Cadillac Moels & History 1980

Through the years,” boasted the 1980 full-line catalog. “Cadillac has earned for itself an exclusive place … a solitary niche … in the pantheon of the world’s truly fine automobiles.” Readers were even reminded how Cadillac had twice won the DeWar trophy in the early years of the century, first for its use of interchangeable parts and later, for pioneering the electric self-starter.

This year brought a restyled Brougham and DeVille, with a more formal roofline that gave more space in back. Their new grille was supposed to boost aerodynamic efficiency too. Flush-mounted windshields on Eldorado and Seville added style and helped cut wind noise. Suspension refinements included low-friction ball joints and larger bushings, plus new low-rolling-resistance tires. New options: a three-channel garage door opener and heated outside mirrors.

On the engine roster, the 368 cu. in. (6.0-liter) V-8 with four-barrel carburetor was standard on Fleetwood Brougham, DeVille and limousines. A digital fuel-injected version (with computerized self-diagnostic features) was standard on Eldorado, a no-cost option for Seville. The DFI V-8’s memory turned on an “Engine Check” light to warn of malfunctions. Meantime, the engine’s microprocessor could make substitutions that might allow the car to continue to run. An MPG Sentinel calculated continual. average and instantaneous miles-per-gallon readings at the touch of a button. Rounding out the lineup, Seville’s standard 5.7-liter diesel V-8, manufactured by Oldsmobile, was also available under the hood of Eldorado, DeVille and Fleetwood Brougham. Late in the model year, a Buick 4.1-liter V-6 was added — the first such offering on a Cadillac, and the first engine other than a V-8 in six decades.

Body colors for 1980 were: Cotillion White; Platinum; Sable Black; Steel Blue; Superior Blue; Twilight Blue; Canyon Rock; Princess Green; Blackwatch Green; Colonial Yellow; Flax; Sandstone; Columbian Brown; Bordeaux Red; Saxony Red; and Norfolk Gray. At extra cost, buyers could have any of five Firemist colors: Azure Blue, Desert Sand, Victoria Plum, Sheffield Gray. or Western Saddle. For rust protection, over 100 areas were specially treated. All lower body exterior panels were made from pre-coated metals. Each point of metal-to-metal contact contained either a gasket or bi-metal molding. All bodies were dipped in electrically charged primer to increase bonding adhesion.

While Brougham and DeVille got a moderate restyle for 1980, Seville changed drastically. Not everyone adored the new “bustleback” body and long hood, or the razor-edge contours reminiscent of 1950s Rolls-Royce bodies. The new Seville had front-wheel drive and, in a surprising move, a standard diesel engine. Sales dropped sharply, and would do so again in 1981, but these were bad years for the industry as a whole.

V.I.N. DATA

  • The last year for Cadillac’s 13-symbol Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which was located on the upper left surface of the cowl, visible through the windshield.
  • Coding was similar to 1978-79.
  • The model year code changed to “A” for 1980.
  • Engine codes:
    • “8” 350 V-8 (fuel injection)
    • “6” 368 V-8 (four barrel carb)
    • “9” 368 V-8 (DFI)
    • “N” 350 V-8 Diesel
  • Assembly plant codes were:
    • “9” Detroit
    • “E” Linden, NJ (Eldorado only)
    • “C” South Gate, CA (DeVille only)

SPECIFICATIONS

FLUID CAPACITIES

Engine V6 252cc (4.1L) V8 350cc (5.7L) V8 350cc (5.7L) Diesel V8 368cc (6.0L)
Crankcase 4 qt 4 qt 6 4 qt
Crankcase with new filter 5 qt 5 qt 7 5 qt
AutomaticTransmission after draining 10 pt 10 pt 6 pt 8 pt
Drive Axle 3.25 pt 3.25 pt 4.25 pt 4.25 pt
Fuel tank 20 gal(US) 21 gal(US) 27 gal (US) 25 gal(US)
Cooling with heater 13.6 qt 15.5 qt 23.7 qt 21.4 qt
Cooling with A/C 13.6 qt 15.5 qt 23.7 qt 21.4 qt
Heavy duty Cooling 14.1 qt NA NA NA

GASOLINE ENGINE TUNE-UP SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code 4 6 9
Engine type V6-252cc(4.1L) V8-368cc(6.0L) V8-368cc(6.0L)
Fuel delivery 4 bbl 4 bbl DFI
Manufacturer Buick Cadillac Cadillac
Original Spark plug R45TSX R45NSX R45NSX
Gap 0.060 in. 0.060 in 0.060 in
Distributor Electronic Electronic Electronic
Ignition timing (BTDC) 15° 18° 10°
Intake valve opens (BTDC) 16 11 11
Fuel pump pressure 4¼ to 5½ psi 5½ to 6½ psi 12 – 14 min.
Idle speed 550 rpm 575 rpm 575 rpm

ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR SPECS

Part # 1102921 1101040 1101046 1101050 1101091
Field current @ 12 V 4 – 4.5 4 – 4.5 4 – 4.5 4 – 4.5 4 – 4.5
Output 63 amps 70 amps 80 amps 100 amps 100 amps
Regulator Solid state 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 13.8 – 14.8

BATTERY AND STARTER SPECS

Engine V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc (5.7L) V8-368cc (6.0L) V8-350cc (5.7L)Diesel
Battery Ampere Hour Capacity 540 amps cold cranking power @ 0°F
Battery Volts 12 12 12 12
Battery Terminal Grounded Neg. Neg. Neg. Neg.
Starter, Lock Test, Amps Not Recommended
Starter, Lock Test, Volts
Starter, Lock Test, Torque
Starter, No-Lead Test, Amps 65 – 95 65 – 95 65 – 95 40 – 140
Starter, No-Lead Test, Volts 9 9 9 9
Starter, No-Lead Test, RPM 7000 – 10500 7000 – 10500 7000 – 10500 8000 – 13000
Starter, Brush Spring Tension 35 oz. min. 35 oz. min. 35 oz. min. 35 oz. min.

GENERAL ENGINE SPECS

Engine V.I.N Code 4 8 N 6 9
Engine type V6-252cid(4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cid(5.7L) V8-368cid(6.0L) V8-368cc(6.0L)
Manufacturer Buick Oldsmobile Oldsmobile Cadillac Cadillac
Fuel delivery 4 bbl EFI Diesel 4 bbl DFI
Horsepower 125@3800 160@4400 105@3200 150@3800 145@3800
Torque 205@2000 265@1600 206@1600 265@1600 265@1600
Bore x Stoke 3.965 x 3.400 4.057 x 3.385 4.057 x 3.385 3.800 x 4.060 3.800 x 4.060
Compression Ratio 8.00:1 8.00:1 22.5:1 8.20:1 8.20:1
Oil pressure 37 psi 35 psi 40 psi 35 psi 35 psi

CRANKSHAFT SPECS

Engine type V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel V8-368cc(6.0L)
Main Brg Journal Dia. 2.4985 2.4985 – 2.4995(No. 1: 2.4988 – 2.4998″) 2.9993 – 3.0003 3.250
Main Brg Oil Clearance 0.0003 – 0.0018 0.0005 – 0.0021(No. 5 0.0015 – 0.0031in) 0.0005 – 0.0021(No. 5 0.0015 – 0.0031in) 0.0001 – 0.0026
Shaft End-play 0.003 – 0.009 0.004 – 0.014 0.004 – 0.014 0.002 – 0.012
Thrust on No. 2 3 3 3

CONNECTING ROD SPECS

Engine type V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel V8-368cc(6.0L)
Journal Dia. 2.2487 – 2.2495 2.1238 – 2.1248 2.1238 – 2.1248 2.5000
Oil Clearance 0.0005 – 0.0026 0.0004 – 0.0033 0.0005 – 0.0026 0.0005 – 0.0028
Side Clearance 0.006 – 0.023 0.006 – 0.020 0.006 – 0.020 0.008 – 0.020

PISTON AND RING SPECS

Engine type V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel V8-368cc(6.0L)
Piston-Bore Clearance 0.0013 – 0.0035 0.0010 – 0.0020 0.0005 – 0.0006 0.0006 – 0.0014
Ring Side Clearance: Top Compression 0.0030 – 0.0050 0.0020 – 0.0040 0.005 – 0.007 0.0017 – 0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Bottom Compression 0.0030 – 0.0050 0.0020 – 0.0040 0.0018 – 0.0038 0.0017 – 0.0040
Ring Side Clearance: Oil Control 0.0035 max. 0.0006 – 0.0096 0.0078 max. None (side sealing)
Ring Gap: Top Compression 0.013 – 0.023 0.010 – 0.023 0.015 – 0.025 0.013 – 0.023
Ring Gap: Bottom Compression 0.013 – 0.023 0.010 – 0.023 0.015 – 0.025 0.013 – 0.023
Ring Gap: Oil Control 0.015 – 0.035 0.015 – 0.055 0.015 – 0.055 0.015 – 0.055

VALVE SPECS

Engine type V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel V8-368cc(6.0L)
Seat Angle 45° exhaust valve seat: 31° intake: 45°;exhaust: 31° 45°
Face Angle 44° exhaust valve face: 30° intake: 44°;exhaust: 30° 44°
Spring Test Pressure 164 lb @ 1.34″(exhaust: 182 lb @ 1.34″) 187lb @ 1.27″ 152 lb @ 1.30″ 160 lb @ 1.50″
Spring Installed Height 1-11/32″ 1-43/64″ 1-43/64″ 1-15/32″
Stem-to-Guide Clearance: Intake 0.0015 – 0.0035 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 0.0015 – 0.0032 0.0012 – 0.0029
Stem Diameter: Intake 0.3412 0.3429 0.3429 0.3420
Stem Diameter: Exhaust 0.3412 0.3424 0.3424 0.3418

TORQUE SPECS

Engine type V6-252cc (4.1L) V8-350cc(5.7L) V8-350cc(5.7L) Diesel V8-368cc(6.0L)
Cyl. Head Bolts 80 ft.lb 130 ft. lb 130 ft. lb 95 ft. lb
Rod Brg Bolts 40 ft.lb 42 ft. lb 42 ft. lb 40 ft. lb
Main Brg Bolts 100 ft.lb 80 ft. lb (No. 5: 120 ft. lb) 120 ft. lb 90 ft. lb
Crankshaft Damper or Pulley Bolt 225 ft.lb 310 ft. lb 200 – 310 ft. lb Press fit
Flywheel to Crankshaft Bolts 60 ft.lb 60 ft. lb 60 ft. lb 75 ft. lb
Intake Manifold 45 ft.lb 40 ft. lb 40 ft. lb 30 ft. lb
Exhaust Manifold 25 ft.lb 25 ft. lb 25 ft. lb long bolts: 35 ft.lb;short bolts: 12 ft.lb

CARBURETOR SPECS

Carb ID 17080230 (M4ME) 17080530 (M4ME)
Float Level 7/16 in 17/32 in
Air Valve Spring 1/2 turn 1/2 turn
Pump Rod 9/32 in fixed
Primary Vacuum Break 0.149 in 0.142 in
Secondary Vacuum Break 0.136 in 0.400 in
Choke Rod 0.083 in 0.083 in
Choke Unloader 0.220 in 0.260 in
Fast Idle Speed 1450 rpm 1350 rpm

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECS

Feature Eldorado Full size Seville
Caster Range 1½°P – 3½°P 2½°P – 3½°P 1½°P – 3½°P
Caster Pref. 2½°P 3°P 2½°P
Camber LH wheel Range 3/16°N – 3/16°P 3/32°P to 57/64°P 3/16°N to 3/16°P
Camber LH wheel Pref. ½°
Camber RH wheel Range 3/16°N – 3/16°P 3/32°P to 57/64°P 3/16°N to 3/16°P
Camber RH wheel Pref. ½°
Toe-In 1/8°P to 1/8°P 18 in. 18 in.P to 18 in.P
Steering Axis Inclination 11° 10-19/32° 11°

HISTORICAL NOTES

1980 Cadillac Notes

  • Introduced: October 11, 1979.
  • Edward C. Kennard was general manager
  • Robert J. Templin was chief engineer
  • Wayne Kady was chief designer (Cadillac Studio)
  • L. B. Pryor was general sales manager
  • Model year production (U.S.): 231,028 for a 3.4 percent share of the industry total.
  • Calendar year Production (U.S.): 203,992.
  • Calendar year sales by U.S. dealers: 213,002 for a 3.2 percent market share.
  • Model year sales by U.S. dealers: 238,999.
  • This was not a top-notch year for Cadillac, as sales plummeted over 27 percent.
  • Production fell even further for the model year, down 39.4 percent.
  • The reason evidently was a declining eagerness for big cars, with rising interest in compact, fuel-efficient models.
  • In an attempt to meet these changing attitudes, Cadillac had reduced the size of the standard gasoline engine from its prior 425 cu. in. displacement down to a mere 368 cu. in. (6.0 liters).
  • Buick’s V-6 became optional late in the year.
  • But the division also speeded up production of the subcompact J-bodied Cimarron, originally intended for introduction in 1985.
  • Cadillac had problems meeting emissions control standards of the California Air Resources Board, whose restrictions had long been considerably stricter than the rest of the country.
  • The “standard” diesel on the new Seville wasn’t offered in California.
  • A new assembly plant for production of lightweight V-6 engines was announced at Livonia, Michigan.
  • Convertible conversions continued to be turned out by (among others) Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, which claimed to be the largest producer of Cadillac ragtops.
  • Their 1980 brochure displayed a Coupe DeVille conversion.
  • Cadillac production figures
Sedan de Ville49,188 (decreased 44,023)
Coupe de Ville55,490 (decreased 65,700)
Fleetwood Brougham Sedan29,659 (decreased 12,541)
Fleetwood Brougham Coupe2,300
Eldorado52,685 (decreased 14,751)
Seville39,344 (decreased 14,143)
Series 752,362 (decreased 527)

1980 Automotive Notes

  • GM news:
  • Ford news:
  • Chrysler news:
  • AMC news:
  • Other makes news:
  • Top American Automobile Corporations for 1980


1. General Motors5,053,190
2. Ford1,584,894
3. Chrysler764,122
4. AMC199,613
5. Others511


  • Top model year production for 1980
Chevrolet2,288,745
Ford1,162,275
Oldsmobile910,306
Buick854,011
Skyhawk8,322
Skylark265,654
Century141,936
Regal214,735
LeSabre99,770
Electra 22568,480
Riviera48,621
Pontiac770,100
Mercury347,711
Dodge308,638
Plymouth290,974
Cadillac230,028
Seville39,344
DeVille104,678
Eldorado52,685
Fleetwood Brougham31,959
Fleetwood Limousine2,362
AMC199,613
Spirit71,032
Concord80,456
Pacer1,746
AMXn/a
Eagle46,379
Chrysler164,510
Lincoln74,908
Checker250
Avanti II168
Excalibur93