BUILD THREAD Project ProbableCause #ABG

[TeamProbableCause]

Brand new to the G Body scene. My GF and i just picked up a 1984 Olds Cutlass. The plan is to turn it into a gambler, and do 500 mile road rallies on Back roads, side raversable trails. Plans for the build include:

1984 Cutlass Supreme w/ Olds 307.
Lift Kit
15'' Rims
Aggressive Tires
Side Pipes
Heavy Duty Front and Rear Bumpers
Off-Road Lights
Aluminum Skidplates
GPS Navigation System
CB Radio

Being new to G Bodies I'm bound to run into a couple problems along the way. I'm hopeful that this side will be a good resource for finding info and answers to my questions.

For those who aren't familiar with Gambler 500:

The idea is that you buy a car for around $500 and then you take it on a 500 mile trip that's been determined by the rally coordinator. The course usually consists of back roads, farm access roads, level b roads, and often have neat stops along the way. The course typically takes two days, and everyone meets up to camp, have a little party, and patch their cars back together after the first day.

Here's a pic of the new ride as it sits. Just bought it this weekend, and haven't really touched it yet.

 

[TeamProbableCause]

First major question I've come across is "What lift kit do i want to use?"

Looking to get around 3'' of lift. I've heard that most "donk" lifts wont hold up to the abuse that this car is gonna be put through.

Was considering a body lift, but i could see that being a big can of worms.
https://www.universalcarlifts.com/p...gm-g-body-cutlass-monte-carlo-regal-full-kit/

Also up for consideration is this kit with lift spindles, and spring spacers.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Lift-Spi...ar-1978-87-G-Body-Suspension-GM-/122429965998

All comments and opinions will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

 

[TURNA]

Welcome to the site!!

 

[1evilregal]

welcome to the site from NC!

I don't know anything about these kind of mods, but another member did kinda the same thing of a different kind of car.... you may be able to get some ideas from his thread on it, https://gbodyforum.com/threads/off-road-miata-build.63485/

make sure to keep us updated on the progress, and if you picked that cutty up for around $500, you did really good!

 

[fleming442]

Damn, you got that for $500? The racing sounds neat.

As far as a body lift, I recently discovered that hockey pucks work great. The problem you'r going to run into is rusted cage bolts unless it's a southern car. You can get Moog springs off the web cheap. A lot of s-10 parts interchange.

 

[TeamProbableCause]

Found some new rims on CL, had to get new lug nuts. Not sure how i feel about the whole "uni-lug" thing though.

My helper/co-pilot-best girl ever, swapping out some tires.

That must've worn her out, cause she had to test out the back seat next...

Took another sip of the potion, hit the three-wheel motion...

Added 3'' lift spindles up front, and wagon springs w/ air shocks out back.

Rear view ornaments.

Wanted to do something about the raggedy vinyl top, but this is a budget build so...bedliner.

Picked up some new front tires, and some re-treads for the rear. Took it in for an alignment, but it's got some upper a-arm bushings that are shot, so that'll have to wait...

 

[TeamProbableCause]

We've got a lot to do still, but decided to take it out for a shakedown at a local Rallycross event. Wasn't quite as fast as the awd Subarus, but i finished second in my class. Although it ran like garbage... We've defiantly got some carb work to do! Had an absolute blast though!

My crew chief...gonna try to get her behind the wheel next time.

 

[fleming442]

I'm in! That's completely rad!!!!
It looks like the camber created from the lift helped as the outside tire is square to the ground. I wish I knew some budget tricks for the 307, but they're basically turds no matter how you slice them. A '70 vintage 350 or earlier 64-66 330 4bbl. would help get the back end around if you can find one.

 

[TeamProbableCause]

I'm in! That's completely rad!!!!
It looks like the camber created from the lift helped as the outside tire is square to the ground. I wish I knew some budget tricks for the 307, but they're basically turds no matter how you slice them. A '70 vintage 350 or earlier 64-66 330 4bbl. would help get the back end around if you can find one.

A SBO 350 may happen next winter. In the mean time, some carb tuning, adding some spring-loaded needle and seats, and blocking off the passage between the two fuel bowls will hopefully help. Oh, and I'll be hitting the local pick and pull to hopefully find a rear sway bar.

 

[fleming442]

How about some Happy Gas?