Question for you Cutlass/442 guys
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 206
Likes: 4
Question for you Cutlass/442 guys I've got a 71 Cutlass convertible, 350 auto, steel hood. I am putting in an aluminum 5.3, unsure of 4L80 or T56, probably auto unless I find another killer deal and a fiberglass hood.
I just had the frame powder coated and am getting ready to put it together. I would like a little lower look, like the one in the photo below, but not at the expense of tire size. I want to use tall ball joints.
What springs do I need to use? I don't know if I need to use different springs with this combo than I would with stock. Is the weight close enough between the two to go with what works with a 350 or no?
Budget is important so coil overs, etc are out.
Also, are there any junkyard rear sway bars that would work on this car?
I just had the frame powder coated and am getting ready to put it together. I would like a little lower look, like the one in the photo below, but not at the expense of tire size. I want to use tall ball joints.
What springs do I need to use? I don't know if I need to use different springs with this combo than I would with stock. Is the weight close enough between the two to go with what works with a 350 or no?
Budget is important so coil overs, etc are out.
Also, are there any junkyard rear sway bars that would work on this car?
Last edited by dewchugr; Aug 19, 2016 at 03:26 PM.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 3
From: Omaha, NE
With the LQ9 in my 71 Cutlass now, it sits noticibly higher in the front than it did with the Olds 350. I didnt measure, but probably 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher, and thats with an iron block 6.0. I dont have any specific spring recommendations though. I'm also not aware of any direct swap rear sway bars, but you can get a 1" bar with weld-in boxing plates for your lower control arms and all the hardware for $135 shipped on ebay. Rear anti sway bar makes a big difference in these cars. Good luck with the swap!
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 206
Likes: 4
With the LQ9 in my 71 Cutlass now, it sits noticibly higher in the front than it did with the Olds 350. I didnt measure, but probably 1/2 to 3/4 inch higher, and thats with an iron block 6.0. I dont have any specific spring recommendations though. I'm also not aware of any direct swap rear sway bars, but you can get a 1" bar with weld-in boxing plates for your lower control arms and all the hardware for $135 shipped on ebay. Rear anti sway bar makes a big difference in these cars. Good luck with the swap!
You might check over at classicoldsmobile.com, there's a suspension forum over there.
There are also quite a few A body (chevelle) builds here. I used chevelle small block, no AC springs in my 72 442 to maintain the stock ride height with a 5.3. But there are more than a few lowered ones here you can find info on.
There are also quite a few A body (chevelle) builds here. I used chevelle small block, no AC springs in my 72 442 to maintain the stock ride height with a 5.3. But there are more than a few lowered ones here you can find info on.
