Upgrades for my 88 Cutlass: Update 2/5/2011

[washingtonb2]

Hello. I am new to the forum. I have a 88 Cutlass that I picked up for $450. It was just a body that is in great shape. The interior is like new. I am working on putting in a SBC 350 that I picked up for $350. I would like input and suggestions to help me out. As far as paint, I am going to 2 tone it gunmetal grey at the top and silver at the bottom. I am going for the sporty look but as an everyday driver. I would also like to att bucket seats and a custom center console.
Future Mods:

 

[Bernhard]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

Not a big fan of the hose covers or the chrome enginge dress up kits cheep chrome rusts and they leak. Was that 600 for each rim or a set of 4.If it was 600 for each rim I think that is to much to spend on 1 wheel. See if you can find a good used set unless you have lots of $$$$$$$$$$. I think the best mod for these cars is to loose the half roof, its a lot of work to do it right but the car looks so much beter with out it.Take your time and look at what others have done. Have a budget try not to go to far over budget, because you will not get your money back when you sell your car.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

Those hoses are actual stainless steel and not covers. They are okay but might need additional adapters on some hoses, I did. My 403 has enough torque that the alternator hit one, added a coupler and all was well. I moved it somewhat. Chrome valve covers are a pain to seal, cast aluminum is better. I siliconed both sides of the gaskets and scuffed the flange one is still leaking slightly on the truck. My cast aluminum covers with cork gaskets and silicone on one side seal better. Find a donor vehicle for brackets, mounts etc and make sure your trans is dual pattern.

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

@ Bernhard- The $600 was for the whole set. I was considering taking off the vinyl top but it is not in the budget right now. I would have to find the rear quarter windows and the trim for the back window. I am saving up now to get everything that I want done to the car this winter. I am in the military, so it is hard to work on it the way that I want to. I just got back off of a year deployment to Afghanistan and this is my lil project to relieve my stress.

@ olds307 and 403- I will def look into the new valve covers. I am in the process of looking for a 350 that needs rebuilding so that I can build it while my other engine is still in the car. I am leaning more to the "Chip Fooses" style for the car.

 

[Bernhard]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

Washingtonb2 the car looks to be in real nice shape. How is the car for rust? The paint still looks good. You don't need new side glass but you do need the seals from a non vinyl car for the side windows. Back window you need the trim again form a non vinyl roof car as well as the back window filler strip. Good luck with your build ,looks like you have a solid car to start your build.

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

The car has very little rust. The only places that I seen any was at the bottom of both doors around the drain holes and on the lip of the trunk lid. I will try my best to find the pieces of trim. Hopefully, it will not be hard.

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

I finally have the 350 installed in the Cutty. I wish I had taken pics of the install but I was worried about get in at the time. It runs strong. I also installed headers but not the exhaust yet. So, I am riding through Jacksonville, NC with an open exhaust. Gotta love it!!!!!! My next move is to install my new steering wheel, replace the top or figure out what I need for a hard top, paint, and a few more accessories to help it look better.

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

😀

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Future plans for the Cutlass

Got my new Flowtech Purple Hornies header mufflers in. I plan to install them this weekend if it can stop raining long enough. I would like to start on my interior but I need to do some more research on it. I would like to do everything in black suede microfiber.

 

[washingtonb2]

Re: Upgrades for my 88 Cutlass

Had a little time today between the rain to do a some work on the Cutlass. I wish I had a garage or a carport to work in. I must say, Ebay is awsome. I ordered an electric choke for my Q-jet for $18, a pair of Boss 3 1/2 '' 280 watts front speakers for $20, a pair of Boss 4x10 800 watts rear speakers for $26, and a blue dash mat For $40 that hasn't come in yet. I am also waiting on my Jester double hump crossmember to come in. I will takes some pics when I install it and the Flowtech Purple Hornies Header mufflers. I also installed my APC wood steering wheel that I got off of ebay for $25 and my new Pioneer head unit w/ usb connection and anx jack. I paid $70 for the head unit which came with 4- 6 1/2'' speakers. Decided not to use those. My goal now is to get a headliner for it, a new set of wheels, and get it painted.