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Cal Connell Crusader Cadillac V8

Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:41 pm
by James
Looking for any information on these motors. I know they were 331 CID, and delivered in some mid-'50's 21' Capri's, and some 21' Cobras. Anyone have more information on specifications/numbers built/timeframe/other installations (Century's?). Also, any information on the man and the company? (Maybe sold to/became ThermoElectron?)
TIA,
James
[email protected]

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:02 pm
by Bill Basler
James, Here is a teaser. I have scanned the entire Cal Connell Cadillac Crusader Pre Release Operating Manual. I will post it as a downloadable PDF shortly.

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Crusader

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:03 pm
by evansjw44
Cadillac did furnish engines that were sold as Cadillac Crusaders. The OVH Cadillac V8 started life at 331 CID but got bigger. The same engine was made until about 1974 when it was 427 CID or there abouts. I'm thinking that they appeared around 1953 which as about when you could also buy Chrysler 331 CID hemi's. CC used the hemi in big boats as an alternative to 404 CID Herc which at best only made 200 HP and hemi was around 225.

I think by '65 Cusader had new owners and settled on Chevy block. Maybe they started with the Chey blocks earlier than that.

Cadillacs

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:09 pm
by evansjw44
A high school friend of mine's father had a pair of Cadillac Crusaders in his 1955 Owens 35. It had a varnished hull! The man worked for Cadillac I beleive. Someone once told me he did the condersion himself in his garage (bought of borrowed the engines directly from Cadillac) but I beleive I saw the Cursader logo on them. I was told he bought the boat without engines and put them in himself.

More Cadillac

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:22 pm
by evansjw44
This is just for Bill, mostly. I have a Boats Magazine Boat Show issue January 1954. It has a summary of available engines. This does not list Cadillac or Crusader. There is an ad for the Barr Mfg. conversion harware for the 331 CID Cadillac. Its got a picture of one, even. Its a great chart. If I can scan it I'll send it along.

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:30 pm
by Bill Basler
Here is a Cal Connel Cadillac Operators Manual:

images/Cal_Connell_Cadillac_Crusader_En ... Manual.pdf

Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:35 pm
by Wood Commander
One of our ACBS Pacific NorthWest Chapter members has a Cal Connel (spelling ?) Cadillac engine for sale. I think that you can send me a message off forum and I can probably give you his name and phone number. He is a very knowledgeable guy, one of many in our group.

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:33 am
by tom king
It's interesting for members to note that the manual Bill just posted also contains a section on the adjustment of the Paragon Tranny.

Tom

Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:09 am
by drrot
James,
THe 331 OHV Caddy came out in cars in 1949. It evolved to 365 then to 390. 1962 390" looked just like an earlier 331". Similar to small block Chevys. I had a 16 Barrelback that was raced in the 1960s with a 390. It was decked out to look like a 331 which was what most other boats ran. Mine was just a bit faster!
The 390 was also made in 1963 but that one does not interchange.

Cadillac power (some photos)

Posted: Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:17 am
by Paul P
Hi guys,

I've always thought the "power" in power boating was (almost) as much an issue as the boat itself, especially with the older and more valuable boats.

Here are a couple photos to peak some interest in the vintage Cadillac power! I took these pics at the 2005 Mt. Dora (FL) boat show, and if you have not been there yet, it's a great way to start off the season in late March. Mt. Dora is a charming walk-friendly little town with lots of nice restaurants too.

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Regards, Paul

Thanks....

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 12:10 am
by James
you guys!
Lots of good information here.
Now to get one!

James

Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 8:41 am
by drrot
James,
While looking for some Kermath info i found this old Cal Connell flyer. Says Converted by Detroit Racing Equiptment.
Distributed by Cal Connell Cadillac Co.
I'm is dated 1954.
The first shot is the front page and a price sheet
The second shot is the back cover and back of price sheet
The last shot is the flyer opened.


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Posted: Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:26 pm
by Wood Commander
James,did you see my post above? I know a guy that has one for sale. I don't know the particulars but I can put you in touch with him.