1979Calais said:
Thanks, just wish the garage was more empty to work on it though. Felt good to have some time to get some work done.
Hoping to get more done soon, want to strip the front suspension this weekend if i dont have to work.
My 79 Olds Calais Project
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Thanks, just wish the garage was more empty to work on it though. Felt good to have some time to get some work done.
Hoping to get more done soon, want to strip the front suspension this weekend if i dont have to work.
I think fully dressed out the 455 is nearly the same weight as the diesel. You may be lighter with your 455 if you use aluminum intake, heads, etc...
When I put my gas 350 into my 1980 diesel Cutlass the front end came up some. It was good though, because the 15" rallye wheels from the 1970's fit nicely with the lift. I used Delta 88 rear springs and the lift in the rear was pretty much maxed out. I like the old school raked look but people nowadays want huge wheels and the car down low. They all use V6 springs and other nonsense, so I guess it just matters what you're trying to do.
If you want to run 15" rallye wheels like the 80's 442 cars, then the diesel springs should get you there.
When I put my gas 350 into my 1980 diesel Cutlass the front end came up some. It was good though, because the 15" rallye wheels from the 1970's fit nicely with the lift. I used Delta 88 rear springs and the lift in the rear was pretty much maxed out. I like the old school raked look but people nowadays want huge wheels and the car down low. They all use V6 springs and other nonsense, so I guess it just matters what you're trying to do.
If you want to run 15" rallye wheels like the 80's 442 cars, then the diesel springs should get you there.
Thanks Kris, made my mind up and going to get the diesel springs. Really like your idea of the 88 springs for the rear to. Thanks
Well finally picked up the rear end. Found a 85 Grand National rear with a new positrac boxed in rear lower control arms and aluminum drums. Been really think of swapping out the ring and pinion to a 3:90. Just wishing it wasn't so cold to do some work.
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It is the stock 3.42. May just leave it to see how it is on the highway. Was looking for something more out of the hole. Just thought it might be alot easyier on the stand then under the car.
finman04 said:
My friend had a 3:90 and it was waaaaaay too steep for anything. Unless you have the motor to back up the gear then stick with a lesser gear. I just swapped in a 3:42 into my 79 Calais with a 403/TH350 and its perfect. I will be upgrading to a 2004R in a few years tho.
classic gbody said:
Thanks gbody, I am puting in a 69 455 olds block that i picked up. Seen your videos and also talked to you about some of your spare parts that you had out of the White olds you pulled the 403 from. I wanted some of the interior such as door panels and seats and you said they were shot. Great work on your olds also.
Its been awhile but the weather's finally starting to break. Working on stripping down the rearend to take it in and have it beed blasted along with the upper & lower control arm and the core support. Also started on cleaning up some of the web work on the motor, hoping to take that it to get decked and cleaned up.
Its been a while since I have been on, haven't done to much work on my Cutlass due to lack of funds and I broke three vertebrae's in my back. Didn't have to have surgery which is great news just had to stay off my feet for the last couple of months. Was on a zero turn cutting grass in a ditch and didn't see a hole when going up and it fell back on top of me, Really Sucked!!. Hopefully soon since I just went back to work on light duty I can get started back on my Cutlass when the funs start to come in.
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