You will have to change computers. You will also need the ignition lock and key r column from the car if from a 1990his creates another issue because the lock cylinder for the VATS was problematic. If you are getting the 4.5 from a 1990 you need to change the engine harness as well as the under dash harness at the firewall.
Unfortunately, even if the engine bolts up, the computer system and associated wiring needs to be considered.
This is an issue many don't consider, swap the engine and find it won't run. I have never found a good used Cadillac engine.
If your 4.1 needs head gaskets, that is not the cause of overheating, but the effect. There is an issue in the cooling system that caused the engine to overheat in the first place. A plugged radiator, cooling fans not functioning at low speeds as well as many more issues. The 4.1 had other problems as well like many with an annoying built in wrist pin slap straight from the factory.
I have been very fortunate with the 4.1s and never overheated one. A factory crate engine is $4k if one is still available which is more money than the car is worth.
I do not know if a rebuilt is available, but you can check with Jasper engines on the web. You might find that getting a rebuilt with a guaranty might be less of a headache than converting to the 4.5.
If you go that route, you must make sure the over heating issue was caused because of your current engine.
Many (like me) shied away from replacing head gaskets on the Cadillac engine because they were just doomed to be a comeback where the tech would marry the car and live with problems for live. Depending on the overheating the damage can be more severe than head gaskets. I have seen where the block has cracked, pistons have melted. The over heated 4.1, 4.5, 4.9, north star are all categorized by us techs as a "pig in a poke" A/K/A/ Pandora's box.
Good luck and keep me informed what happens.
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