I don't know if I should pass up this opportunity

[Riggs]

I have a 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with a built up 307 but it has been running rough lately and can't seem to get it to run right. It doesn't have A/C (which I would like to get fixed) & it still runs on the Metric 200 (Which I would like to swap for a 2004R).
Anyway, near my house there is a 1988 Olds Cutlass Supreme Classic with 24K original miles and a 2004R trans. The car is in pretty good shape but according to CarFax it was totalled out in 2006 but I am guessing that is because of it being 18 years old at the time. The engine is a 307 in this as well but lacks the power. I am wondering if I should buy it and swap in my 307 from the 87 and this way the 88 will then have power, a good trans, and A/C. On the other hand will it be too much hassle and maybe the A/C won't work after the swap so should I just start from scratch again will the 88 and just sell my 87? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[IhaveNoPantsOn]

How much are they asking for the '88? If it's not a crazy price, I say do it. Also, do you know why it was totaled? If it wasn't a major issue, I say buy it, but don't swap engines. If you can't get yours to run right in your car, I can't imagine transplanting it into a different car will get rid of any problems. It will only likely make more.

 

[adumb]

i would definitely find out why it was totalled first.

as nopants said, if your motor isnt running right i would not swap it in, but maybe you should swap over your perf parts, whatever they may be, intake, carb, exhaust.

good luck.

 

[outsider_27]

I wouldn't pull out a 24K mile engine to drop an engine in that doesn't run right. You can swap the goodies to the 88, that is my suggestion also.

 

[DRIVEN]

I agree. If the price is right and the mileage and condition is true I say buy it and add your '87s goodies. I wouldn't swap engines. But find out what the nature of the total is. Look for fresh paint and trim. If it was a minor fender bender I wouldn't worry. Stay away from flood damage, etc.

 

[Riggs]

It is $2700 and just needs a few minor things to look great. If I bought the 88 I may shy away from the performance stuff for a while and just work on "restoring" it and fixing the little details.

 

[360x]

2700? I'd just keep it and fix it up as is. Don't stip parts from the classic. Chances are, it'll be the better car if the body really only has 24k miles on it. For 2700 you could really soup up your current car also...

 

[DelOhio]

 

[pencero]

My 88 Cutlass Brougham 307 w/ 200r barely ran and only cost me $1000 two years ago - tell that guy to lower his price. 2700 is ridiculous asking price for a stock 88 with a sputtering engine.

 

[n8dogg]

I just had my 85 grand prix written off but it was more a case of no parts than damage. It's ok though insurance gave me $4000 (including tax) and buy back was $800 and the new bumper, hood, rad cradle and right fender cost me $250 (gonna make off with a $3000 check) and fixing it will be nothing because I can do it my self at my shop. No frame damage but if I ever try to sell it now I'm pretty much screwed getting a decent price, even though it was cosmetic.

Same thing could have happened. They really want older cars off the road and even minor accidents they will make it a total loss to get them off.