1972 Cutlass

[Bill Howell]

Since pictures are a hit, here are a couple from last week big brown truck delivery. I have bypassed this segment of my last two builds and seriously regretted it. I promised myself never again. Especially since I have gone LS with the cutlass, it just makes sense to me to have modern gauges and these fit both the modern part and the retro look. It is actually cheaper than it cost me to redo the charger dash and hopefully these will work and not quit in six months.
Anyway, these are ready to go in, just need to get other, under dash things done before I pop these in.

[andrewb70]

...No fancy pwm or added expense. Each speed has its own dedicated 75 amp relay.

Clear...You're not that cool...LOL

Andrew

[Motown 454]

Sweet looking gauges.

[Bill Howell]

I have a pile of parts and plenty to do, but today as I take a break from working on it I am doing some research and thinking ahead on some other parts I need.
Question of the day is this, what sound deadening product do you use? Does it have to be Dynamat? Are there other options? I know Dynamat is the one usually mentioned, but I also know that product is pretty heavy for what it is and adds to the overall weight a good bit if you use it in all the right spots.
Is the weight sacrifice worth it? Remember this is to be a driver so I am not sure I am overly concerned with weight but like everyone else, if there is a similar, better priced product or better product I need to look at, I would love to hear about it here. I know the product we used in the charger was cheaper but I certainly got what I paid for too. I would be better served to not have used anything.

[andrewb70]

Bill,

Have a read:

http://www.sounddeadenershowdown.com

Andrew

[724tim]

nice looking gauges do they have the turn signals and high beam indicator built into them.

[Bill Howell]

nice looking gauges do they have the turn signals and high beam indicator built into them.

Yes Sir. actually there are hook ups for the following..... Dim, Check eng, Brake, High, Left, Right, 4x4, Gear and Cruise.

[SSLance]

You are gonna love the Gauges Bill, they are sweet! Had mine in for 2 years now.

I used RAAMAT sound deadener in my car 5 or 6 years ago and was very happy with it, price weight, smell, everything was good.

[Justin@EntropyRad]

This thing moves quickly..i didnt have time to comment on the pusher fans..car looks dope though!

[UMI Performance]

Looks great Bill, looking forward to seeing it complete.

[Bill Howell]

Thanks for the kind words guys. The car is going to be fun when completed I believe and this is a nice winter project for me.
This post is for my reference more than anything but may be helpful to others also when the question comes up.
The 455/400 Olds motor/TH400 without exhaust manifolds weighted in at 874#. That was with radiator, hoses, all factory accessories except the A/C compressor, A/C brackets and A/C hoses. The starter, alternator, PS pump, carb, breather and wiring. This car also had a electric fuel pump mounted near tank so no factory mechanical pump in the weight in. The transmission was drained of fluid, but I am sure the Torque Converter still had some in it, and the engine had oil in it.
Tonight I have weighed the LS2 complete with front drive system, harness, full of oil, starter and factory truck exhaust. Total weight 466#
Then I weighed the ZF (they are always talked about as much heavier than T-56. The ZF with shifter was 139#
Flywheel 30#
GM clutch, pressure plate,bolts and pilot bearing 32#
Still waiting on quicktime 6039 bell housing but quicktime list it's weight as 22#
That brings the LS/ZF and parts to a grand total of 689#

Conclusion is this new setup will be about 185 pounds lighter than original factory style engine/auto transmission set up.
I do need to add the weight of the new aluminum radiator that I have coming to be fair, but that shouldn't be a huge change in numbers.
Also keep in mind the LS was with exhaust manifolds and the Olds was without any exhaust.

Like I said, just sharing that here for future reference but hope at least some find it interesting.

Adding new infomation.. car as roller without drivetrain is 2676# WAG of V/A sure fit is 60#
Net savings on old compressor over new style is 19#
That puts me at about 204 total savings on the drive train swap FWIW.

[garys 68]

Other than gauges, any other plans for the interior?
Also, on sound deadener, I layered fatmat, reflexit, OEM deadener, jute in my 72 Olds. Really quiet, comfortable.

[Bill Howell]

Recovered drivers seat, new vintage air probably new radio. Other than that I like that factory looks just fine.

[Bill Howell]

More parts and pieces came on the big brown truck today. While I still don't have the Holley oilpan to do some test fitting for tunnel snips, I can do some accurate measuring now, and do some test set-up for engine, bellhousing, clutch, throw-out bearing fitment. Also, can tackle the clutch pedal, M/C install, in prep for that part of the equation.

[csouth]

You are really pluggin' away over there! I just need a little heat in my garage to play catch up...lol

[Bill Howell]

Ha Chris, we had a snow day here today also. Garage is not heated but not bad at the moment. I did make a trip to the hot rod shop in Knoxville today and bought a cheaper, off brand underlayment for the car. I decided to do that, at least in the area on the firewall where the V/A install will make access later in that area tough to get to. I do have most everything I need to assemble the car now, I just need to find the time and talent to get all the cool parts put together and in/on the car.

[csouth]

Ha Chris, we had a snow day here today also. Garage is not heated but not bad at the moment. I did make a trip to the hot rod shop in Knoxville today and bought a cheaper, off brand underlayment for the car. I decided to do that, at least in the area on the firewall where the V/A install will make access later in that area tough to get to. I do have most everything I need to assemble the car now, I just need to find the time and talent to get all the cool parts put together and in/on the car.

I'm sure you have the talent, time is another thing....lol I had a coworker offer up his propane heater so I don't have to spend the money right now. I'll be back in business in a few days too...

[gardnerme]

Yes Sir. actually there are hook ups for the following..... Dim, Check eng, Brake, High, Left, Right, 4x4, Gear and Cruise.

Is it going to be push-button 4x4, or are you going to have to get out and lock the hubs? :-)

[Bill Howell]

LOL, AWD on this one so won't need light...

[67cougnut]

Killer project Bill!

Look forward to checking out in person at some point!