When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I bought my first classic car a few months ago from a fella near Indianapolis and I am now the owner of '71 Cutlass Supreme with a Rocket 350 2-barrel and a 4-speed auto transmission. I have always wanted to learn how to restore cars and improve their performance. Unfortunately, my father is a teacher and a woodworker so he could not pass on much to me in terms of vehicle repair and improvement. Regardless, I fulfilled my dream of owning a classic and with a degree in engineering and hard work this Cutlass will teach me what I have always wanted to learn. I look forward to all the frustration it will give me. Below is a picture of the Cutlass. It runs strong and I have driven it on a few couple-hundred mile jaunts. Besides a few cosmetic issues, it is solid. My plans this winter are to possibly upgrade to a 4-barrel manifold and carb to fix a vacuum leak and increase airflow.
Welcome to site, looks to be a solid start for a project. We all learned how to work on cars pretty much the same as you. We rolled up our sleeves and dove in. You have an advantage over us with the internet.
with a Rocket 350 2-barrel and a 4-speed auto transmission.
Welcome. FYI, if that really is a four speed OD trans, it is not original to the car. Those transmissions didn't exist when that car was new. Good luck with it.
Welcome. FYI, if that really is a four speed OD trans, it is not original to the car. Those transmissions didn't exist when that car was new. Good luck with it.
Welcome! Nice car. The good thing about the 2-bbl V8s is that they didn't really suffer a power decrease when compression ratios were capped at around 9:1 in '71, because they were already lower compression engines. I'm sure a 4-bbl and dual exhaust will wake it up quite a bit. Keep us posted on your progress.
Thank you very much. How was the Barrett Jackson auction? Maybe some day I'll be fortunate enough to have the means to bid on one of those beauties.
It was an experience, that is for sure, we certainly enjoyed ourselves. This was our second year in a row attending, but first time as buyers. We will attend in the future as well...
Just got my wheels back from powder coating at Creative Finishings in Greensburg, IN. Couldn't be happier with them after the trim was put back on. Freshly picked up wheels from powder coating New aluminum Center Cap stickers. Fully assembled wheel.
Last edited by BrawnyMan; May 10, 2019 at 05:12 AM.
Reason: Too much info
Welcome to the site. Love your car! The wheels look nice. You will be happy you had them powder coated as paint chips off easily. I have been considering getting my wheels powder coated also. I do occasionally have to go down a gravel road. I wonder if one can get them coated in a blue to match my car? If you don't mind me asking how much did it cost? Thanks Greg.
[QUOTE= how much did it cost? Thanks Greg.[/QUOTE]
It was $100 per wheel for baking, sandblasting, and powdercoating. He had a variety of options as far as color, but with the scheme I would like to end up with I needed High Gloss Black.
Welcome, and nice ride.
I would definitely go with the 4 barrel carb and manifold ( looks like you already did ) and possibly look into getting some bolt-on headers and a good exhaust.
Help push out all that extra air and fuel you will be pumping in. K&N air cleaner is a good cheap performance part as well. upgrades from there go up to better flow heads and a better crank and valves. that can get quite spendy.
But I think a 4 barrel carb and good exhaust will pick up some decent pep.
