build thread for my manual cutlass ...(lots of pics)

[FE3X CLONE]

looks like its coming along nicely!! Keep us posted i have always been interested in putting a 4 or 5 speed in my cutlass how much of a pain is it i run a olds but should be pretty much same install besides bellhousing i was looking at buying a brand new th400 but would rather put a 5 speed in her around how much did you spend on the install if you dont mind me asking?

Not to jump ahead of Gutlass but for my T-56 swap I have probably $2000-$2500 in it. That's basically all new stuff except for the transmission itself.

 

[Gutlass]

from the stuff i can remember i've spent around $820 that's everything new from the starter to the bolts except the transmission that was the only used part...that price also doesn't include the crossmember and driveshaft, since i had a 700r4 its same crossmember and driveshaft...but this swap was mostly to learn since i had a blown transmission i figured if i was gonna change anything out i might as well do what i've always wanted to do from the start and make it manual. I later plan on on either rebuilding this t-5 with a g-force kit or or just going with a t-56 since I i also plan on going boost in the future i will need a stronger transmission, since the g-force kit only holds 600lb/ft but after i got boost i want to have about 650-700hp at the flywheel so i'm leaning toward a nice built t-56 but i just need to decide if i will go with a 455 or an lsx.but thats later on down the road after i get the body work done...


as for todays update she finally moved under her own power since aug!!! I havent been this happy in long time!! for some reason i've always wanted a manual g-body and the cutlass being my favorite one its just perfect! then when i saw Andrew's clone i knew i had to do it! actually Andrew your car is one of the reasons why i've work so hard on mine, your cutlass is just SICK! My build is also a pro-touring build and i hope it comes out nearly as nice as yours.
I will post more pics of the car done tomorrow and maybe a video.

 

[anakputa]

Great Job!! I wish I would have documented my swap over. I have around a grand in my swap over. Best thing I ever did. 😀 I scored all the pieces from Ebay so I had to piece it together. I had to use a Hydraulic Throwout bearing from Howe' s Racing because of my header location. I just cut off the flange for the slave cylinder and ran the braided hose through the fork hole..

 

[85_SS]

The factory F-body resevoir bracket bolts to the DS brake master cylinder bolts and works great in a g-body as well.

As for cost, it was about $1500 for the WCT5 swap in my Monte. Here's my parts list for anyone interested:

http://www.motortopia.com/files/cars/al ... bnail1.jpg

...a couple years back I bought a T56 and have everything to swap that into the car (abbotx speedo adapter, new shifter, wiring pigtails, *pricey* 2pc rear main flywheel etc.) and have about $1600 into that. The total costs would of course be offset by selling the T5 stuff. I've decided to put off installing the T56 (and 8.5" rear, which will require another driveshaft shortening) as I really don't need it at my current power level. If I add the parts that would be reused from the T5 on the T56 (pedals, hydraulics), a T56 swap from the start would have also have cost me just over $2000, plus another $200 for a crossmember as it's the only part I don't have yet. I got nearly new clutch assemblies with both my transmissions, so that saved a good buck right there.

 

[upandaway84]

Great progress so far.

 

[Gutlass]

well everything is done...by far the best investment i have in the car... it is a blast to drive! i havent post a video yet because im having timing issues..so tomorrow im going to one of my buddys shop so he can give me a hand, also valve lash problems... because my dad says that hydraulic lifter still need lash but last i heard hydraulic lifters arent supposed to have lash.. but im not sure gonna do a little research unless some of you can shine in on it and thanks for all the comments

 

[Gutlass]

I know it's been a while but I've been really busy with work and all. I havent done much to it, just little things here and there. Made a quick video the other night after work.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJj5osYM52o[/youtube]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJj5osYM52o

 

[Gutlass]

Well, I think its about time I do an update. lol havent done to much it but fix some of the rust on the roof, new wheels, rally pac, and new rear. For the rust repair I went for the quick cheap fix and used fiberglass. The reason i did that is cause i needed to fix it quick since the leak was getting worse, plus I'm still looking for a donor for a t-top roof or i'm kinda thinking of doing targa top style roof( that'll be pretty hard tho).Here are some pics of the roof fix, i think i did pretty good for the first using fiberglass.
the previous owner had "fixed" with fiberglass sheets and bondo lol
i just cleanded it up also added that anti-rust(forgot the name, the spray that converts the rust) spray and left it over night

Still need to finish it off with bondo then i gotta do the rest of the body work hoping to paint by november

This is how she sits now with the wheels. The wheels are stock 19's from a 7 series BMw on ebay they go for 1300 i got mine with brand new tires for 200 which the only reason i put then I'm still looking for nice 17's
they are 19x9 in the front and 19x10 in the back so they have a nice staggered look

and for the rear i got a 7.5 with 3:73 and eaton posi , Also got a ls1 camaro rear disc's that I'm going to install when i change the bearings on the rear.
Let me know what you think.

 

[youngdeezy]

very nice build so far....looks like your do some styling moves like my friends regal out here in the bay. that manual setup is good be killer!

 

[rlsllc]

You need one of these for your clutch master cylinder:

:wink:

Excuse the hi-jack, but I need one of those; where can I get one?

EDIT: to the OP, nice build, I really like it....What is a "john B" pedal, and uh, where do you get them; what do they cost?

Thanks, Roy