Alright guys, I've found 2 potential projects near me, friendly to my 3k budget and mostly complete (besides interior, which is okay)

We have a automatic 70 Cutlass S, with what seems to be an non-stock 403 in it. Engine turns but does not run. -> I prefer the body style here, but the idea of a bigger engine is appealing. $1350

And we have a 72 Cutlass Supreme, stock 455, engine seized up. But the car seems to be in better condition overall. $1700 -> Bigger engine, but seized up, and the body style isn't as preferred, still very nice though.

Now I'm relatively new to mechanics, and even newer to Olds motors.
I'm wanting to fix this car up and get the engine running, give it kind of a "refresh" instead of a total "rebuild" (for now). I intend to have the car as a normal (almost) daily driver set up. I'll eventually modify the engine just to let it show it's colors instead of being held back. I've already got a Jeep and it's slow as hell on acceleration. I'd like to wake these up a little without getting anything crazy on the engines. Nice rumble, reliable, and just a bit more "go" than stock. Can't be worse than a Jeep or a 84 Ramcharger with 74hp, right?

Just off your gut instincts, which would you choose?

Seller is busy and hasn't been able to get me more pictures of the cars yet but when they do come in I'll post them here so you can get an idea of what they look like under the hood.

My main concern is to get the 403 and find that it costs more to get running than it would have cost to get the 455 running, but I do realize this is basically guesswork. I would have 1300-1800 left in my budget to get the car running and safe to drive, which I know is not a ideal amount, but since I'd like to do as much of the work as possible on my own, I hope it'll be a good start.

TLDR: 70 403 non-running vs seized 72 455 engine! Give me your gut instinct, advice on potential ease/cost of repairs for both engines, common issues that could've made them break down/common issues I made need to fix, etc.

Dumb it down for me, I ain't hip with the lingo yet. ;] Thanks for any advice guys! I'm all ears.

Will update this post with any further info I acquire on the vehicles.

70 S

70 S

70 S

72 Supreme

72 Supreme

 

Get the one with the least amount of cancer. Rust is the hardest most expensive thing to repair. And the worst part is the more you take it apart the more you will find. Check under the trim at the base of the windshield as well as more common areas like the trunk and floorboards.

 

Any other hidden areas to check? I've seen a few old forum threads about leaking water at the front and rear windshields where the channel has rotted away.
I'm very curious about the engines, but the amount of rust is surely my main concern! I hope to go and see the cars in person this weekend and inspect them, but until then I've only seen these limited photos. The seller did say that the rust wasn't too bad but there is some "here and there"

The 72 apparently has more rust but he said it is still a "worthy candidate"
I haven't met the guy personally but he does seem genuine, honest, and happy to share info!

 

Yup what 4 speed said the least rust (rot) is the better car. More complete ie interior lights trim is next on the list.
from the sounds of it either engine will cost the same assuming complete rebuild.

 

Interior parts really that hard to get that it would be 2nd on the list? Seems like a lot of aftermarket repros for these cars but I hadn't looked at the interior stuff much.

I know they're both missing seats but I have no idea how much of the interior is missing other than that. I believe he said they're both "mostly complete" cars so I'm not expecting a large amount of things missing.

 

Certainly agree with the above comments regarding selecting the candidate with the least rust. However check the VIN on the 72 supreme and see if the fifth digit is a U, that would make it quite a rare and valuable candidate - and confirm the 455 (if contains matching VIN derivative) was born with that car.

 

Thanks for the tip! What exactly would the U indicate? I'll definitely check on that and provide an update when I go to inspect them.

 

I would keep saving my money and find something that runs. The seized engine may not be salvageable and the other may need a complete rebuild.

 

Looking for more of a project though. Old lady has a spending limit in this situation. I've found a few candidates that run but I'm not in the mood for 42 hours of driving out to SoCal and back lol. Shipping costs take up the budget and limit the cars I could get shipped from SoCal and surrounding areas.

These are 3.5 hours away so I'm making sure to strongly consider them before I consider further options. :]

 

In 72 the fifth digit indicates the “born with” engine, and since big blocks were not standard in a 72 Cutlass or 442, having a 455 is quite desirable.

 

Thanks for those images and the advice. Certainly curious if they've got matching numbers.

 

The 455 is a more fun engine. I'd go for it. Especially if numbers matching. If the engine is seized, talk em down.

 

Thanks for the input!

 

The 72 certainly has its appeal. Looks like it is more complete and it was once a nice car with the sport mirrors, SSII wheels and the 455 engine. It also appears to have been a vinyl top car and it looks like possible rot on the A pillar. I would check around the rear window carefully. If it is rot that would likely be a deal breaker for me unless it was a matching numbers U code car or you can do the rust repair yourself.

 

Thanks again! I'll be sure to check there as well for rust.
The blue one had the rear window broken out recently and he has a defrost placement for it, had it covered in the picture and I believe both these cars are being stored inside but I haven't confirmed that. Just hoping the rust is pretty minimal compared to the average project Cutlass lol.

 

Out of those two I like the '72. If its a factory U code that is a plus.
I also prefer the fast back body style but the 72 looks to be straighter and a better starting point.
Also, even if you get the 403 going it won't be that fun unless it had a good bit of work done. 185HP will only get you so far in the smiles dept.

 

Kindof what I was thinking too, but the 70 looks pretty straight from what I can see, just the front bumper being bent, but I also have not got an eye for this as well as some of you. Can't quite tell if the hood was just open or actually messed up.

Anyway, thanks for the input! Happy to hear everyones opinion/experience with these. A dream car for me but I'm also completely new to the Olds scene.

 

Both cars need a lot of work. Pick the one with the better body, and remember the interior restoration is expensive. Neither car is going to be a cheap, I’m thinking a minimum of 10k for starters.
just my .02

 

Oh yeah, definitely not expecting cheap in the long run, but I'm okay with that. Right now I'd just like to have one that runs, drives, and stops, then I can dump money into it over time.
I'm currently assuming both cars have equal rust but from the sound of it, the 72 is a little worse, so it'll be a tough choice I think lol.
Thanks for the input!

 

Keep an eye out for a complete running 455. I have been able to find running 455’s for 500 bucks. It would get you on the road cheaper and faster than trying to fix a seized engine. Just from the pics i would choose the 70. Good luck

 

Most have wanted the 72. What makes you want the 70 instead? Just curious.

"Complete running" meaning just the engine itself?
I found one on FB Marketplace, not sure if it's complete and it's been sitting for years, but it did give me the idea of looking for one to swap into the 70.

 

It will be hard to pick between the two without more pictures. Like was said earlier 455's are fun motors. I have owned the fastback and the notchback Oldsmobiles. I love them both. You don't see Supremes as often. Definitely check around the rear window for rust. Good luck

 

Definitely hard to choose. I'm leaning towards the fastback just out of preference but I'm eager to check them both out.
I figured I'd get a post on here and see how the forum instincts were for these things as I'm in uncharted water here lol.

If I get to see them this weekend I'll find a way to post all the photos (neatly) and provide a link to the page that holds them so everyone can check them out. I'd love to get everyones opinions when they can finally see the engines, interior, rust, etc.

Thanks for your input!

 

I just prefer the look of the 70, i dont much care for the supreme. But that is just my opinion. Try to find the most complete engine you can and try and find one that is still in a car that you can hear run. Dont fall for the “it ran when pulled” crap, if you buy one that you cannot hear run make sure it turns over.

 

Thanks for clarifyng and the extra advice. I do see the "ran when pulled" quite a bit when I run across used engines.

 

You're overlooking the 320 ft-lbs of torque.

 

Meaning it could be just fine for a normal fun driver? Not aiming to win street races as a sleeper, I just don't want it to be sluggish and slow when I need it to move haha.