Page "V16 engine" Paragraph 7

The Series 452 was the most exclusive model of the marque from January 1930 until 1940, with this type of engine.

Two varieties were built.

From 1930 to 1937, Cadillac used a 452 CID ( 7. 4 L ), OHV motor with a 45 ° V. For 1938, a new 431 CID ( 7. 1 L ) design was introduced for the Series 90, with a flathead valvetrain and an angle of 135 °; this resulted in a much lower cowl height.

The 431 was in many ways a superior engine, producing as much power as its immediate predecessor while being far less complex, had a stiffer crankshaft which aided durability and smoothness, and even had an external oil filter, a rarity for any car at any price in those days.

However, it was never as popular or highly regarded as its 452 CID predecessor.