1959 Cadillac 390 (325 hp) V8 Engine Specs

Model Designation: Series 60, Series 62, Series 75

Wheel base: Series 60, Series 62: 130; Series 75: 149.8

Valve Location: In head

Bore and Stroke: 4.000 x 3.875

Piston displacement, Cubic Inches: 390

Compression ratio: 10.25

Maximum Brake Horsepower: 325 @ 4800

Maximum Torque Lbs.Ft. @ RPM: 430 @ 3100

Normal Oil Pressure Pounds: 30-35

When using a timing light, disconnect vacuum line to prevent vacuum advance mechanism from operating.

Spark Plug Make: AC 44

Spark Plug Gap, Inch: .035

Firing Order: 18436572 (front to rear: Right bank 2-4-6-8, left bank 1-3-5-7)

Timing Mark: 5 degrees BTDC; location: Vib. Damper

Engine Idle Speed, RPM: 480 (with Air Conditioning Off)

Compression Pressure & Cranking Speed: 165 min.

Voltage & Polarity: 12 volts, negative ground

Ring End Gap: In tapered bores, fit rings in tightest portion of ring travel
Compression: .013
Oil: .013

Wristpin Diameter, Inch: .9995

Operating Clearance:
Intake: 0 Exhaust: 0

Valve Seat Angle, degrees: 44 (valves may be refaced at a 45 degree angle)

Valve Timing: (BTDC = before top dead center; ATDC = after top dead center)
Intake opens: 27 BTDC
Exhaust Closes: 29 ATDC

Valve Spring Pressure Pounds at Inches Length:
160 @ 1.496

Valve Stem Clearance: Intake: .0005-.0025; Exhaust: .001-.0025

Connecting Rod Bearings:
Shaft Diameter, Inches: 2.2488-2.2493
Bearing Clearance, Inch: .0005-.002

Main Bearings:
    Shaft Diameter, Inches: 2.624-2.625
    Bearing clearance: .0008-.0025
    Shaft End Play: .001-.007    (Thrust on Bearing 5)

Cooling System:
Series 60 & 62: Without heater: 18-1/2 quarts; With heater: 19-1/4 quarts
Series 75: Without heater: 18-1/2, With heater: 20-3/4

Fuel Tank: 21 gallons

Engine Oil: 5 quarts, 6 with filter change

Transmission: Automatic: 11-1/2 quarts

Rear Axle: 5 pints