Cadillac Models & History 1977
Cadillac’s 75th anniversary year arrived with a shock to traditionalists, as full-size models endured an eye-opening downsizing. “You must drive it,” the ads declared, “to see why we call it the next generation of the luxury car.” The new C-bodied DeVille, Brougham and limousine were 8 to 12 in. shorter, 3-1/2 in. narrower, and an average of 950 pounds lighter than their massive predecessors. Still, many models managed to keep the same leg room in front and rear (or even more). Only Eldorado carried on in its mammoth form a while longer, and Seville had entered life in 1975 with contemporary dimensions. Even the commercial chassis shrunk, from 157.5 down to 144.5 inches in wheelbase, requiring funeral car and ambulance suppliers to create some new bodies.
All models except Seville carried a new lighter, smaller 425 cu. in. (7.0-liter) V-8 engine. That powerplant emerged as the result of testing 110 experimental engines. The huge 500 V-8 was gone. Electronic fuel injection was optional in DeVille, Brougham, and Eldorado. Standard Turbo Hydra-matic fed power to low-ratio drive axles. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard on Seville, Eldorado and Brougham. Astroroofs and sunroofs were again available. Carryover special editions included Coupe and Sedan DeVille d’Elegance and Brougham ‘Elegance.
One new special edition joined the lineup: the Eldorado Custom Biarritz. All sedans now had pillars and framed door glass. (The ‘true’ four-door hardtop was gone for good.) With Calais departed, DeVille took over as the cheapest Caddy (base price under $10,000). Dash gauges could be pulled out from the front for servicing. All models had a new two-spoke steering wheel — but those were wide spokes. A new door design offered better hold-open qualities. Anti-corrosion treatment on all models included zinc-rich primers, hot melt sealers, wax coating, Plastisol-R-, and deadeners. Cadillac also expanded the use of Zincrometal-R- and bi-metal (stainless steel on aluminum), corrosion-resistant inner front fender panels, and elimination of areas that trapped dirt and water. Wheels and tires were now match-mounted for smoothest ride.
For 1977, there were five models:
- DeVille (two-door coupe and four-door sedan)
- Fleetwood Brougham (four-door sedan)
- Fleetwood Limousine (four-door sedan, four-door formal limousine, and commercial chassis used in hearses and ambulances, etc.)
- Eldorado (two-door hardtop coupe)
- Seville (four-door sedan)
I. D. DATA
| All Cadillacs again had a 13-symbol Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the forward lower edge of the windshield frame, visible through the windshield. |
| The first digit (“6”) identifies the Cadillac Division. |
The second symbol denotes car line/series:
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Digits three and four indicate body type:
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Next comes the engine code:
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| Symbol six indicates model year (“7” 1977). |
Seventh is an assembly plant code:
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At the end is a six-digit sequence number:
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| A nine-digit derivative of the VIN appears on the engine. |
| A Body Number Plate has codes for model year, model number, trim combination, body number (assembly plant and sequence built), paint color(s), and a number-letter code that shows the date built. |
| That plate is mounted on the upper left cowl between hood rear seal and windshield except Eldorado, on left side of cowl next to hood rear bumper; and Seville, riveted to cowl above evaporator case. |
SPECIFICATIONS
FLUID CAPACITIES
| Engine | V8 350cc (5.7L) | V8 425cc (7.0L) |
| Crankcase | 4 qt | 4 or 5 qt |
| Crankcase with new filter | 5 qt | 5 or 6 qt |
| AutomaticTransmission after draining | 8 pt | 8 or 10 pt |
| Drive Axle | 5 pt | 5 or 4 pt |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal(US) | 24.5 or 27.5 gal(US) |
| Cooling with heater | 17.2 qt | 21 or 26 qt |
| Cooling with A/C | 17.2 qt | 21 or 26 qt |
| Heavy duty Cooling | NA | NA qt |
GASOLINE ENGINE TUNE-UP SPECS
| Engine V.I.N Code | R | S | T |
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Fuel delivery | 4 bbl | 4 bbl | EFI |
| Manufacturer | Oldsmobile | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Original Spark plug | R47SX | R45NSX | R45NSX |
| Gap | 0.060 in. | 0.060 in | 0.060 in |
| Distributor | Electronic | Electronic | Electronic |
| Ignition timing (BTDC) | 10° (6°) | 10°@1400 rpm | 18°@1400 rpm |
| Intake valve opens (BTDC) | 22 | 21 | 21 |
| Fuel pump pressure | 5¼ to 6½ psi | 5¼ to 6½ psi | 39 min. |
| Idle speed | 650 rpm | 675 rpm | 675 rpm |
ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR SPECS
| Part # | 1102380 | 1101023 | 1101033 | 1117152 |
| Field current @ 12 V | 4 – 4.5 | 4 – 4.5 | 4 – 4.5 | 4 – 4.5 |
| Output | 63 amps | 80 amps | 80 amps | 145 amps |
| Regulator | Solid state | Solid state | Solid state | Solid state |
| Volts @ 75° | 13.8 – 14.8 | 13.8 – 14.8 | 13.8 – 14.8 | 13.8 – 14.8 |
BATTERY AND STARTER SPECS
| Engine | V8-350cc (5.7L) | V8-425cc (7.0L) |
| Battery Ampere Hour Capacity | 3500 watts cranking power @ 0°F | |
| 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 | 65 – 95 | 65 – 95 |
| Starter, No-Lead Test, Volts | 9 | 9 |
| Starter, No-Lead Test, RPM | 7000 – 10500 | 7000 – 10500 |
| Starter, Brush Spring Tension | 35 oz. min. | 35 oz. min. |
GENERAL ENGINE SPECS
| Engine V.I.N Code | R | S | T |
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Manufacturer | Oldsmobile | Cadillac | Cadillac |
| Fuel delivery | EFI | 4 bbl | EFI |
| Horsepower | 180@4400 | 180@3600 | 215@3600 |
| Torque | 275@2000 | 260@2000 | 260@2000 |
| Bore x Stoke | 4.057 x 3.385 | 4.082 x 4.060 | 4.082 x 4.060 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.00:1 | 8.50:1 | 8.50:1 |
| Oil pressure | 35 psi | 35 psi | 35 psi |
CRANKSHAFT SPECS
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Main Brg Journal Dia. | 2.4985 – 2.4995 (No. 1 2.4988 – 2.4998 in) | 3.250 |
| Main Brg Oil Clearance | 0.0005 – 0.0021 (No. 5 0.0015 – 0.0031in) | 0.0001 – 0.0026 |
| Shaft End-play | 0.004 – 0.014 | 0.002 – 0.012 |
| Thrust on No. | 3 | 3 |
CONNECTING ROD SPECS
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Journal Dia. | 2.1238 – 2.1248 | 2.5000 |
| Oil Clearance | 0.0004 – 0.0033 | 0.0005 – 0.0028 |
| Side Clearance | 0.006 – 0.020 | 0.008 – 0.020 |
PISTON AND RING SPECS
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Piston-Bore Clearance | 0.0010 – 0.0020 | 0.0005 – 0.0006 | 0.0006 – 0.0014 |
| Ring Side Clearance: Top Compression | 0.0020 – 0.0040 | 0.005 – 0.007 | 0.0017 – 0.0040 |
| Ring Side Clearance: Bottom Compression | 0.0020 – 0.0040 | 0.0018 – 0.0038 | 0.0017 – 0.0040 |
| Ring Side Clearance: Oil Control | 0.0006 – 0.0098 | 0.0078 max. | None (side sealing) |
| Ring Gap: Top Compression | 0.010 – 0.023 | 0.015 – 0.025 | 0.013 – 0.023 |
| Ring Gap: Bottom Compression | 0.010 – 0.023 | 0.015 – 0.025 | 0.013 – 0.023 |
| Ring Gap: Oil Control | 0.015 – 0.055 | 0.015 – 0.055 | 0.015 – 0.055 |
VALVE SPECS
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Seat Angle | 31°(exh) | 45°(intake); 31° (exhaust) | 45° |
| Face Angle | 30° (exh) | 44°(intake); 30° (exhaust) | 44° (exh) |
| Spring Test Pressure | 187 lb @ 1.27 in. | 151 lb @ 1.30 in. | 160 lb @ 1.50 in. |
| Spring Installed Height | 1-43/64″ | 1-43/64″ | 115⁄16 in. |
| Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Intake | 0.0010 – 0.0027 | 0.0010 – 0.0027 | 0.0010 – 0.0027 |
| Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Exhaust | 0.0015 – 0.0032 | 0.0015 – 0.0032 | 0.0010 – 0.0027 |
| Stem Diameter: Intake | 0.3429 | 0.3429 | 0.3416 |
| Stem Diameter: Exhaust | 0.3424 | 0.3424 | 0.3416 |
TORQUE SPECS
| Engine type | V8-350cc(5.7L) | V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel | V8-425cc(7.0L) |
| Cyl. Head Bolts | 130 ft.lb | 130 ft. lb | 90 ft. lb |
| Rod Brg Bolts | 42 ft.lb | 42 ft. lb | 40 ft. lb |
| Main Brg Bolts | 80 ft.lb (120 on # 5) | 120 ft. lb | 90 ft. lb |
| Crankshaft Damper or Pulley Bolt | 310 ft.lb | 200 – 310 ft.lb | Press fit |
| Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts | 60 ft.lb | 60 ft. lb | 75 ft. lb |
| Intake Manifold | 40 ft.lb | 40 ft. lb | 30 ft. lb |
| Exhaust Manifold | 25 ft.lb | 25 ft. lb | 22 ft. lb |
CARBURETOR SPECS
| Carb ID | 17057232 (M4ME) | 17057233 (M4ME) | 17057230 (M4ME) | 17057231 (M4ME) | 17057530 (M4ME) | 17057533 (M4ME) |
| Float Level | 13/32 in | 13/32 in | 13/32 in | 17/32 in | 13/32 in | 13/32 in |
| Air Valve Spring | 1/2 turn | 1/2 turn | 1/2 turn | 1/2 turn | 1/2 turn | 1/2 turn |
| Pump Rod | 3/8 in | 3/8 in | 7/16 in | 3/8 in | 7/16 in | 7/16 in |
| Primary Vacuum Break | 0.140 in | 0.140 in | 0.140 in | 0.140 in | 0.150 in | 0.150 in |
| Secondary Vacuum Break | 0.140in | 0.140in | 0.140 in | 0.140in | 0.150in | 0.150 in |
| Choke Rod | 0.080 in | 0.080 in | 0.080 in | 0.080 in | 0.080 in | 0.080 in |
| Choke Unloader | 0.230 in | 0.230 in | 0.230 in | 0.230 in | 0.230 in | 0.230 in |
| Fast Idle Speed | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm | 1400 rpm | 1500 rpm | 1500 rpm |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS
| Feature | Eldorado | Full size | Seville |
| Caster Range | 1°N – 1°P | 2°P – 4°P | 1°P – 3°P |
| Caster Pref. | 0° | 3°P | 2°P |
| Camber LH wheel Range | ¾°N – ¾°P | ¼°N – 1¼°P | ¾°N – ¾°P |
| Camber LH wheel Pref. | 0° | ½° | 0° |
| Camber RH wheel Range | ¾°N – ¾°P | ¼°N – 1¼°P | ¾°N – ¾°P |
| Camber RH wheel Pref. | 0° | ½° | 0° |
| Toe-In | 0″ | 0″ | 1/16″ |
| Steering Axis Inclination | 6° | 10-19/32° | 10-5/8° |
HISTORICAL NOTES
1977 Cadillac Notes
- Introduced: September 23, 1976.
- Model year production (U.S.): 358,487 for a 3.9 percent share of the industry total.
- Calendar year production (U.S.): 369,254.
- Calendar year sales by U.S. dealers: 335,785 for a 3.7 percent market share.
- Model year sales by U.S. dealers: 328,129.
- Edward C. Kennard was general manager
- Robert J. Templin was chief engineer
- Wayne Kady was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
- F. T. Hopkins was general sales manager
- Cadillac executives didn’t appreciate Ford’s advertising claim that an LTD was now as good as a Cadillac.
- But the new smaller Caddies were selling well, at least at the beginning.
- Sales of 328,129 units scored 9.5 percent over the 1976 record.
- Model year production also beat the 1976 score, by 16 percent.
- Rumors early in the year suggested that Cadillacs might be “upsized” within a couple of years; but that didn’t seem likely in view of the need to meet stricter Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements.
- Now that the Fleetwood Seventy-Five was gone, conversion companies stepped up production of “stretch” limousines.
- Moloney Coachbuilders (in Illinois) offered a 40-inch stretch of Brougham for under $15,000 (plus the cost of the car, of course).
- Phaeton Coach Corp. of Dallas, and the California-based American Custom Coach-works did similar work.
- The latter also created custom convertibles based on the Coupe DeVille chassis, while an Ohio firm (Convertibles, Inc.) turned out ragtop Eldorado conversions.
- Cadillac production figures
Sedan de Ville95,421 (increased 27,744)
Coupe de Ville138,750 (increased 24,268)
Eldorado47,344 (decreased 1,840)
Seville45,060 (increased 1,288)
Series 6028,000 (increased 3,500)
Series 753,913 (increased 589)
1977 Automotive Notes
- Imported-car sales reach two million
- President Carter appoints Joan Claybrook (colleague of Ralph Nader) as head of the National Traffic Safety Administration
- US Dept. of Transportation says all cars beginning 1982 must have air bags
- GM news:
- Elliott M. Estes was president of GM
- Thomas A. Murphy was chairman of the board at GM
- Chevrolet outsells Ford by over 700,000 followed by Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Buick
- Chevrolet adds compact Concours as an upmarket Nova
- Full-size Buick gets a new 403-cid V-8 (6.6 litre) option
- Cadillac gets a more efficient 425-cid V-8 (7 litre) engine
- Vega’s poor reputation results in few sales and is removed from lineup
- Monza is similar to Vega and remains for a few more years
- Mid-year Camaro Z28 has less power than early 1970’s but still sells well
- Oldsmobile’s 455-cid V-8 (7.4 litre) is replaced with a 403-cid V-8 (6.6 litre)
- Mid-season Pontiac introduces Phoenix based on the Ventura
- Pontiac’s 2.5-litre “Iron Duke” four-cylinder engines goes into Astre, Sunbird, Phoenix, Ventura and other GM models
- Mid-year Pontiac brings out a “Cam Am” a Cameo White Le Mans Sport Coupe with T/A 4.03-cid V-8 (6.6 litre) Rally handling package, special trim, etc.
- Ford news:
- Mid-size Torino is now LTD II
- New Thunderbird built on mid-size LTD II platform to replace Ford Elite
- Lincoln introduces the Versailles as an upscale Granada/Monarch to compete with Cadillac Seville
- Lincoln introduces Continental Mark V which is lighter than the Mark IV and sells better
- Cougar name replaces Montego for all mid-size coupes, sedans, and wagons
- Chrysler news:
- Plymouth sales in sixth place, but Dodge moves up from eighth to seventh
- Chrysler introduces mid-size LeBaron and Diplomat based on the compact Aspen/Volare
- In Canada, Plymouth offers a Diplomat clone called Caravelle
- Full-size Monaco is called Royal Monaco; mid-size cars are now Monaco
- AMC news:
- Gremlin gets a new eggcrate grille and an Audi-designed 4-cylinder engine
- Pacer adds a 3-door wagon
- Other makes news:
- Top American Automobile Corporations for 1977
1. General Motors5,766,298
2. Ford2,553,691
3. Chrysler1,471,683
4. AMC182,005
5. Others683
- Top model year production for 1977
Chevrolet2,543,153
Ford1,840,427
Oldsmobile1,135,803
Pontiac850,620
Buick845,234
Skyhawk12,345
Skylark113,472
Century135,690
Regal192,506
LeSabre190,726
Estate Wagon25,075
Electra 225161,627
Riviera26,138
Plymouth546,132
Dodge526,254
Mercury521,909
Chrysler399,297
Cadillac358,488
Seville44,060
DeVille234,171
Eldorado47,344
Fleetwood Brougham28,000
Fleetwood Limousine3,913
Lincoln191,355
AMC182,005
Gremlin46,171
Pacer58,264
Hornet77,843
Matador30,847
Checker300
Excalibur237
Avanti II146
