The rough plan ....

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

Don't get me wrong: a Watts link is not a bad thing. However, my only issue is that there is no way to avoid camber changes with a live axle on a bumpy road. That being said, I will have a live axle in my car for the foreseeable future as I have no time to engineer an IRS properly, and I do not use my car in any form of motorsports.

 

[jonnyslick]

^ Camber change ... true ... but as long as I can keep the back end under control and in one place I'll be happy with that.

 

[custom442]

I dunno ... that's where I'm heading with it in the next year and 1/2 or so ... I'm still trying to do as much research on the suspension as possible b/c that is what is giving me the worst headache. So what do you all think? I hope I should be able to pull this off for around $15k give or take $2k or $3k.

Here's a proven combo for corner carving in a G-body:

http://www.houlster.com/olds/fe3x3.htm

This is the suspension I'm working on, but you should probably be able to get away with leaving a stock steering column in the thing.

Some ideas:
You might want to run around a 3.70 LSD rear end instead of the 4.10 Ford. And overdrive is very nice to have if your going to be driving it everyday, I asked some guys on here and the 200-4R is a very good transmission. But a 6 speed would be nice also.

Instead of a supercharger, why not upgrade the lifters/head gasket/rods/etc and install a 150/200 shot of nitrous? You would get much better gas mileage and have the extra boost when you need it.

If you want to save quite a bit on the brakes, big ones look cool but stock brakes with 4 piston calipers will give you the same performance for a fraction of the cost. Try to find some 80's camaro rear discs, they should install with minimal headache and you can upgrade the calipers if needed. Remember, 60+% of the braking is on the front wheels. (This could save you a grand or two if you find the right parts)

 

[jonnyslick]

Very awesome ... I like that 8)

 

[custom442]

I forgot to mention, I think 85 brougham went over this, but a chevy 350 would be your best bet out of the engines you listed. The newer generation ones/fuel injected engines are a lot more involved. Go with an Edelbrock carb, (650-750cfm 4bbl would be a good choice) if it's your daily driver.

 

[78mali350]

i think it sounds like a cool plan. i love projects that are off the beaten path. makes me happy

 

[xitabl442]

Sounds badassed. I wish I had the time and money to do something like that.
I suggest trying to find a crashed Vette for engine/transmission/ susp/ and brakes donor. C4s are affordable but had the TPI and not the LS engine. I saw a 4th gen Camaro with a C4 Vette IRS under it, so anything can be done.
SC&C seem to be on the money with their susp mods, and affordable too.
I've seen Painless advertise wiring harness/ ECU/ cam upgrade for the GM 5.3 and 6.0 that get about 450-500 hp at the crank. About $1500 plus motor.
Check out this frame: http://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45082 I like that site, but it is centered around 1st &2nd gen F-bodys. Lots of info there though.
You could build your own crossmember and box the frame rails yourself if you can weld.
Good luck, sounds like fun.