The 472 big-block V-8 was the only engine produced by Cadillac in 1968. The 472 was known more for its torque than for the amount of horsepower that it produced. The 472 was a durable engine and was used by Cadillac into the mid-1970s. However, the engine must be assembled properly during the rebuild process. Carefully following the engine's specifications can make the difference between a successful rebuild and a disaster.
The 472 produced 375 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 525 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. The engine featured a bore of 4.3000 inches and a stroke of 4.060 inches. The compression ratio was 10.50:1. The 472 was only available with a four-barrel carburetor. Normal oil pressure was between 30 and 35 pounds.
Valve lash for the 472 was .025 inches. Lash must be adjusted with the hydraulic lifter collapsed and the lifter resting on the heal of the camshaft. Valve angle was 45 degrees at the seat and 44 degrees at the face. Valve spring pressure was 160 pounds at 1.5 inches. The intake valve's stem clearance was between .0005 and .0025 inches. Exhaust valve stem clearance was between .001 and .0025 inches. The intake valve's stem diameter was between .3415 and .3425 inches. Exhaust valve stem diameter was between .3415 and .3420 inches.
Ring end gap was .013 inches for the compression ring and .015 inches for the oil ring. Wrist pin diameter was .9995 inches.
The shaft diameter for the rod bearings was 2.500 inches. The rod bearing clearance was between .0005 and .0028 inches. The shaft diameter for the crankshaft bearings was 3.250 inches. Main bearings clearance was between .0003 and .0026 inches. Crankshaft endplay was between .002 and .012 inches.
