1938 Cadillac V16 - GM Heritage Center

TWO V-EIGHT ENGINES FOR 1938
Cadillac has built two 90° V-type eight cylinder engines
for 1938. A V-8 engine of 346 cubic inch displacement
powers all Cadillac and Cadillac Fleetwood V-8's. An
engine of 322 cubic inch displacement is employed in
LaSalle V-8.
The performance, smoothness and quietness of the
Cadillac-built V-8 engine employed in the new LaSalle
V-8 is one of the most important features of this outstanding
leader for 1938. This engine is the basis for
LaSalle's long list of completely satisfied owners. Wider
radiator grilles increase air distribution over the radiator
core face, thus improving engine cooling. A new, more
positive rear main bearing oil seal and a new flexible
oil level dip stick have been added. Improved carburetion
increases economy. Placement of horns behind the
radiator grille and improved high tension wiring lend
a much neater appearance and provide greater accessibility
in the engine compartment. With the single
exception of the Cadillac Sixty, LaSalle continues to
be the best performing eight cylinder motor car built.
The V-8 engine employed in Cadillac also embodies
all of the superlative qualities of the 1937 Series and
many outstanding refinements. A most noteworthy improvement
is the introduction of the Syncro-Flex Flywheel
which provides Cadillac with such silky smoothness
that these cars may be conservatively called the
smoothest and quietest of all eight cylinder automobiles.
The improved rear main bearing oil seal is also used
on all Cadillac V-8's.
The accelerative ability of the Cadillac Sixty and
Cadillac V-8 is even more outstanding through axle
changes. The Sixty has a 3.92—1 ratio and the V-8
a_4.58—1 ratio. These low ratios, typical of Cadillacs
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