I'm relatively new to the G-body platform, and tomorrow I'm picking up a 1979 Cutlass S. While I'm not a car mechanic, I do work in construction and am skilled with tools and working with my hands. My budget allows me to invest about $500 into this car every two weeks. I have a general idea of what I want to achieve, but I'm unsure about the necessary steps or the order in which to tackle them.
I aim to make this car a daily driver (or at least drive it three days a week), so reliability is essential. However, I also want it to be a nice performer—ideally pushing 500 horsepower to the wheels if possible also keeping it super reliable I would like to get more. I'm considering an LS swap using an LQ9 engine paired with a supercharger from a Cadillac CTS-V. I understand this will require a new transmission, along with motor mounts, and I'll need to upgrade the suspension and brakes as well.
For aesthetics, I plan to replace the original seats and have heard that seats from a 2012 Camaro RS could be a good fit, but I'm not entirely sure about that. I'd also like to move the shifter from the back of the steering wheel to the center console. Additionally, I want to upgrade various electrical components, including installing a new stereo with good speakers and possibly a car alarm, among other ideas.
I'm looking for a modern feel with upgraded technology inside the car while maintaining a classic look on the outside. I'll be posting a lot of pictures tomorrow. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on whether this project is achievable, as well as any additional ideas or guidance on where to start. Thank you!
I aim to make this car a daily driver (or at least drive it three days a week), so reliability is essential. However, I also want it to be a nice performer—ideally pushing 500 horsepower to the wheels if possible also keeping it super reliable I would like to get more. I'm considering an LS swap using an LQ9 engine paired with a supercharger from a Cadillac CTS-V. I understand this will require a new transmission, along with motor mounts, and I'll need to upgrade the suspension and brakes as well.
For aesthetics, I plan to replace the original seats and have heard that seats from a 2012 Camaro RS could be a good fit, but I'm not entirely sure about that. I'd also like to move the shifter from the back of the steering wheel to the center console. Additionally, I want to upgrade various electrical components, including installing a new stereo with good speakers and possibly a car alarm, among other ideas.
I'm looking for a modern feel with upgraded technology inside the car while maintaining a classic look on the outside. I'll be posting a lot of pictures tomorrow. I would greatly appreciate any feedback on whether this project is achievable, as well as any additional ideas or guidance on where to start. Thank you!
