So the big Detroit Dream Cruise was last weekend with a zillion classic cars and it made me decide, I would like to have my own car to work on. Unfortunately, I am a new father with a tight budget. My dad pointed out in the drive way of our elderly neighbors who pass on a few years ago that there is a 1981 Cutlass Supreme sitting there I could get for a song. He said that it was driven there and parked 3 years ago, so he knows that it ran as of then. Also said its a V6 engine in it. I guess my question is if I went ahead with this plan, what would be the best engine to use to replace the V6 currently in there? Any other pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Welcome to the site, what engine would be best for you depends what you would intend to do with the car. Would it be just for cruising? would you race it occasionally? would you race it exclusively? No sense in replacing the engine if the current one happens to be in great shape and you don't really "need" more power.

No racing, just cruising mostly. I am really interested in learning more about engines too, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to get something a little more powerful, while learning from my dad and brother about various different aspects of the whole restoration process (including engine replacement).

Hi kevotron,

Welcome to TOC.


Learning the terminology should be your top priority. By definition, a "restoration" is returning it to it's original configuration/condition. That includes the engine that came with it.


What is the best TV channel to watch?


Cruising = There are as many definitions as there are definers.

For some, a trip on the highway at a steady 65 MPH would be called "cruising.

For others, it is "street racing" from traffic light to traffic light.

Still others, define it as sitting in a "lawn chair" adjacent to ones parked car, at a "burger joint" on "cruise nite".

In my case, I have been known to take a cruise, from Los Angeles to Phoenix, make a few high eleven second passes, then cruise back to LA.

You'll need to be more specific?


What do you want to know?


At this point, you have hundreds of options. What's your definition of cruising?

Regards, Norm

Okay, how do i make the car go faster?

Oops, sorry about double post--had a hiccup

Okay, how do I make the car go faster for a person on a budget? As I said I dont have lots of money to spend, but I would like to give it a go. a project with an eye towards making a nice looking car thats has a bit of Ooomph if needed.

You can delete your own post, as long as it is the last one on the thread.


Classic oxymoron. There is an old Rodders saying: "Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go"


Work on the appearance, while you learn about the mechanicals.

Norm

The advice is appreciated. I would still like some advice for future reference though regarding engines. From what I have seen in other posts and sites it sounds like there is a 350 that keeps getting mentioned. Beyond that what would be some of the more common ones that might be used to replace the V6 in this car? Is there one that stands above others for a "bang for the buck" type scenario?

Yes there is. Does that mean it is best for everyone?


If you asked the same question about TV channels, what answer would you expect? When it comes to engine choices, there is no one size that fits all either. Unless the intended application is known, there is no answer to your question.

I smell a troll.

Norm

I have been polite and thanked you for your help and you have been curt, smug and you accuse me of trolling: sounds like you are the troll. Do you feel like a big man because you are trying run somebody else down? Ever hear the maxim: "There is no such thing a stupid question?" I am a beginner seeking advice and your are picking a fight with me. What a joke. Hopefully the moderator who posted on this thread will read it and see that YOU are a troll. Now please get off my thread, I would like to talk to someone who is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

Read his post again.

Norm