82 Cutlass 260ci swap

[Bman]

Hey everyone. New to the forum and G Bodies

I just dragged this 82 out from a field in western VA. It sat for 20+ years. I got it running and driving for fun, but the 260ci engine seized after about 1/2 mile. Ive got it up for sale on FB Marketplace and CraigsList. But Im getting more attached to it every day.

GOAL - a comfy driver that can do burnouts, donuts and hours long trips on the highway. Im definitely leaning more toward the comfy driver with a little bit of 'sleeper' in her.

So ... whats the obvious / quick engine, transmission and rear end swap? Maybe some existing posts on the topic?

 

[olds307 and 403]

An Olds 307, 350 and 403 are direct swaps. The TH350(C), careful not to get a TH250. Also a TH2004R also swaps right in but you may need frame rail extensions due to the different mount position and early cars don't have the extended frame.

 

[Bman]

An Olds 307, 350 and 403 are direct swaps. The TH350(C), careful not to get a TH250. Also a TH2004R also swaps right in but you may need frame rail extensions due to the different mount position and early cars don't have the extended frame.

Ok, awesome. Thank you for that info. Im now on the hunt. Any thoughts on a rear end swap or will the stock setup do a decent job?

 

[fleming442]

How much?

 

[Bman]

Here is the CL ad:

1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - cars & trucks - by owner - vehicle...

1982 Cutlass Supreme Limited Edition 260ci (4.3l) V8 [seized] Automatic Transmission (column shift) The good ... - has a good title - fantastic start to a 'G Body' project - zero rust or rut on the...

newlondon.craigslist.org

 

[fleming442]

Not my fault you drug it 1000 miles past me. Good luck

 

[Bman]

Not my fault you drug it 1000 miles past me. Good luck

Ummmmm ok. I only towed it (no 'drug'ing involved) 470 miles. So perhaps there's still a chance!

Just looking for some engine/transmission/rear end advice here. Thanks man

 

[olds307 and 403]

A stock 7.5" with a gear swap, Torsen/Trutrac posu and 28 spline axles is strong enough for most. The 8.5" GN/442 and aftermarket 9" rear ends are definitely more but have superior gear ratios and strength.

 

[64nailhead]

The sky is the limit on drivetrain swaps. You need to identify a budget and both a HP and application goal.

 

[Bman]

The sky is the limit on drivetrain swaps. You need to identify a budget and both a HP and application goal.

Yes, good point - state the goal. So here it is:

GOAL - a comfy driver that can do burnouts, donuts and hours long trips on the highway. Im definitely leaning more toward the comfy driver with a little bit of 'sleeper' in her.

I will edit the original post to add this goal.

Thanks!