550 Dollar Big Block Cutlass

[81Cutlass455]

Is it a chrome dipstick tube? I find the end is too long that goes in the block is too long. I grind it down but the flared that seats in the block sits loosely in the block. I believe that it does fit between the manifold and block. If you want a tight fitting dipstick, the ones Supercars Unlimited sell fit very tight. Throw a gauge on it, the 455's quite often get over revved and that causes bottom end damage, which could be the low oil pressure issue. Tell us what it has for oil pressure, something like 10W40 or 20W50 might limp it along, depending how bad it is.

It is a chrome dipstick. I think it's a Mr gasket brand.

The guy said it had 30 psi? Lbs? I'm having a brainfart on the oil reading unit of measure lol. He said he was driving and saw the pressure dropping down to around 30. He then filled the oil up to where it was supposed to be and then continued driving with the same result.

He had mentioned the first time I went out there to look at the stuff something about the dipstick and him having to do something with it. Dipstick isn't there and I did find like shop towels in the area where the dipstick might go. I say might because I can't actually see where it goes.

That's all the story I have on it. I'll get more facts as I dig into it and keep you guys posted.

 

[olds307 and 403]

At hot idle 30 psi is very good, at 2000 rpm, just OK. Make sure the end of the broken dipstick isn't still in the block, probably is. I thread a self tapping screw into the broken tube and use vise grips and tap with a hammer or use a slide hammer. It works and save pulling the pan.

 

[81Cutlass455]

At hot idle 30 psi is very good, at 2000 rpm, just OK. Make sure the end of the broken dipstick isn't still in the block, probably is. I thread a self tapping screw into the broken tube and use vise grips and tap with a hammer or use a slide hammer. It works and save pulling the pan.

I'll work on unbolting the exhaust manifold and see what I find.

 

[81Cutlass455]

Well this is what I got accomplished/found out yesterday.

Decided screw the dipstick I'll deal with it later. Put about 3 quarts of oil in so that I knew it at least had some oil in it before I run the motor for an extended period.

The motor had a loud valve train ticking noise that went away as I let the car run.

Oil pressure was at 50 psi while choke was engaged and 40 when at hot idle.

I got all ready to move the cutlass out of the garage so that I could work on the stingray gas tank.... Well it didn't move.

Every gear felt like neutral. Guess I'll be checking into that next. Any suggestions on what to check into? Obviously check the transmission fluid. I was thinking maybe the torque converter isn't bolted to the flywheel? Idk any suggestions are welcomed.

 

[81Cutlass455]

Latest Video on the project. Put some transmission fluid in and the transmission started working. Now I've discovered that the brakes are locked up.

 

[81Cutlass455]

I'm thinking that I am going to do a fuel cell in the trunk with a fuel shutoff valve accessible from the outside. Drilled through the trunklid, or may be the quarter panel. Any suggestions on products or installation?

 

[81Cutlass455]

A little progress on the turd. Burnout achieved.

 

[81Cutlass455]

Got some centerlines put on the turd. I need to put some 1/4 in spacers in back. They rub slightly on the frame. 195/60/15 and 275/60/15

 

[81Cutlass455]

Did the front brakes and got some tires. Found out that it has Ka heads. Not K like i thought originally. I put some 10.2mm plug wires on that I had leftover from a previous build.

 

[pontiacgp]

Got some centerlines put on the turd. I need to put some 1/4 in spacers in back. They rub slightly on the frame. 195/60/15 and 275/60/15

I'm inpressed, the first video you drove the car on 2 wheel the whole video and in this second video you took off like the mustang was standing still...