Suspension upgrades

[atvman.385]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and just purchased my first G Body. I have a 1982 Oldsmobile cutlass that I am building and need some help. The car is going to be mostly a street cruiser but will see time at the track with dot drag radials on the weekend. I have a 355 sbc with a .485 lift cam 194CC iron heads with a mild pocket port, 9.5:1 compression with a TH350 transmission with a TCI street fighter 3000rpm stall converter and 3.73 gears in the stock rear. I want to upgrade the suspension to hook good at the track to give me consistent 60 ft times and keep the car from twisting up on launches, but also give me a decent ride on the street. Is the possible? Also does anyone know if a 275/60/15 will fit on the car without rolling the fenders or a mini tub? Any other thoughts, suggestions, or opinions on other ways to improve the car would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Bigdaddy198]

I have a 1980 Cutlass that I just started Racing a few weeks back. It was pretty much done when I got it all I have done is stepped up the charging system to cover the hi amps its pulling while staging as its running electric driven water pump, magna fuel 500 pump, electric fan and the full MSD. Also I have upgraded the location of the line lock button and installed a pair of Drag bucket seats and installed a 130 amp alternator and 1100 Cranking amp Battery in the trunk to help get that 12.5/1 461" BB olds Fired Up. But my rear end major upgrade was a 12 bolt full spool 4.11 gear, C clip eliminators, upper and lower control arms, anti Roll system, huge 1350 yokes and U joints, and airbags in both coils. This car leaves hard true and straight as any tubbed or chassis car I have ever seen and with a full interior with power windows can run 10.64 in the 1/4 without a trans brake. On a 30x9x15 Radial Drag slick!!! Thats Hookin!!!

 

[atvman.385]

Bigdaddy198 Thanks for the information it is a big help. The rear switch to a 12 bolt sounds like a good idea.

 

[lilbowtie]

Some sort of anti-roll system would benefit you greatly - I use a Quarter Max system.

 

[BMR Suspension]

I've got quite a few Parts that will help you!

 

[axld86]

T.C. , just a heads up, as soon as my money tree grows a few more $ , I plan on getting with ya on a plan for my car. you a literally just down the road from me.

 

[axld86]

now to the OP, on my street/ strip 79 monte, I had a 12 bolt, southside machine lift bars ( you can buy LCA relocators) the uppers were boxed in and shorten for a -3 pinion angle.poly bushings, running 28 x 10 /15 street slicks. 90/10 frt-50-50 rear shocks. car cruised on street good and would pull both front tire's off the ground @ drag strip.( a built 408 cu in , th 350 with a 4000 rpm stall and other cool parts) .

 

[atvman.385]

Thanks for all the suggestions!! Haven't been on in a while due to home life problems but I am back on the car. I found the motor wasn't what I was told it was and have changed a few things. Still the 355 but with 305HO heads to bring the compression up because the pistons are down in the deck .050, Compression is now 9.8:1. Changed to a lunati bracket master cam it is .480/.480 and .230/.230 @ .050 with a 109 lobe center. Got a TCI street fighter 3000 stall and 3:73 gears. Now the question what size tire to run and make and model, I have 15 inch rim. Looking for all opinions and suggestions or experiances with tires!! Thanks you guys are the best!!

 

[autonaut]

As far as tires go, i went with 255 and regret it know, as i can se my el camino can fot 275:/ should have went that route..

Not so sure about using those 305 heads on a 350.. I believe most, if not all, 305 heads flow very poor due to the smaller bore(valves)... I'd keep an eye out on local listing for some vortec heads, or uaed performer rpm heads.. I'll let the 305 experts chime in..

 

[BMR Suspension]

T.C. , just a heads up, as soon as my money tree grows a few more $ , I plan on getting with ya on a plan for my car. you a literally just down the road from me.

I'm ready when you are - with as much Rain as we've been getting, that Money Tree should be growing good! We just picked up a Monte SS like your Avatar for a BMR Project Car. 27,000 Original Miles