Pure Stock Cutlass build up
 

Hello, my name is Chris Lindell, and I am a newbie to class racing. I am building a 1987 Olds Cutlass Salon to compete in IHRA I/PS.

My goal is to see how far under the index (14.55) I can get with a combination most people consider junk and throw away.

307 cid engine
200 metric trans
7.5" rear

I am also very cheap by nature, and do not like spending a lot of money on this stuff. It will be a fun challenge!!

Re: Pure Stock Cutlass build up
 

Understand your POV.
Racing is not cheap..
However the car is the least expensive.
It is the travel, pit fees, and motel.

The 307 is very popular especially with a QJet.
Your rear is strong enough, parts are available.
Engine, Trans, rear, and converter with be your largest investments.

Ping Billy Nees...

D

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Chris sounds like a great project,I am in the same boat as you as being new to the world of class racing.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Send the money to venolia for replacement pistons - you cannot due without them! 4.56 in the 7.5 is plenty. Have fun

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

LOTS of G body stuff here:



http://www.maliburacing.com/

http://gbodyforum.com/index.php?sid=...b#.U3p6K5VOW00

If you are cheap (isn't everyone?) you will find interchange info for 7.5 gears-rearends-steering-suspension and more.

http://classracer.com/classforum/att...1&d=1400478899

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Hey Chris, welcome in!! I'm in the same boat as you but a lil farther along. I have a 93 Z28 that we built up and are running in D/PS. Bought the car last September from a bud who was footbrake racing it and we went to town. So far I have done headers/muffs, stripped a ton of stuff, great FTI converter, a 12 bolt rear swap (broke the 10 bolt after about 40 runs), good computer tune, etc. So far we have been .39 under with a bone stock 160k LT1. More importantly the car is a very good footbraker, I have been as high as 4th in div 2 points and just scored a R/U at the last Southern Stock/Super stock combo race. This car is going to be a first big car for my oldest son who is about to graduate from junior dragsters. I have about 6k total investment in it and on a fun per dollar scale this car kicks *****!!

PS. I have a near new 4.10 gear and assembly kit from my 7.5" 10 bolt that I'll make you a killer deal on if it will fit your rear. Mine broke the posi and I already had the 12 bolt standing by.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Thanks for the replies. I got a good deal on 4.10 gears, and got them installed last weekend. I have a part time transmission shop, so I am building my own 200c transmission from a core I have had laying around for a few years. No one else wants it...I am also getting a good deal on a 4000 rpm converter.

I am kind of building the car from the back to the front. I am going to throw a non-ecm controlled quadrajet and distributor in it, a set of headers/mufflers, and take it to Cecil County to see what it runs. The motor only has 60,000 miles on it, and runs pretty good.

I want to get a baseline on it, and go from there. I hope to have it down there next month.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Dan,

I read Billy Nees' "Under the index for under a grand" start to finish one night, and that is what kind of kicked me in the can to do something. There is still room for the little guy with a mortgage payment to compete. You just have to be creative, and I think Pure stock is the perfect place to start. Kind of how Junior stock was in the late 60's.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Kenny,

I followed the build up on your Camaro, as well. It was also a source of inspiration for me to do something with my car.
I figured, if you could blast on a oem motor with 160,000 miles on it, and have it run that well, (especially with the dollar amount you have invested) I really have no excuse not to at least try to do the same with my bucket of bolts.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

which 307 are you running?
138 HP or 140HP

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

138 hp

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

It sounds like you are off to a great start already Chris! Keep it up and I always look forward to following others racers builds. I have always loved those years Olds. My fave was WJ's black/silver Hurst Olds Pro Stocker.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Go to Dick Millers Web Site.
He has rear suspension components for your car.

I added the Control Arm Brace which joins the lower control arm to the Upper Control arm where the Upper attaches to the Cross Member.
Our 4-link cars have a tendency to crack in these areas.
Cheap insurance and firms up the rear.


Sounds like Pure Stock is taking on a new life...awesome...!

I wonder how it would go if we called it Virgin stock :-)


D

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Gary Burr...need your home address to send your Class Nationals T-Shirt..

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

So Dan,,, would you say Columbus had the largest gathering of pure stockers so far?
Virgin Stock??? Nah, count me out on that name.
Danny Durham

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

YEAH as far as I know to date...!!
Saw 7 at Darlington last year.

As for Virgin Stock...lol..
Yeah...Just trying to get a rise out of the Full Stocker guys.:eek:

d

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I was looking for a MIG welder in the picture you have. I too am in the process of building my own car, a 65 Impala 396/325 car for I/SA . I do have a head start since I have a lot of the "race parts" from my 68 Impala which was sold and restored back to it'd original 427/425 form>I could not afford to have anybody build it, plus there is a lot of personal satisfaction for me too. I fabricated a lot of my own parts too- right now i am finishing the roll bar and interior . (No back seat) I have a thread up here too- when i was racing 10 years ago I would spend 1 night in a motel, 2 nights in my truck! If you really want to race you can find a way! This whole Pure Stock thing is pretty cool-

Good Luck!

Will Lamprecht
NED 65 Impala in progress. I/SA

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Thanks for the well wishes. I probably should have cleaned my shop up a little bit before I took the picture. It was late, and I had never taken a picture of the car. I do have a welder, but it is buried under the junk.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Yeah, I remember that car. I also remember Linda Vaughn posing with it on the cover of Hot Rod magazine back in the early '80's...

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

No worry about how your shop looks ,my shop is about in the same shape right now .I am cheap and a pack rat .

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

There was a car in that picture?
Are you sure?

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I think so...LOL, I know she was wearing a red jumpsuit, and that definitely caught my teenage attention.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I have finally been able to get back to work on project "Olds School". I was delayed for 2015 due to the usual life stuff, but while I was sidelined, I collected all the junk needed for my project. I also got the combo ok'd by Mike Baker. My goal is to run it as a Pure Stocker at a couple of IHRA division 1 races in 2016.

I have built the rear (7.5" 4.10 gears) & trans (metric 200c), and will be freshening the motor this winter. I will do the paint and body work when it gets closer to spring.

Any cheap suspension tips. I believe, according to the rule book, I have to keep the front sway bar. Does it have to be connected? Any tips or info is greatly appreciated.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Dick Miller has all the trick stuff for your suspension.
Especially the Brace which attaches the upper and lower control arms.
An inexpensive upgrade; hardened bushings on the control arms.
The stock ones will break down racing.
Add Airbags.. They make a difference!
Keep the rear sway bar.
Otherwise you OTW ..

BTW what Class are you running in?

Dan

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I am running in I/PS.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I too live in Middletown. glad to see the build back under way. I hope ihra has an event at capitol or Delmar this season, they seem to forget div1 is meant to be (northeast) div. I guess I will see you at mdir or Richmond dragway, good luck with the build!

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

FWIW been recommending Bullet Cams to anyone needing a proper IHRA Legal Pure Stocker Cam.

Contact John at Bullet.
He works with Mike Baker at IHR making sure we get the right product.

What are you planning to run as a rear tire?

Dan

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

It would be nice. Why is Delmar considered a Division 3 track?

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

I am running Mickey Thompson drag radials. I forget the exact size, but they are about 26x14x8.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

That was their choice for what the racers wanted for the bracket finals. It would be a d1 race for pro-am if it ever happens

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Great to see this build back on track

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Got any updates?

D

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Here is the 200C tranny waiting to be installed. I will be finally pulling the motor this weekend, and freshening it up over the next couple of weeks. I have also been working on the interior. I am installing a B&M shifter, gauges, tachometer, etc... I will have some pictures soon.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

COOL !
What ET's are you aiming for?

Dan

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Right now, I will be happy to make the 14.55 index for I/PS. But, I think once I get the combo sorted out, it will go low 14's.

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Just wondering do you have to run the crash bar in the front bumpers and doors or can they be removed?

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

Can the front sway bar removed, and if not, can it be left unhooked from the end links?

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

So long as it done not hurt the safety of the car you should be ok.

Best to ping Mike Baker.

D

Re: Pure stock cutlass build up
 

You can remove it or unhook the links. Not necessary.
Check Dick Millers web site for Bolt On Traction parts.

Good luck
Dan