'80 Olds Cutlass Build Thread

[rebelgtp]

Minor update started to get the lines disconnected from the DX engine, drained the radiator, removed the aluminum hood (holy crap does that not weight hardly anything) and started cleaning up the 403. Done with school now so hopefully I will have more time to work on the car. Almost sold all three at one point. The wife has piled a ton of crap in my shop so I need to make some room to work on things.

I still need a double hump cross member and to rebuild the carb. Aside from that I have all the parts I need to finish the build.

 

[DRIVEN]

The wife has...

You have been busy. Congrats!

There's been a couple 403s that popped up locally that have me tempted. Since I just cleaned up my engine bay last year it's hard to justify an Olds swap right now. Can't wait to see how yours works out. I'll be watching for updates and pics.

 

[rebelgtp]

Oh yeah I guess I forgot to mention that part. Got married back in May to my girlfriend of 4 years. She is the one I have posted picture of helping pull weeds out of the engine bay of my first Olds.

Now I am trying to figure out what I want to do with the DX block. Got a guy locally that wants it for his old early 50's Chevy pickup. Others here have mentioned an interest in it and of course there is always the option of saving the block for a later gas conversion project and build some insane stroker out of it.

 

[rebelgtp]

Well I worked on the 403 a bit more today. Bought a new jug of Simple Green concentrate and mixed up a batch that was on the strong side. About an hour and a half later I got ONE side looking fairly decent. When I started you could hardly make out the "403" on the side of the block. Yes the exhaust ports were covered as I was cleaning.

 

[DRIVEN]

Have you tried Purple Power degreaser?

 

[rebelgtp]

I havn't. Someone told me to try it but I couldn't find any in town out here. For automotive in town we have a Walmart, a Baxters and a NAPA. None of them are that well stocked :lol:

 

[rebelgtp]

Hmmm any ideas on the header install? Should I put them on before dropping the engine in or after? I have heard it both ways.

 

[rebelgtp]

Worked on the 403 clean up a bit more today. Got the old cast iron intake of f!@% that thing is heavy. Set the Edelbrock on just for kicks. Soooo much lighter.

 

[rebelgtp]

Did some organization in the shop to get ready for the engine swap. The boys were helping.

 

[DRIVEN]

Nice! I was just wondering about this project yesterday.