I have the opportunity to buy a complete 1973, 98 olds with 455/4 barrel auto etc. Last ran two years ago. Don't know mileage but price is right, $650 for the complete car. Would want to take engine, accessories tranny etc and convert to a reliable 400hp/500ftlb cruiser motor for my 71 Cutlass Convert.

I'll probably want to get it up to 9.5 to 9.7 compression ratio(pump gas), Edelbrock heads? intake? and Street avenger carb. Or???????

The car is supposedly in good shape so may want to part out some of the stuff to you guys before I scrap the rest.

Any advice?

Thanks, Jay

 

IMO you don't need the Edelbrock heads to get 400/500. The compression you mentioned, a Performer, 800 cfm or so carb and a decent cam with some headwork (if they're J's) and you're about there.

Others will chime in with similar info as well I'm sure.

 

Yeah what he said.

 

One thing you might want to keep in mind about the trans.The 98 th400 probably has a long tail shaft,the cutlass probably uses a short tailshaft.

 

I would also keep your accessories from the 350. They should all bolt right up. That way you won't have any issues with water pumps or belts in the future.

 

Thanks for the advice.

svnt442: Wouldn't the 455 have a bigger water pump? I was planning on using all the bracketry from the 455 but using the Alternator, Power Steering pump and A/C Compressor from the 350. Guess I just assumed it would bolt up to the 455 brackets. What fits and what doesn't?

Thanks, Jay

 

Not necessarily. All 64-90 Olds motors use the same water pumps. The differences are A/C or HD cooling vs. regular. You need to use the pump, brackets, and pulleys as a matched set. 350 brackets will fit a 455 and vice versa. Where necessary, there are two sets of holes to account for the difference in deck height.

 

Thanks Joe,
Sure glad I joined this forum.
Jay

 

How far into IN are you? I know a few guys that might like to have the roller when you're done.

 

J-(Chicago):
I just had it towed to the shop. I'll post some pictures later but the body is almost complete and in good shape. Has all the trim, bumpers etc. The only obvious piece missing is the vinyl pieces between the rear tail lights and the bumper. I guess this was for the energy absorbing bumper. The interior upolstery pieces are pretty well shot but the dash pieces look pretty good. I don't know exactly what I'm going to use, or can use for the Cutlass. I'll keep you guys posted as I get into it.
Jay

 

Here is a few pics of the parts car. I plan on using the engine, transmission for the 71 Cutlass. Hope to use the tilt steering column?, AM/FM radio? but use bezels and ***** off the cutlass, A/C vents?, Radiator? and ???

The 73 98 sheet metal is all straight and rust free. All badges and chrome are there and in good shape. Dash bits are in good shape, but top pad is shot as is the rest of the interior trim, seats, door panels.

It looks like a pack rat lived in the engine compartment for a long time.

When I'm done, I'll have the running 350 and TH350 from the 71 as well. Will consider parting out pieces from the 73 98, but would prefer to sell the whole thing. Hate to scrap it as the body is in great shape.

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More pics of my parts car:

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More pics

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Looks like a bunch of good parts there. I'm sure the some of the big car guys would be all over it.

 

I just posted a note on the Ninety-eight forum.
Thanks, Jay

 

What??? You got cheated man!!!! Those tires are flat.

 

Only on the bottom side, top side is fine.
(Sorry, couldn't resist)
Jay

 

I can't believe you took some poor animals home and food away. Look at the stash under the hood!!!

 

Craig,
It's OK. The last resident lost his job and had to move on. Economy, you know. He left me with his "mess" to clean up. Lousy renter, ate all the nuts and left me with just the hulks. And he even ate a lot of the plumbing and wiring as well. It's hard to find a good tenant these days.
Jay

 

I've got a '73 Custom Cruiser, and I would be more than happy to relieve you of the radio, assuming it works. I see that yours is AM/FM, and mine's AM-only.

Also, what is the condition of the chrome trim pieces around the headlights? Mine are pretty well pitted. If the ones on this car are half-way decent, I could be convinced to relieve you of those as well. Ditto for the driver's side mirror.

 

how much for the olds minus the parts u are taking or need?..please lmk!...also location with zip ,how about a contact number?....

thanks..
skinny,il....

 

SKINNY IL,
E-mail sent.
Jay