The Cadillac V4 is a 3,801 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1980 and 1985. It featured a pushrod overhead valve (OHV) design, 16-valve configuration, and General Motors' Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) system with distributor-based ignition. In standard tune, it delivered 117 kW (160 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 306 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm, offering smooth power delivery and refinement for luxury applications.
Fitted to models including the DeVille, Seville, and Eldorado, the V4 was engineered for relaxed driving dynamics and responsive power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled three-way catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, meeting OBD-I standards in North America and Euro 1 standards in export markets.
One documented reliability concern is intake manifold gasket degradation, which could lead to coolant leaks, overheating, or hydrolock in severe cases. This issue, highlighted in General Motors Service Information Bulletin 82-06-01-004, is attributed to age-related cracking of the plastic intake manifold and rubber gaskets under sustained thermal cycling. In 1983, GM introduced revised gasket materials and updated coolant routing to improve durability.
Production years 1980–1985 meet OBD-I (US) and Euro 1 (export) emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4011).
The Cadillac V4 is a 3,801 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for full-size luxury sedans (1980–1985). It combines a compact OHV pushrod design with throttle body fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and quiet operation. Designed to meet OBD-I and Euro 1 standards, it balances comfort with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,801 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 98.4 mm × 78.7 mm | |
| Power output | 117 kW (160 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 306 Nm @ 2,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) | |
| Emissions standard | OBD-I (US), Euro 1 (export) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (OHV) | |
| Oil type | GM 6094M (SAE 10W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 190 kg |
The large-displacement V8 provides smooth, linear power ideal for relaxed cruising but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent lifter and timing wear. GM 6094M 10W-30 oil is critical due to its formulation supporting hydraulic lifters and chain tensioners. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup and oil contamination, accelerating intake gasket and lifter wear. The 1983 update with revised gasket materials significantly improved durability; pre-1983 engines should verify intake condition and consider preventative upgrades per GM SIB 82-06-01-004.
Oil Specs: Requires GM 6094M 10W-30 specification (GM SIB 82 06 01 004). Supersedes GM 4718M requirements.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all V4 export models (1980–1985) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4011). US models meet OBD-I.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across North American fuel grades (RON 91).
General Motors Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27200, A27201, A27202, SIB 82 06 01 004
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4011)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Cadillac V4 was used across Cadillac's DeVille/Seville/Eldorado platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-increased cooling capacity in the DeVille and revised intake manifolds in the Seville-and from 1983 the updated intake gasket with improved coolant routing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front passenger side of the engine block near the cylinder head (GM TIS A27200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('V' for V4 series). Pre-1983 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-1983 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from L03: V4 uses a 16-valve OHV design, while L03 is a smaller-displacement V8. Service parts require production date verification - intake manifold gaskets before 09/1983 are incompatible with later revisions due to internal redesign (GM SIB 82 06 01 004).
The V4's primary reliability risk is intake manifold gasket failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal GM quality reports from 1984 indicated a significant number of pre-1983 units required gasket replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show coolant-related faults as a top cause of drivability complaints in Cadillac luxury models. Extended service intervals and short-trip driving increase thermal stress, making coolant quality and schedule adherence critical.
Analysis derived from GM technical bulletins (1980-1985) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1981-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about CADILLAC V4.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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