81 Cutlass build thread
- Thread starter 81cutlass
- Start date
- Status
Thanks for the compliments.
The trans swap is going to take a bunch of work. Got to get a converter for it, probably a restalled D5 GN converter, build a crossmember to put the 2004R in a car without the frame extension, figure out the TV cable geometry, see if a TH350 dipstick fits a 2004R, build the switch for the converter lockup, probably throw in a shift kit and get the speedo gears figured out.
Other project for the summer is cut and buff out the paint since I have a buffer now and know how to do it. Probably refinish the wheels, put the 225's up front and buy some 255 or 235's for the back. Also, polish the exhaust tips and the tint is a great idea.
It should be a fun summer.
The trans swap is going to take a bunch of work. Got to get a converter for it, probably a restalled D5 GN converter, build a crossmember to put the 2004R in a car without the frame extension, figure out the TV cable geometry, see if a TH350 dipstick fits a 2004R, build the switch for the converter lockup, probably throw in a shift kit and get the speedo gears figured out.
Other project for the summer is cut and buff out the paint since I have a buffer now and know how to do it. Probably refinish the wheels, put the 225's up front and buy some 255 or 235's for the back. Also, polish the exhaust tips and the tint is a great idea.
It should be a fun summer.
Get a good shift kit. I got one from CK performance that he sold for $125 but had on special for 100. He may price match/cut you a break if he knows your looking and or he may someday get a trans rebuilt out of it. Some places I go cheap because it does not matter. A shift kit in a performance 200-4R is not one of them. 255s will look a lot better. The 235s get looked over but the 255s get noticed. She is a big car today and she needs that much with 15s to get noticed imo.
I was looking at a CK kit but havnt really put a parts list together yet.
I want 255's but the is problem I have is I cant find them. Dont really like Radial TA's 1995 tread pattern. Would like a 255/60/15 in a directional tread all season but they dont make them. Youd think there would be a big market for them but all i can find is Radial Ta's and cooper cobras.
I want 255's but the is problem I have is I cant find them. Dont really like Radial TA's 1995 tread pattern. Would like a 255/60/15 in a directional tread all season but they dont make them. Youd think there would be a big market for them but all i can find is Radial Ta's and cooper cobras.
So I pulled the engine out of the firebird since it had some low oil pressure. While thats getting rebuilt I needed something to drive so the cutlass is back on the road. Washed it off, checked fluids ect. Got 200 miles on it so far. 3.42's are a lot better but its still laggy. Got a fix for that I think.
And to all the people who say 3.42's suck with a th350, its fine. Spins a bit fast and mileage isnt stellar but at 60 its more than acceptable.
And to all the people who say 3.42's suck with a th350, its fine. Spins a bit fast and mileage isnt stellar but at 60 its more than acceptable.
Good to see it back on the road!
Overdrive is WAY over-rated... (sorry Vern :lol: )
I've got 3.42's and a 700-R4 in my pickup, and 99% of the time I just leave it in 3rd, only using OD on the freeway (which I rarely drive on).
Even with the steeper gears, the overdrive is worthless below 50 mph and keeps the rpms so far out of the motors power-band that it makes it almost undriveable...
Overdrive is WAY over-rated... (sorry Vern :lol: )
I've got 3.42's and a 700-R4 in my pickup, and 99% of the time I just leave it in 3rd, only using OD on the freeway (which I rarely drive on).
Even with the steeper gears, the overdrive is worthless below 50 mph and keeps the rpms so far out of the motors power-band that it makes it almost undriveable...
lol Blake its all good. 
But your talking apples and oranges as to what I am. Let me explain.
In a hot fast street & highway car or a street strip car where you are taking maximum advantage of 1/4 mile gearing you are normally looking at 3.73 to 4.10s. Also you are usually camming it harder hense a higher stall such as a 3,000 is also the norm. The real world drive-ability, mileage, engine / valvetrain wear, cooling system taxing- most noteably from a non slipping converter are all dramatically improved with a good overdrive and lock up converter. In your stockish pick up truck not so much.
But your talking apples and oranges as to what I am. Let me explain.
In a hot fast street & highway car or a street strip car where you are taking maximum advantage of 1/4 mile gearing you are normally looking at 3.73 to 4.10s. Also you are usually camming it harder hense a higher stall such as a 3,000 is also the norm. The real world drive-ability, mileage, engine / valvetrain wear, cooling system taxing- most noteably from a non slipping converter are all dramatically improved with a good overdrive and lock up converter. In your stockish pick up truck not so much.
Long time, no update! Just been driving.
Wore my front drivers tire out since the place that aligned it 3 years ago were useless. Got a set of 235/60/15's and threw the 225's on the front. Threw those on today.
Been collecting parts for my 200 4R swap too. Hope to swap it out next weekend.
215/60's, 225/60's, 235/60's,275/50 DR's
Wore my front drivers tire out since the place that aligned it 3 years ago were useless. Got a set of 235/60/15's and threw the 225's on the front. Threw those on today.
Been collecting parts for my 200 4R swap too. Hope to swap it out next weekend.
215/60's, 225/60's, 235/60's,275/50 DR's
- Status
Similar threads
