New member: Introducting my 1980 Cutlass

[anthonychacon80]

Bought in 1996 from a Grandma and Grandpa in Hemet, CA. Originally a Oklahoma car so NO Computer V6.

Drove it that way till 2001 When the motor blew the timing chain. Dropped a new GM Goodwrench 350 in it performance mods include...
1. Edelbrock intake and 1406 carb
2. edelbrock fuel pump and lines
3. flowtech headers, duel exhaust (no cat) with flowmaster mufflers
4. MSD pro billet distributor
5. 342 auburn posi rear

"Upgrades" from the "Stock" include the following.
1. Changed the granny wheels over to 442 rims that I restored myself
2. Firehawk Indy 500 tires 215/70r 14
3. Changed out the Granny Pac for Rally Pac gauges
4. installed factory clock in dash
5. added the intermittent wipers
6. Put in the three spoke 80 sport style steering wheel

Recent projects in last 4 months
1. Changed the evaporator core and compressor for NEW parts from Autozone, blew the lines and charged system.
2. Put in the new edelbrock fuel pump.
3. Changed out the rusty rear bumper, cleaned it and painted back side and brace with POR-15
4. All new wires, plugs, new distributor, new carburator.

Future projects
1. clean up engine compartment with Edurashine manifold and waterpump. Replace hoses. replace timing chain and cover and leaking oil pan gasket.
2. Install bucket seats (have them) and floor shift and steering column (have it already) along with factory cruise control system (have most of it)
3. Strip off all the trim, fix dings, and rust issues around trims, and PAINT it (original color)
4. Install Edelbrock rear sway bar (it has nothing now), Edelbrock Shocks and new springs (recommendations welcome on springs! I cant decide! stock?) Bar and shocks on order NOW from ajusa.com

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Good looking car. I like the wheels.

 

[RegalBegal]

Clean car. I really like the wheels (they remind me of Matchbox cars).

 

[anthonychacon80]

OH! I forgot. I also found a Monte Carlo SS quick ratio steering box in a junk yard and put that in too. I forget the code. I think it was the more desirable one.

 

[Blake442]

Welcome! Good looking Olds!

I've always liked those aluminum wheels too. I just wish they were 15x7 instead of 14x6...

 

[captain-FN]

sweet ride man

 

[dogsht]

Great first post & welcome. Good upgrades. I would use the inexpensive Moog 5660 springs & stock or the corresponding rear springs. I am a big fan of the Edelbrock ISA shocks! Well worth the money. I don't think I would spend the coin on the pretty paint Edelbrock rear sway bar. More importantly get a better front bar like the f-41(GN/Ttype/442/MCSS)& the corresponding f-41 rear bar. I would sell you both with clamps & bushings for $75. Also get new poly endlinks its a great and cheap upgrade you can often feel as the stock ones are probably mushed out or rusted broken and at very best flimsy.

 

[anthonychacon80]

Great first post & welcome. Good upgrades. I would use the inexpensive Moog 5660 springs & stock or the corresponding rear springs. I am a big fan of the Edelbrock ISA shocks! Well worth the money. I don't think I would spend the coin on the pretty paint Edelbrock rear sway bar. More importantly get a better front bar like the f-41(GN/Ttype/442/MCSS)& the corresponding f-41 rear bar. I would sell you both with clamps & bushings for $75. Also get new poly endlinks its a great and cheap upgrade you can often feel as the stock ones are probably mushed out or rusted broken and at very best flimsy.

I got sick of paying to have my front springs replaced every 3 years so about 2 years ago I went to Midas and told them to give me lifetime springs. They are starting to sag again and bottom out when cornering hard. Im thinking they put tiny V6 springs in. Im going to go back and tell them to put the right ones in under warrenty. At the time time I will have them put edelbrock shocks up front.

Im going to attempt the rear springs myself. Those are a lot easier right?

As for the front rubber bushings I replaced the front center link, tie rods and sway bar links with all new stuff from Autozone. Im not sure what they were made of but all the bushings were red. Does that mean they are not rubber? That tightened up the steering a lot. I also had midas put in all new ball joints. Other than the sagging two year old springs the front is pretty tight.

At the moment I have Gabriel shocks all around. I HAD Monroe but Atozone stopped carrying them and last time I had them replaced they would only replace the lifetime shocks with Gabriel. I have no idea if they are good or not the Monroes did not seem to last all that long.

 

[Lue]

Nice Cutlass, do you stay in the SoCal area?

 

[shotgun]

Never liked 80 Cuttys. :lol:

Looks like you got a good base to build off.