Cutlass 4.8 and 4l80 swap

[Tim H]

Picked up an 84 Cutlass mainly because i lost all motivation on my 72 nova rust bucket and this was very solid.

I want something i can take the kids cruising in, teach them how to work on, see what it turns into.

Goal is to be driving sometime in July, so here it goes.

2 sundays ago I went and drug it out of a guys back yard.

Few days later i pulled and sold the v6.

Tonight i dropped the crossmember to make some room.

Picked up a th400 slip yoke. Not sure if i like the length yet.

Don't know what this bracket is so off it comes.

Cropped its ears for some extra room.

Bolted up a bare block so i can drop it in easier and figure out mounts, oil pan, exhaust, and driveshaft length

 

[GroceryGetter83]

I like what I see!

 

[L92 OLDS]

Great project with lots of potential! Keep the pics coming please

 

[Charlyhtx]

Sounds good, just curious why 80e trans instead of 60e? Wouldn't 60e save some room?

 

[Tim H]

I originally planned on pushing a lot of power in the nova so i picked up the bigger trans. I still may turbo this winter or next

 

[Tim H]

First snag, didnt realize the olds v6 frame mounts were dofferent then the chevy small block. Anyone know if mounts from a 72 nova will fit? They appear way different.

 

[Tim H]

Nevermind. Advance has new mounts for dirt cheap.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Sounds good, just curious why 80e trans instead of 60e? Wouldn't 60e save some room?

4L60e will save weight and horsepower BUT....they suck for reliability in high HP applications and are guaranteed to grenade. They are also weak behind a stock engine.

The issues with 4L60's are well documented. Jared's experience (link below) is just one example.

https://gbodyforum.com/threads/texas82gps-gmt900-4l80e-swap.72340/

 

[Tim H]

The engine side mounts I had did not fit the advance frame pads.
I ran to summit this morning, they sold me the wrong mounts, that got me pretty frustrated.

Now i either drive out there again tomorrow, or wait for them to ship it. My luck i wouldn't get it until Wednesday if they ship.

 

[Texas82GP]

These are the ones you need....
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/oer-332648/

Cool project. Glad to see you aren't wasting time and money on a 4L60E. They are only useful in a completely stock application with no abuse, in my opinion.