I think about purchasing the following connect & cruise powertrain to install in my 72 cutlass supreme
https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...lock/zz-572-60

Application: Daily Driver, going fast on Autobahn

What i want to know:

1.
Given a proper cooling system and rear gear ratio is this drivetrain capable of going fast for longer periods of time? (like 140mph)
(I think so but im not an engine builder, so not sure...)

2.
Will i be able to get my factory gauges and column shifter working with this drivetrain?
I plan to install rally pack gauges and do NOT want an aftermarket shifter or gauges.
I also want to keep the factory AC.

Little bit more info:

I want around 500rwhp
I want an oldschool carbureted engine (no ls/modern engine/fuel injection etc.)

I dont care about the fact that it is no oldsmobile drivetrain.
But i like the fact that its directly from gm/chevrolet and got a 2 year/50k miles warranty.

Car currently has an olds rocket 350 and th350 transmission
Car is not a mint original survivor so its a good candidate for a restomod.

 

What transmission are you going to use with this? It does say a max of 6000 rpm.

 

I would go with the connect & cruise set so it would be complete with 4L85-E 4-speed automatic transmission.

Edit:

https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...ermatic-4l85-e

 

The question about extended periods driving at 140 you need to ask GM Performance. As far as dropping in the Olds, its an Abody, just treat it as Chevelle. You'll need BBC engine mount frame brackets and engine mounts. You'll also need all of the accy drive bracketry for your a/c, ps, alt, etc... The electrical is compatible but you'll need to relocate and/or extend some wiring. Am not sure about the O'drive transmission and column shifter compatibility.

Before buying that engine, I recommend you talk to Cutlassefi and Vortcpro to see if they can build what you're looking for.

 

I would bet Cutlassefi could stroke your 350, 500+ hp/500+ ft/lbs for a cheaper price to that pricey motor. Mark could probably include EFI at that price point. CK or one of the similar 2004R vendors could do a beefed 2004R behind the stroker 350 that would bolt right in your 72, just move the crossmember back and buy TH400 emergency brake cables, unlike a 4L85E swap, cutting drive shaft and probably a custom crossmember. You should upgrade the 2.56 or 2.73 stock gears, unless 140 mph is all you care about. Pretty sure Vortecpro will tell you to buy the BBC crate motor or offer to build you one, he is a big BBC fan.

 

Do you have an email adress? Their website does not really make it easy to find it...

I want a big block and carburetor

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Also if somebody knows if i can get my colnum shifter to work with the 4L85-E please let me know.

 

140 MPH in a '72 A-Body? You better plan on some aero mods to keep it planted on the road. Even T/As of that vintage, with all its air dams, fender extractors and rear spoilers creating downforce had lift at that speed.

 

It feels pretty stable at its current top speed of around ~110mph.

 

I think the lowest gear ratio you could get is 2.56, that would put you around 3500 rpm. Boats cruise at that all the time, so the engine would be fine. The trans is a different story. Check with GM or a knowlegable trans guy on that.
No issues with gauges except speedometer, no mechanical output on the trans. Others have modified their shifter to work with an OD trans. You might try a chevelle AC and accessory mounting brackets.

 

Delet

 

That’s a great engine, I’m a big block Chevy fan. Not normally a fan of non Olds engine replacement but I understand this one. 4L trans would be a good fit, iirc some floor mods necessary, check this forum and www.chevelles.com for info. Other trans I would consider there would be TH400 w/ Gear Vendors OD. Can a 200-4R survive? Probably but that’s a lot of torque through that dainty transmission, though it might be the easiest retrofit of the 3 I mentioned. If car not doing a lot of drag strip launching a full billet 200 should be ok. Rear gear in mid 3’s and you have something that will accelerate probably well past traction limits and should survive extended 4000+ rpm high speed running with ample oil capacity/pan.

Consider a nicely built Olds, maybe with a Rocket Racing Block?

 

Good call on the Rocket Racing block. At that price point, you could probably get one done and have over 500 ci with a block that would take all the abuse you can throw at it. Yeah, the 4L80/85E is really the only option other than the old school TH400 that will actually live long term and fit. There is a 800+ hp boosted LS motor on the G body site with a 2004R but they are tearing it down every few months as the clutches are toast. Imagine a trans overhaul being a regular service item😳.

 

Just another option, have you considered an LSX454. About the same price, efi, probably better suited for high rpm.

 

Vortecpro-going stay out of this one

 

I was not able to find a contact email adress for the performanc department or a contact email adress from chevrolet AT ALL.
I tried to contact them thru the messenger on their website which turned out to be not helpful at all...

They dont know their own stuff. (And where not willing to give me an email adress of the performance department, instead they suggested me contacting the parts and service department of my local dealer.)

That seems very low. I planned on (low) 3 gears.

I agree with you. I also already considered this combo because it would be very easy to install.

 

Consider LS based engine with 4l80E. My 70 with 6.0, simple cam and other bolt ons, will do 120mph steadily without any issues. Of course QA1/UMI suspension helps keep it steady.
It can go faster, I just haven't pushed it yet.
Took it for a round trip from San Francisco to LA and back, did little over 1k miles in 3 days. I was following a Camaro and Corvette, and I kept up with them.....for the most part. Opened it up to 120ish plenty of times on long stretches of freeway. During shelter at home in the middle of the night, freeways were empty.

3.42 gears.

 

Trying to push the front end brick wall A body to 140 mph. You are going to need more horsepower. Air resistance gets multiply by velocity squared. At 120 to 130 mph your car will start to go airborne. You will need to do above.

 

Nothing against LS and other modern engines but im not a fan of computers, fuel injection such as modern engines in classic cars. Its just not for me.
I want an oldschool, carbureted engine.

As i said at 110mph it feels pretty stable.
Will see what happens at higher speeds and act accordingly.

Also check this out: https://www.hemmings.com/stories/art...dge-polara-chp
I know its a chrysler c body but while no fancy aerodynamics, spoilers and stuff it still had a top speed of over 140mph!
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For now i think i take the advice from the chevrolet.com customer support and ask my question about driving 140mph for extended periods of time with the ZZ572/620 Deluxe Connect & Cruise to a chevrolet performance parts dealer and then go from there.