Discreet Heat: ’78 Olds Cutlass LSX-Powered with Lightning Rods
On Craigslist in Missouri this discreetly-styled, tricked-out ‘79 Olds Cutlass is ready to sit sideways running a riotous LSX 6.0L engine with Lightning Rods. It’s simple to see the focus of the build was to add big muscle with updated suspension and braking components to push full gas with bona fide control whilst not alarming cops or competition. How about we check the specs on this sleeper.
Said to have under 90,000 miles on the swapped powertrain it sounds like the swap issues, testing and break-in period is all done. It’s waiting for you to rip up the drag strip. The big body LSX engine is fitted with custom bits like Hedman ceramic headers breathing through 2.5 inch thick exhaust tubing and x-pipe.
This heated mill must sound meaty so to combat the extra temperature load an alloy radiator with twin fans is installed. Cycling through a 4L80e 4-speed truck tranny automatic is a solid choice for harnessing the current big numbers and even more for future gains.
This fella knew seconds count on the drag strip where a driver demands precision shifting and why the Hurst Lightning Rods was a smart choice. No mis-shifts from 1st to 3rd, guaranteed proper shifting through the gears with the Lightning Rods.
The rest of the black leather and faux-wood inlay interior looks in quality condition, almost original even with extra gauges, modern stereo deck and three-lever shifter. Well crafted matey!
The interior quality matches well with the exterior condition which looks almost original. The only difference is it has been lowered an inch with new tighter springs, new dampers and sitting on crisp 442 style wheels.
These changes sound major but out on the road it looks stock. The front end has had the most rehabilitation replacing worn bits such as the bushings, ball joints and tie rods recapturing that new fit turn-in feel and better handling. Topping off the handling department the current owner fully updated the brakes dropping in a new master cylinder, vacuum booster, calipers, rotors and even wheel bearings.
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Via[BaT]