86 Cutlass

[Jax86Cutlass]

New 86 Cutlass Project. Just picked it up a couple weeks ago. Not really sure where to go with it, but planning on getting it running better for starters. I'll upload more pictures soon. Any suggestions or ideas as far as a direction for this project are welcome.

 

[Jax86Cutlass]

So from what I can tell, it's a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brougham. Bench seat, column shift. The original drive train was swapped for an Oldsmobile 350 Rocket (Gold), and a 350 turbo transmission. The previous owner told me he had swapped the stock rear end gears for a 373 rear end. The car could use some body work, but overall I think its in decent condition for the year considering its a Michigan car.

 

[O. D. Showtime]

Welcome to the site!

I think it's really going to come down to what you like in a car. Are you looking for a daily driver/cruiser with a little go, a street strip car...all out race car...etc. Sounds like you've got the drive line for a nice daily/cruiser...although the 3:73 might be a little much for freeway driving.

I personally like something more towards original with a little get up and go.

Lots of good people here with tons of knowledge for whatever way you choose.

 

[Jax86Cutlass]

Thanks O. D. Showtime. Right now I'm thinking I want to get it running better, and address the rust issues. The interior is pretty complete minus the headliner is missing. The main concern right now for me is the carburetor. It has what I believe to be the stock intake manifold with the original Rochester Q-Jet 4 barrel carburetor. I thought the car was a little sluggish as far as acceleration, so I got to taking a closer look at the carb. It looks like the linkage for the secondary is completely missing, so it's only running off of the primary.

 

[Jax86Cutlass]

If not closer to stock, I was thinking about stripping the interior down to just front bucket seats and a floor shifter. Upgrade the suspension, bigger wheels and better tires. Something close to the look of a pro-touring car. Light, fast. Am I going to be able to get a decent amount of power out of the Oldsmobile 350?

 

[Mike buttafuoco]

Jax86cutlass, the 350 rocket that's in that car is very stout and the aftermarket has come a long way with support for those engines. Be mindful of a few things and mind you, I have no idea of your experience: the rocker arms when you upgrade cams. They can only tolerate a certain amount of lift and depending on the year, that engine had a flat intake and anemic heads at best. If you want to upgrade power, edelbrock heads, comp cam roller rocker conversion, cam with a duration under 280 and a Holley carb. Make sure your converter is a little loose and those 3:73 gears will work great. If what I mentioned is out of your budget, get yourself a good edelbrock performer intake and 600 cfm carb and check your timing and your advance mechanism. Those few little things will give you a little more snap. I built a couple of those engines so if you want ask anything about them. Good luck!

 

[Mike buttafuoco]

Forgot to mention: keep the rpms under 5500 with out a high volume oil pump. Ask me how I know.

 

[Jax86Cutlass]

I'll take your word for it. Unfortunately, my Cutlass didn't come with a tachometer from the factory. That'll have to be one of the upgrades I do. As far as cosmetics go, I'm curious, what bigger diameter rims will look good and handle better on my Cutlass than the stock rims. I'm not wanting to go with anything big and ugly, just something maybe around a 17" or so that will fit my car.

 

[Mike buttafuoco]

That's a tough one kid. Personal preference is the key. In a stock configuration you can only run an 8" tire on the rear without modifications to your wheel house and frame. And you will have check state inspection criteria to see if there is any no nos about how much wheel sticks out beyond the quarter. Rule is this: any time you can increase your footprint, your handling and traction will get better. Your best bet, consult summit, tire rack or a good known tire and wheel store for your best answer. I personally love torq thrust wheels. Anyone else wanna chime in?

 

[Jax86Cutlass]

Also, how much abuse will the stock 7.5" rear end take?