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Jul 27, 2022
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Hey guys new here on the forum. Just got my 86 cutlass the dream car I always wanted. It doesn’t really need to much done to it besides normal stuff such as paint job headliner etc. The car is all original and not much rust or damage through out the car it’s pretty solid came with 49k original miles both doors have damage on the bottom from rust I’m sure I need to replace the shells. Other things I do want to do First is a engine swap. It needs more power and it’s slow, it has the original 305 in it, and trans. So I’m looking at maybe doing a Ls3 swap but if I did that what other things would I have to change out in the car? I’m assuming the trans suspension and brakes and what about the engine do I need to pull to make it right I’ve never done one before myself I’ve help others but I’m looking for help I figured here would be a good place to start on what I need to do I have no problem learning and figuring out how to do things either.
 

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85442/86buick

G-Body Guru
Feb 12, 2013
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Welcome David,
great looking car and I totally understand wanting more power.
I vote for buying a 350 , as a starting point for your build you own almost everything you will need now for that swap.

The Ls rabbit hole can be deep.
 
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Oct 14, 2008
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Melville,Saskatchewan
That is an Olds 307. An Olds 350 or 403 is a direct swap.
 
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SS_Malibu

Royal Smart Person
Supporting Member
Sep 27, 2021
1,130
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Mesa, AZ
Welcome to the GBodyForum!
Nice looking Cutlass. You've got a great start. Most guys want to swap out the small under-powered engines in these Gbody's. The LS is a popular swap but is usually for the more experienced Gearhead. There is a lot of things to consider above the normal engine swap. Not saying you couldn't do it. There was a "first time" even for the experienced. There are plenty of easier engine swaps (and less costly) to gain more horsepower especially being the first one by yourself. (with plenty of guys here to draw knowledge from). What ever route you take, we are here to help in any way we can.
Make that car yours!
 
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Jul 27, 2022
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Welcome to the GBodyForum!
Nice looking Cutlass. You've got a great start. Most guys want to swap out the small under-powered engines in these Gbody's. The LS is a popular swap but is usually for the more experienced Gearhead. There is a lot of things to consider above the normal engine swap. Not saying you couldn't do it. There was a "first time" even for the experienced. There are plenty of easier engine swaps (and less costly) to gain more horsepower especially being the first one by yourself. (with plenty of guys here to draw knowledge from). What ever route you take, we are here to help in any way we can.
Make that car yours!
Thanks a lot I’m still researching and just trying to see what route I’m going to take. I do know that I don’t want to do things 2 or 3 times lol rather do it once and be happy then have to keep doing it over and over again.
 

mclellan83

Comic Book Super Hero
Jun 27, 2017
4,205
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Pgh, PA
Welcome, really great looking base to start with. There is tons of reading you can do on builds here to get ideas, I had bought mine with similar plans of going LS with a 6 speed but really couldn't let the 350 in it go since it sounded so nice and different
 
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