I recently purchased this 71 Cutlass Supreme convertible. The 455 was added over 25 years ago, according to the two previous owners relatives. From the serial number on the block I was able to determine it came from a 1969 model, first digits are 39M, but the VIN portion was distorted.

At some point an Edelbrock Performer manifold and carburetor were added. I also noticed it appears that the ignition may have been upgraded. I found a manual dial (MSD) for adjusting the timing. It also had this box listed as a Knock Alert, under the dash. Apparently it isn't working since I get significant detonation or pinging under heavy throttle, or maybe I just need to back off the advance. Any ideas on how to correct my detonation problem would be appreciated! I have already changed to 91 octane non-ethanol gas, assuming the previous owner was using something else.



Also I am wanting to upgrade the front end, since it already has a non-VIN matching motor. Any ideas on bushing kits or rebuild kits, there seems to be a ton of choices out there. The car drives ok, but has a slight rattle from the drivers side. Thinking may be a loose ball joint, but once I get time to put it in the air, I can check closer.

One other thing, it appears to have factory air shocks but they are leaking. Any ideas for replacements?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Marc

 

I rebuilt the front suspension on my cars several times with individual parts I bought at the local auto parts stores or online from Rock Auto. It seems a lot of the kits out there have parts made offshore that aren't as good quality as manufacturers such as Moog, McQuay-Norris, etc.

You can look up the parts on just about any auto parts web site then shop around for the best prices. I found that the local parts stores often had better prices for some items than the kit sellers (center link comes to mind).