March 2010

I recently tested my engine‟s performance. I have the (numbers-matching) early version 1949 Cadillac engine (two-bolt valve
covers, spring loaded camshaft) in my 6107 Club Coupe with a few minor changes. First of all, when rebuilding the engine,
we did a high-precision balancing and "blueprinting" job to make the engine as smooth and efficient as possible. Second, the
engine was bored out 0.030". Third, I‟m using 12 volts, a Pertronix electronic ignition module inside the stock distributor,
electronic fuel injection (throttle body) atop the stock intake manifold and a slightly larger exhaust pipe (2-1/4" vs. 2"). But the
engine is still using the small valve 1949 heads with single exhaust. Below is a printout of the horsepower and torque numbers,
tested on a local chassis dynamometer (measured at the rear wheels). These numbers are the net numbers after losses by my
transmission, rear end, water pump, exhaust, AC compressor, power steering pump, etc.
My peak horsepower number of 126 hp shows a 12%-20% increase over stock, while my peak torque of 232 lb-ft at 2200 rpm
is 74% of the published gross torque number of 312 lb-feet at 1800 rpm. Of course, the published torque number would need
to be reduced by some percentage to estimate what the torque would have been at the rear wheels and with the engine equipped
with normal accessories. If we reduce the published gross torque number to the same extent as the published horsepower
number, the net torque at the rear wheels for '49 Cadillac rolling off the assembly line might have been around 206-220 lb-feet,
instead of the gross number of 312 lb-ft. My measured 232 lb-ft of peak torque fits right in with that (a 6%-13% increase).
MOTOR TREND’S CAR OF THE YEAR
By Tom Musson
For more than 60 years Motor Trend Magazine has been the "Bible" of auto publications. In 1949 they started their annual
practice of doing a multi-page spread on their "Car of the Year". The first was the 1949 Cadillac, due primarily to its post-war
styling and, more importantly, the fact it was powered by a new OHV V-8 engine and an improved Hydra-matic transmisison.
The magazine has decided to do a commemorative on the 1949 Cadillac and they have chosen my 49 Coupe as the featured
car. Obviously, I'm excited about this and had a full day of shooting at the Muckenthaler Museum in Fullerton, Calif. The
cover story was in the January 2010 issue. Below is my own photo, taken unfortunately during a drizzly day in 2009.
TOM MUSSON’S 6207 CLUB COUPE, REPRESENTING THE 1949 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR