Stephen Freeman

I have recently come into possession of a 1985 Cutlass Supreme that my mother-in-law bought years ago. It had been sitting since before I met my wife (so 6+ years). I am fairly familiar with vehicles, my dad and I restored an 81 F100 back in high school and I maintain my current 95 F150. I wouldn't say I am an expert in this but I know my way around a manual if I can track one down.

As far as the Cutlass is concerned, it was built for racing, or so I am told. All non-necessary functions were taken out. It has a 403 engine with a 4-speed quick shift. I am unsure of the transmission, haven't gotten underneath it yet. The only things it has in the engine bay is engine, alternator, power steering, radiator, brake reservoir, MSD ingnition. The interior has no radio and the tach cluster doesn't work. I will post pictures when I get back to where the car is sitting but just wanted to introduce myself and the fun times I have ahead in bringing this beast back to road-worthy standards!

Stephen

D. Yaros

Welcome! Am sure you will be able to find docs/manuals for the engine. It was produced by Olds from 1977 through 1979 and boasted all of 185 h.p.

I am having trouble trying to understand why aa 77-79 engine would be put in an 85? Likewise, why a 185 h.p. engine for racing?

Was your mother-in-law burning rubber on/at the dragstrip?

Stephen Freeman

From my understanding, the engine has been bored and has a better cam in it. Honestly, I have no clue as to what all was done to the vehicle. All I have to go on is what I saw and some numbers pulled from the car and engine bay. It drives okay, but I find it weird that I have to bring it up to 2500 rpm to engage the clutch on a small incline. The previous owner of the vehicle took it to the drag strip apparently and did well, no times were given though. She drive it once but mainly her guy friends liked driving it around town. The odometer only shows about 77k on the vehicle, no telling on the engine how many miles since it was a swap. I do have the VIN ,engine block number, and the carb is a Holley 750.
I used to drive a 95 Camaro with a 5-speed but this seems like the vehicle was meant for just high rev and engaging the clutch instead of easing into it. I will probably be able to get over the vehicle in a week or so to get a new battery and change the fluids.
I'll Just have to take a ton of pictures when I am able to get to the vehicle.

Engine Block #: 557265 4B
Holley: 3310-6 1349

CRUZN 66

Welcome to the group... What's the eight digit of the VIN? Y = 307 and A = 231 which are most common for 85 from the factory... If the vehicle had been a 442, VIN code would have been a "9"...

76olds

Welcome, nice to see some 80's coming out . Sounds like it will be a fun car , hit us up with the pics when you get some .

Eric

Stephen Freeman

Cruzn- Eighth digit is "A", so it must have come with the 231 originally. The Vin shows 313329 at the end, so is that what you are referring to?
76Olds- You bet I will be putting some pictures up. I am excited to restore another vehicle. The vehicle has been sitting long as I've been when the Mrs. I have always asked about it but now since they are starting to do some tree clearing and stuff, they would like to get the car up and moving so once it is running, it'll be sold over to me so that is a neat thing.

oldcutlass

Welcome to the site, yes we do like pictures.

Weezer

The last six digits are the production numbers for the car. Position eight in the VIN refers to your engine.

CRUZN 66

The "9" I am referencing would also be in the eight digit spot in place of the Y or A that I referenced if the vehicle had originally been a 442...

Stephen Freeman

Below are some pictures I was able to take today. Wasn't able to bring my good camera, so crappy phone pictures is all I could manage.
The transmission is a General Motors 4speed manual 3351326 patent number 308838 stamp number P0905.

Also, it has two sway bars, front/rear and a crossbar at the transmission for rigidity. brake lines, rotors and drums look fine. Shocks need replacement. The driver side headlights and the interior passenger one all need to be replaced.