A Fabricobbler's Guide to the Turbo Buick Galaxy- Cutlass Rehash

[81cutlass]

I want to see all the vendors' reaction to this.

If I share a photo of a china t4 on the Buick forum I'll probably get shooed out 😉

I went to a co drag weekend-ers shop and milled the plate out today. Not only did I get to use his mill, he gave me a beer and all I had to do in return was help him lift on and off a hood a couple times. Couldn't ask for better people.

I need to do some cleanup work with my die grinder and then I'll test bolt the turbo on and see if my stock intercooler fits or if I have to scope creep into a put in a front mount.

I need to spend money on a trans kit and get that built next up.

 

[motorheadmike]

If I share a photo of a china t4 on the Buick forum I'll probably get shooed out 😉

I went to a co drag weekend-ers shop and milled the plate out today. Not only did I get to use his mill, he gave me a beer and all I had to do in return was help him lift on and off a hood a couple times. Couldn't ask for better people.
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I need to do some cleanup work with my die grinder and then I'll test bolt the turbo on and see if my stock intercooler fits or if I have to scope creep into a put in a front mount.

I need to spend money on a trans kit and get that built next up.

Don't pretend like you need them in your life... go out in a blaze of glory!

 

[1evilregal]

just got caught up on the thread, and like motorhead mike said, love to see when people return to the cars that they have a love for. I remember when you first posted the original build on this car, and remember feeling happy that the hobby is still going through the younger generation, and not all to the hondas/suby's/mitsybitsy's. you've come a long way, and good to see that you're still trying new things on these old cars. I may just have to get back to work on the regal now... 🤔

 

[Turbo Zach]

Don't pretend like you need them in your life... go out in a blaze of glory!

Couldn't agree more!

 

[81cutlass]

Slowly hoarding parts.

Look at my used black shaft.


Since this car will be getting a the 8.5 that was in the 2+2 (it needs cut down still for width), I needed a 1" shorter driveshaft. Local guy had a 51.75" 3" 1350 driveshaft come up for sale and I recognized his name as one of the guys who has done drag week in one of his Monte's. It was essentially the right length and already 1350 and like 1/3 price of a new one so I picked it up.

Gotta keep those peepers open!!!

 

[81cutlass]

Soon.

Reloaded the mouse traps this weekend at the Cabin Garage (it's the Cabin garage because it used to literally be a lake cabin that got moved here and converted into a garage).

As long as the 2+2 stays together next weekend I'll be swapping the 2+2 for the cutlass and starting the engine swap this winter.

 

[81cutlass]

The Cutlass is home so winter engine swap projects are really happening.

Tossed the battery in and poured some gas down the carb and jump started it ('new' battery from 2 years ago that has sat inside was dead, figures) and fired up.

3 tires were flat and the bead on the driver's front didn't seat so changed to the spare.

Brake fluid did the whole 'disapearo' act (maybe the mice drank it!?!) And brake pedal went to the floor. Topped it off, bled the front drivers caliper and couldn't do the passenger one since the bleeder was broke off. Damn 13 years ago me must have snapped it off and never replaced the caliper.

I don't think the brakes were that bad at first but I'm used to a firm pedal and good brakes on the 2+2 (LS1 front and blazer rear disk) so stock is underwhelming

Car did the 200 mile drive from storage home without an issue. Friendly reminder how quiet it is, but damn is it slow. Going from 550+ stick shift 2+2 to maybe 200 with turbo lag and a tight converter is a rude awakening.

So plans?

Immediately get the front suspension rebuilt, particularly the tie rod and drag link parts. They are wasted and I get ludicrous amount of slop. Springs, bushings and get the 13 year old tires off the front is on the do soon list. Maybe do ls1 front disks and a B body wagon master cylinder. The brakes work on it but the feel is trash from what I'm used to.

Then probably tackle the fuel system and EFI prepare the tank and wiring. Rebuild trans that was behind the turbo 4.1 EFI engine and look at swapping in January ish timeframe.

 

[81cutlass]

Damn, rebuilding the front end on G bodies got expensive! I pieced together my 2+2 when fleabay was doing their 15% off coupons and I bought all moog stuff from the ebay summit store and no tax a few years back. For sure a lot more expensive.

All moog or proforged stuff.

Springs moog 5660, (45.97 in 2018, 58.79 today)
Upper and lower ball joints (tall lowers)
Front and upper control arm bushings
Inner and outer tie rods (+ 2 bucks)
Idler arm (about the same price + a few bucks)
Center link (52.99 in 2018, 68.79 today)
Bump stops

About $500 all said and done.

But it's on the way! Probably tear everything off, pressure wash and paint and get ready to slam stuff back together.

 

[64nailhead]

Do you have the 5660’s and tall lower BJ’s?

 

[81cutlass]

Do you have the 5660’s and tall lower BJ’s?

Yeah that's what I have on my 2+2. I'm doing it again on the Cutlass because I like the results. I'd probably go 5662 or 5664 on the 2+2 Because it's so heavy but the turbo V6 setup is a lot lighter.

5664 seem out of stock at most places and 62's seem limited stock at many places.