My 79 Olds Calais Project

[cutdog815]

Thanks guys, Blake do you still like the stock springs or are you going change them up later. I am going to repaint it the same color. When i have the repainted i was really thinking of have the half top done in blue as the same color, or should i keep the whit top. What do you think, I added a pic of my other olds i had with the blue top. Thanks

Keep me updated wit this build I have a 79 cutlass to wish I could move fast like u I have no funds :evil: right now

 

[finman04]

Thanks Kris, might look into the diesel engine front springs. With the extra weight of the 455 might just work out great. I'm going to put 15's on the car and i want just a little height on the front. I also have been looking into the ford 9" rear but i really want to try to keep everything GM if i can. Was looking at GBody.com under buick and they sell the 8.5 open or posi. Just havent made up my mined though, the only thing i really like about the 9" is they welded the mounts forward more for better hook up. Progress is moving pretty slow, No funds right now. Hopefully the weather will break and can pull the 260 and start preping.

 

[hurst1979olds]

I have a 350 diesel block converted to gas. I have stock SBO slprings in the front and I really didn't notice much. Probably dropped the front 1/4-1/2". I think it made my car feel more floaty over bumps of anything. But that's also the nature of these stock suspensions.

 

[finman04]

Been really thinking of changing the build a little to a E85 with the price of gas. I can also run a higher compression on the motor. I need to start doing some reading up on this.

 

[finman04]

Well its been awhile and finally had sometime to start working my Olds. I could not beleive that i didnt have any problems removing any bolts and was really surprised not finding and rust on the fenders at all.

 

[finman04]

Well its been awhile since i was able to work on my Olds. Finally was able to pull that old 260 and powerwash the undercarriage, could not believe how clean the underbody really is with all that oil and road grime off. Now going to strip down the front suspension and replace the front banna springs that are in the car. I am looking for a set of front spring that will handle the weight of the 455 and able to put 15's on the front with just a little lift. Anyone have any ideas of what to use. I really hate to put stock springs in and not able to put 15's on. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[pencero]

look for 80s 4 door olds at the junkyard & pull those springs. If they are too bouncy, you can modify them easily

 

[KrisW]

I prefer the diesel springs. I ran 15's easily with them. You can still buy them new. The 442 and Monte SS springs if new are also high enough.

 

[finman04]

Thanks, was wondering if the 455 is more then the weight of the diesel motor though. I heard that others have used S10 springs also but really havent heard how they perform. Was also thinking of the olds 88 or 98 springs since they did have the 455's in them. Going to price out the diesel springs though. Thanks

 

[1979Calais]

Keep up the work. I wish I had the time and a garage to finish mine.