Cadillac Models & History1970
A total of 238,745 Cadillacs, built for the 1970 model run, set an all-time divisional record. Calendar year sales totals were off the mark, however, due to a major G.M. strike. They peaked at just 152,859 units. George R. Elges became general manager of Cadillac Division this year. Sales of the new Cadillac line began September 18, 1969. The optional Trackmaster skid control system was made available for the Eldorado , subsequent to initial model introduction.
For 1970, there were five models: Calais (two-door hardtop coupe and four-door hardtop sedan), DeVille (two-door coupe, two-door convertible, four-door sedan, and four-door hardtop sedan), Fleetwood Sixty-Special (four-door sedan and four-door brougham), Fleetwood Seventy-five (four-door sedan, four-door limousine, and commercial chassis used in hearses and ambulances, etc.), and Fleetwood Eldorado (two-door hardtop coupe)
I. D. NUMBERS
Vehicle identification numbers were stamped on the top of the instrument panel this year and were visible through the windshield
The original engine serial number was the same as the vehicle identification number
The first symbol was a number “6” to indicate “Cadillac”
The second and third symbol represented the series code number
“82” for Calais
“83” for DeVille
“93” for Eldorado
“80” for Fleetwood 60 Special
“81” for Fleetwood 60 Brougham
“97” for Fleetwood 75 Limousine
“98” for Commercial chassis
The fourth and fifth symbol represented the Fisher Body Division Code
23 = 4-dr luxury sedan
33 = 4-dr limo sedan
47 = 2-dr hardtop coupe
49 = 4-dr hardtop sedan
67 = 2-dr convertible
69 = 4-dr sedan
90 = commerical chassis
The sixth symbol was a number “0” for 1970 model year
The seventh symbol was a letter to represent the assembly plant
Q = Detroit, Michigan
E = Linden, New Jersey
The next six numbers beginning with 100001 at each assembly plant was the sequential serial number
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
Engine
V8 472cc (7.7L)
V8 500cc (8.2L)
Crankcase
4 or 5 qt
5 qt
Crankcase with new filter
5 or 6 qt
6 qt
AutomaticTransmission after draining
25 or 26 pt
26 pt
Drive Axle
5 or 4.5 pt
4.5 pt
Fuel tank
26 gal (US)
24 gal (US)
Cooling with heater
21 qt
20 qt
Cooling with A/C
21 qt
20 qt
Heavy duty Cooling
25 qt
22 qt
GASOLINE ENGINE TUNE-UP SPECS
Engine V.I.N Code
R
S
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Fuel delivery
4 bbl
4 bbl
Manufacturer
Cadillac
Cadillac
Original Spark plug
R46N
R46N
Gap
0.035 in.
0.035 in.
Distributor Point Dwell
30°
30°
Distributor Point Gap
0.016 in.
0.016 in.
Ignition timing (BTDC)
8°
7½°
Intake valve opens (BTDC)
18°
18°
Fuel pump pressure
6 psi
6 psi
Idle speed
600 rpm
600 rpm
ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR SPECS
Part #
1100908
1100909
1100694
1100910
Field current @ 12 V
2.2 – 2.6
2.2 – 2.6
2.2 – 2.6
2.8 – 3.2
Output
42 amps
42 amps
55 amps
63 amps
130 amps
Regulator Field-Relay: Air Gap
0.015 in.
0.015 in.
0.015 in.
0.015 in.
Transistor-Type
Regulator Field-Relay: Point Gap
0.030 in.
0.030 in.
0.030 in.
0.030 in.
Regulator Field-Relay: Volts to Close
1.5 – 3.2
1.5 – 3.2
1.5 – 3.2
1.5 – 3.2
Regulator Air Gap
0.060 in.
0.060 in.
0.060 in.
0.060 in.
Regulator Point Gap
0.014 in.
0.014 in.
0.014 in.
0.014 in.
Regulator Volts @ 75°F
13.5 – 14.4
13.5 – 14.4
13.5 – 14.4
13.5 – 14.4
13.5 – 14.4
BATTERY AND STARTER SPECS
Engine
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Battery Ampere Hour Capacity
74
74
Battery Volts
12
12
Battery Terminal Grounded
Neg.
Neg.
Starter, Lock Test, Amps
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Starter, Lock Test, Volts
Starter, Lock Test, Torque
Starter, No-Lead Test, Amps
70 – 99
70 – 99
Starter, No-Lead Test, Volts
9
9
Starter, No-Lead Test, RPM
7800
7800
Starter, Brush Spring Tension
35 oz. min.
35 oz. min.
GENERAL ENGINE SPECS
CRANKSHAFT SPECS
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Main Brg Journal Dia.
3.250 in.
3.250 in.
Main Brg Oil Clearance
0.0003 in. – 0.0026 in.
0.0003 in. – 0.0026 in.
Shaft End-play
0.002 in. – 0.012 in.
0.002 in. – 0.012 in.
Thrust on No.
3
3
CONNECTING ROD SPECS
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Journal Dia.
2.5000 in.
2.5000 in.
Oil Clearance
0.0005 in. – 0.0028 in.
0.0005 in. – 0.0028 in.
Side Clearance
0.008 in. – 0.016 in.
0.008 in. – 0.016 in.
PISTON AND RING SPECS
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Piston-Bore Clearance
0.0006 in. – 0.0010 in.
0.0006 in. – 0.0010 in.
Ring Side Clearance: Top Compression
0.0017 in. – 0.0040 in.
0.0017 in. – 0.0040 in.
Ring Side Clearance: Bottom Compression
0.0017 in. – 0.0040 in.
0.0017 in. – 0.0040 in.
Ring Side Clearance: Oil Control
None (side sealing)
None (side sealing)
Ring Gap: Top Compression
0.013 in. – 0.025 in.
0.013 in. – 0.025 in.
Ring Gap: Bottom Compression
0.013 in. – 0.025 in.
0.013 in. – 0.025 in.
Ring Gap: Oil Control
0.015 in. – 0.055 in.
0.015 in. – 0.055 in.
VALVE SPECS
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Seat Angle
45°
44°
Face Angle
45°
44°
Spring Test Pressure
160 lb @ 1.50 in.
160 lb @ 1.50 in.
Spring Installed Height
115 ⁄16 in. (1.671875 in.)
115 ⁄16 in. (1.9375 in.)
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Intake
0.0005 in. – 0.0025 in.
0.0005 in. – 0.0025 in.
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Exhaust
0.0010 in. – 0.0025 in.
0.0010 in. – 0.0025 in.
Stem Diameter: Intake
0.3415 in. – 0.3425 in.
0.3415 in. – 0.3425 in.
Stem Diameter: Exhaust
0.3415 in. – 0.3420 in.
0.3415 in. – 0.3420 in.
TORQUE SPECS
Engine type
V8-472cc (7.7L)
V8-500cc (8.2L)
Cyl. Head Bolts
115 ft.lb
115 ft. lb
Rod Brg Bolts
40 ft.lb
40 ft. lb
Main Brg Bolts
90 ft.lb
90 ft. lb
Crankshaft Damper or Pulley Bolt
Press fit
Press fit
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts
75 ft.lb
75 ft. lb
Intake Manifold
30 ft.lb
30 ft. lb
Exhaust Manifold
35 ft.lb
35 ft. lb
CARBURETOR SPECS
Carb ID
7047030 (4MV)
Float Level
1 ⁄4 in.
Pump Rod
11 ⁄32 in.
Choke Unloader
0.300 in.
Fast Idle Speed
1925 rpm
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS
Feature
Eldorado
Full size
Caster Range
1½°N – 2½°N
1½°N – ½°N
Caster Pref.
2°N
1°N
Camber LH wheel Range
3 ⁄8 °N – 3 ⁄8 °P
3 ⁄8 °N – 3 ⁄8 °P
Camber LH wheel Pref.
0°
0°
Camber RH wheel Range
3 ⁄8 °N – 3 ⁄8 °P
3 ⁄8 °N – 3 ⁄8 °P
Camber RH wheel Pref.
0°
0°
Toe-In
0 – 1 ⁄8 in.
1 ⁄8 in. – 1 ⁄4 in.
Steering Axis Inclination
11°
6°
HISTORICAL NOTES
1970 Cadillac Notes
A total of 238,745 Cadillacs, built for the 1970 model run, set an all-time divisional record.
Calendar year sales totals were off the mark, however, due to a major G.M. strike.
They peaked at just 152,859 units.
George R. Elges was general manager
Carl A. Rasmussen was chief engineer
Stanley Wilen was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
F. T. Hopkins was general sales manager
Sales of the new Cadillac line began September 18, 1969.
The optional Trackmaster skid control system was made available for the Eldorado, subsequent to initial model introduction.
Cadillac production figures
Calais 19,822 (increased 7,397)
Sedan de Ville 90,504 (increased 9,656)
Coupe de Ville 76,043 (increased 10,288)
de Ville convertible 15,172 (decreased 1,273)
Eldorado 23,842 (increased 509)
Series 60 18,651 (decreased 1,194)
Series 75 4,622 (increased 36)
1970 Automotive Notes
A recession in 1970 affects new-car sales so that the volume drops below 7.6 million cars
60% of all new cars are air conditioned
All cars are required to have anti-theft steering-column, ignition locks, and both front and rear side marker lights
New features include front seatbacks that unlatch when the door is opened, tamper-proof odometers, and electrically heated rear defrosters
The US federal government awards contracts to develop a safety vehicle in which passengers could survive a 50-mph crash
Imports, esp. from Japan, record 14.6% of all US sales
GM news:
GM produces three V-8 engines to give low emisions: 402-cid (6.6 litre), 454-cid (7.4 litre), 500-cid (8.2 litre)
GM signs a $50-million license agreement with Curtiss-Wright Corp. for the rights to develop a Wankel rotary engine
Eldorado, Riviera, and Toronado get electronic skid-control braking
Eldorado’s 500-cid V-8 (8.2 litre) with 400 bhp is the world’s biggest production-car engine
Cadillac offers a power sunroof and signal-seeking radio
Chevrolet sells 130,657 Monte Carlo personal luxury coupe with its six-foot long hood — longest in Chevy’s history
Chevrolet’s 350-cid (5.7 litre), 300-bhp V-8 (4.9 litre) is now standard in Avanti II, whose styling remains the same
Full-size Chevys and Corvettes get the big-block 454 V-8 option
Monte Carlo gets a SS 454 option
Chevy II changes its name to Nova
The Chevelle is facelifted to resemble the full-size Chevrolet
Buick introduces the new GSX muscle car
The Buick GSX “Stage 1” will top 100 mph in the quarter-mile
Most Buicks come standard or available with the 455-cid V-8 (7.5 litre) producing 350 or 370 bhp
Because Pontiac offers only full-size cars, they lose nearly 180,00 sales
In California, station wagons have plastic gasoline tanks
GM endures a 67-day strike as the 1971 model year begins
Edward N. Cole was president of GM
James M. Roche was chairman of the board at GM
Ford news:
Ford out-sells Chevrolet by over half a million cars
Late in 1970, Ford abandons most racing efforts
Ford promotes its 12-month warranty with no mileage limitation
Last year for Ford Falcon
Ford Maverick sells over half a million at $1995
The all-new Lincoln Continental sedan and hardtop are built on body-on-frame construction and conventional fron-hinged rear doors
Lincoln-Mercury dealers sell the German-built Capri as a “mini-ponycar”
Chrysler news:
Chrysler enters the subcompact market by importing the British-made Plymouth Cricket and the Japanese-made Dodge Colt.
Chrysler introduces the 300-H “Hurst” hardtop
Chrysler offers an optional headlight-delay sistem
Chrysler introduces the limited-edition Cordoba hardtop coupe and sedan
Last year for Chrysler’s Newport and 300 convertibles
Last year for the Dodge Coronet R/T of which only 2319 hardtops and 296 convertibles were built
Dodge introduces the Challenger ponycar to challenge Camaro and Mustang
Plymouth Barracuda is similar to the Challenger
Plymouth adds the Duster based on the Valiant as well as the winged Road Runner Superbird
Imperial drops the Crown series, but the LeBaron continues
AMC news:
AMC replaces the Rambler American with the compact Hornet
In April, AMC introduces the first American subcompact: the Gremlin at $1879
The windshields on the AMC Javelin and AMX have a cemically treated inner pane to reduce the possibility of facial lacerations upon impact
AMC acquires Kaiser-Jeep Corp. to become the leading four-wheel-drive vehicle producer
AMC’s Rebel “The Machine” runs a strong 390-cid (6.4 litre), 340-bhp V-8 (5.6 litre) and displays wild muscle-car striping
Other makes news:
Excalibur Series II debuts with a roadster and phaeton using a 111-inch wheelbase and Chevy’s 300-bhp, 350-cid V-8 (5.7 litre)
Top American Automobile Corporations for 1970
1. General Motors 3,681,484
2. Ford 2,480,027
3. Chrysler 1,483,126
4. AMC 276,110
5. Others 545
Top model year production for 1970
Ford 2,096,184
Chevrolet 1,451,305
Plymouth 747,508
Pontiac 690,953
Buick 666,501
Skylark 194,084
Sportwagon 12,241
Gran Sport 20,096
LeSabre 200,622
Estate Wagon 28,306
Wildcat Custom 23,615
Electra 225 150,201
Riviera 37,336
Oldsmobile 633,981
Dodge 543,019
Mercury 324,716
AMC 276,110
Cadillac 238,744
Calais 9,911
DeVille 181,719
Eldorado 28,842
Series Sixty Special 1,738
Fleetwood Brougham 16,913
Series Seventy-Five 4,622
Chrysler 180,777
Lincoln 59,127
Imperial 11,822
Checker (not including taxicabs) 397
Avanti II 111
Excalibur 37