caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 I am considering a 77 Eldorado in great shape low miles or an 85 Seville low miles - great shape. This car would be used for light travel and weekend cruising. What are your thoughts on each car? Thank you for your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 1977 Eldorado 1985 Seville Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 I like the 77 for the 7L V8 engine (425), but the bustle-back Sevilles may be more collectable. These are pretty different cars, and condition will matter a lot. Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Thank you. Service records are available on both. The Seville has the HT 4100; the engine was manufactured in the last half of the model year. According to some, there were improvements to the engine made mid model year. The Seville does not indicate anything (as far as repairs/issues) except regular maintenance. Two years ago the radiator and thermostat were replaced. The car has under 50k miles. The Eldorado is not the Biarritz model, but it's a beautiful color with white leather interior. The mileage is around 80k and it has been driven on long trips as recently as this spring. I spoke to the owner who gave me the history of the car. Runs great but may need a carburetor. A little rough on the idle but not when driving. My thoughts are the Eldorado seems so big, and the Seville somehow smaller or at least more streamlined. My concern is the reliability and the drive and ride experience each may or may not offer. I would buy the Seville if it did not have the HT. I love the plushness of the Eldorado, but it seems really out of place on the road today - though beautiful. Thank you for any input or advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 77 Eldorado: acceleration: 0- 60 mph 13.4 s ; weight 4,955 lbs; 224" long, wheelbase 126.3" (new CT6 is 204"/122.4" wheelbase) 85 Seville acceleration: 0-60 mph 12.9s; weight 3,829 lbs; 204.8" long; wheelbase 114" so pretty close on performance, but yes the Seville is smaller than the earlier Eldorado, and is about the same size as a new CT6. The 4100 engine is problematic, but some people have good luck with them. What do you plan to use the Cadillac for? Is it to be a daily driver, or a weekend car, or a show/parade car? Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCadTech Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 FWIW - I like the Eldo - Hands down winner in my book. THAT SAID... Fuel Mileage - Winner is the Seville. Ease of repair - Winner is the Eldorado. Availability of parts - Seville is the winner. Comfort on the OPEN road - Winner is the Eldorado. Classic head turner - Winner is the Eldorado. OoOps ran out of things to say about the Seville.. Doesn't matter though, It's ALL about YOU..... THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB RIGHT - THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB AGAIN !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 I had planned to drive the Caddy once or twice a week to work (commute is 100miles total) and use on a pretty weekend as a fun cruiser. It would not sit in the garage, but it wouldn't be my daily driver, either. Originally, I had thought maybe a Friday driver to work (highway miles) and Sat/Sun cruiser (short ride around town). There is this dream in me that one would be reliable enough to take out of state once a year to see family or to cruise along the beach. But I'm afraid to do this. How do you feel about the handling of both? The last time I drove a 70's Eldorado was in the 70's. I was a kid. It was my aunt's car and seemed like I just floated to the Sonic. I remember thinking I was in a tank - the doors, everything was so heavy. But it was pure luxury feel. And I love the interior dash styling. I've never driven a Seville. I did drive an 85 Eldorado, but this car was problematic in that it had been so over modified and tricked out that I don't think I ever experienced the real feel of an 85. Thanks for helping me with this one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Comparison: 1978 Eldorado http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2010/01/Contrasting-Coupes---1977-Lincoln-Mark-V--1978-Cadillac-Eldorado-Custom-Classic/2596151.html 77 video walkaround: This video has a detailed explanation of various items, but gives a nice walkthrough: Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 What a great article comparing /contrasting the Mark V and the Eldorado! I love the Mark V look and feel. Thanks for sharing. Checking out the walk around for the Eldorado next! For balance does anyone have resources on the 85 Seville? I haven't found much. Thank you so much for your assistance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 1985 Seville Hemmings Summary http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2010/12/Bustleback-Beauty---1985-Cadillac-Seville/3693311.html sort of a 'con' article: http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1980-cadillac-seville-gms-deadly-sin-no-17-from-halo-to-pitchfork/ Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 I had a 74 Eldorado and drove it from New York to Florida in 1988. Bearly made it to Palm Beach because a left front hub bearing went bad. Big job to replace, but replaced in my friends driveway, very expensive and I needed to buy special tools that I haven't used since. The hub is pressed into the bearing and the axle goes through and is bolted. Huge car, good on road, attracted a lot of attention with the top down. Really sucked up gas, maybe 12 MPG. Terrific AC, because it was a convertible it was loud, so stereo was hard to hear. I found it too big, I didnt like the torsion bar front suspension and it attracted too much attention for my liking. But I will say this, I once drove it to Chinatown in NYC, the steeets are very narrow, I parallel parked that car like it was a mini-cooper, just missing the cars across the street! Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Thanks for sharing. The one I'm looking at seems so huge. I'm leaning toward the 85 Seville right now, but the Eldorado is nice - no doubt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Its hard to believe given the cars weight that it would break both front wheels loose on a hard launch Amazing in the snow pulling away from the curb, BUT....you got a false sense of security because you could not stop in the snow . I went flying through a red light, unscathed thank heavens. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Yes! Thank heavens is right! The drawback on the Seville is the HT4100. The Eldorado is really a big car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 We have a member here KHE, he is very familiar with the HT4100. He may be able to help you out. Send him a PM and direct him to this thread. If you are looking for an older car, I would recommend the 91 Seville or Eldorado, the 4.9 is terrific. Its getting a little old now and the only issue would be potential leaks at the cylinder sleeves, but if you can find a good one, use the cooling supplement tablets. The 91 was built to compete with the BMWs and is solid. It has a transverse laminate rear spring similar to the Corvette. I loved my 91. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Thank you very much. I'll send the PM. No 91's in my area at this time. I had a 90 years ago that had fuel injection issues, if I recall. The mechanic said the issue was corrected in the 91's. Lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 See this site for Cadillac History, specs and cool info: http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm The 4.5-liter V-8 formerly used in 1990 to power most Cadillacs was replaced by a more powerful 4.9-liter V-8 with port fuel injection. This new engine saw service in DeVille/Fleetwood, Eldorado, and Seville models. Also new, and coupled to the 4.9-liter V-8, was the 4T60-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The rear-wheel drive Brougham sedan's standard 5.0-liter V-8 received fuel injection and delivered 21 percent more horsepower (up to 170) over the previous year's carbureted unit. Computer Command Ride was new to Fleetwood, Seville, and Eldorado. It had automatically adjusted struts to provide increased damping and road control as those vehicles' speed increased. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Thanks! Messaged KHE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Nunnally Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Some models poised to appreciate: https://www.hagerty.com/articles-videos/Articles/2016/07/26/Poised-for-Growth?utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_medium=email&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Hagerty Weekly News 7-27-2016 Bruce 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing Follow me on: Twitter Instagram Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Great info Bruce Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Yes! Thank you both. Eldorado is on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldCadTech Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 Aww come on @BodybyFisher , I would fear the Seville not making it more than the 77. I wouldn't be afraid to drive that 77 Eldo from NYC to Seattle. I'd rebuild the carb and be gone. The Seville: I would pull the engine, time-sert it if that is even available ( @Logan would know more about that ), replace ALL the head bolts, replace the oil pump and pickup, replace the main bearings, completely reseal the engine ( except the liners, takes special tools to do those ) because there has been substantial improvements in gasket technology since '85. Then I'd be gone Remember - I only seen the BAD ones in all those years. BUT the HT-4100 "earned" the nickname (H)ard (T)imes 4100... THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB RIGHT - THERE IS NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO THE JOB AGAIN !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 That's the general response I'm getting. Run fast from the Seville But I'm not a true 70's Caddy fan. And the 80's aren't looking promising? Disappointed Caddy fan. Lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted July 28, 2016 Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 @OldCadTech haha, mechanically yes, the Eldorado would be better, although I can tell you that doing the front hub bearing in Florida was not fun. Plus, you being independently wealthy, you wouldn't worry about stopping at every rest area for fuel Didn't the 77 have fuel injection?, or was that an option? Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caddyfan16 Posted July 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2016 The car I'm considering has a carb. I don't know about other 77's. I'm still trying to find a case for the Seville. ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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