Vehicle Description
1953 was the first year for production of the Cadillac Eldorado
model. GM records indicate about 532 Eldorados were built that
year. A 1953 Eldorado database identifies 192 survivors. This car
was a great candidate for the build performed by Mile High Classics
of Denver because it was not a matching-numbers vehicle. The build
focused on using 2020 equipment to upgrade many mechanicals while
maintaining the original look. This Eldorado's modern mechanical
transformation was designed to substantially improve performance,
reliability and ease of maintenance. The mechanical upgrade package
includes a new 430hp fuel-injected Chevrolet Performance LS3
6.2-liter V8 long-block crate engine, Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4 EFI
System with E-Tuner app compatibility (tablet included), Cold Case
direct-fit radiator, new 4L60 overdrive automatic transmission with
mechanical speedometer output and Compushift GM-style transmission
controller, and a new stainless-steel exhaust system with MagnaFlow
Performance mufflers. It also included a new gas tank with in-tank
PA series fuel pump, Hydroboost brake system powering front and
rear Wilwood Dynalite Pro Series disc brakes, new John's Industries
9-inch Ford rear axle, third member, TruTrac differential with
3.73:1 gear ratio and a new driveline system. Additional mechanical
upgrades include a new Ididit tilt steering column with column
shifter, Lokar digital shift indicator installed inside the
original shift indicator viewer, new late-model GM power steering
box, electric wiper conversion and a new American Autowire wiring
harness. During the build, the new LS3 was crafted to somewhat
resemble the original engine. Instead of the typical shroud covered
crate engine, the build included painting the engine 1953 Cadillac
Blue, installing an LS engine adapter kit enabling original
Cadillac valve covers to be installed on the heads over the
injectors, and adding an OPG steel 1953 Cadillac reproduction air
cleaner and filter bolted onto the Edelbrock EFI throttle body.
This made the look of the engine resemble 1953, but the performance
is pure 2020.
