A/C compressor was shot.
Rear brake pads.
Carburetor needed to be rebuilt.
Drivers seat buttons had fallen off.
I just purchased this 1985 Cutlass Supreme with only 39K miles. The interior is very clean - headliner is still intact.
All electricals work perfectly with a little wear on the turn signal stalk and gear shifter.
I've had the A/C converted and compressor replaced, and an aftermarket stereo and speakers installed.
The rear brakes needed to be replaced and I've had new shocks installed all around. I also had the carburetor rebuilt.
The paint, vinyl top and original rally wheels are in "like new" condition.
This car was a one owner for many years until it was stolen and recovered in 2005. Since then it ended up in auction and I bought it for $2000 from an independent dealer. It's absolutely beautiful. It's become a project for me to make it a daily driver and enjoy it. I loved these cars back in the 80's, and thought they were of the most beautiful cars on the road.
The car feels heavy and solid. The 3.8 ltr V6 has great compression and runs well. It's not super fast, but competent and smooth. The car has a laid-back driving position and rides quietly and smoothly. Driving it is very nostalgic. I'm surprised that it corners pretty well for its size. I'm looking forward to getting it back to its original state and driving it regularly.
Don't use it as a daily driver. Keep it as a collectible, which it will be before too long.
If the 3.8 has a major problem down the road - which isn't unheard of - you can just slip a nice smooth old 307 V8 in there, rebuilt, for $1,200 or so.
Don't listen to the previous two comments, you drive your car and enjoy it. What is the point in keeping it stored away until 2000 - whenever when it MIGHT be worth a lot of money? And keep the original engine in it. If it craps out, then go with a 307 or Olds 350 if you want, but don't do a swap just because "everyone else's crapped out". But enjoy your car, if you truly waited this long to own one, why would you not want to? You only live once right?
I'm the original poster above. After a few minor body repairs, replacing the heater core (which was leaking coolant), putting in a new battery, and rebalancing the tires- I have to say I have a wonderful automobile. I'm pretty pleased with the performance of the V6 for daily driving, but if it needs a rebuild down the road I may opt for the 307 V8. Everything I read leads me to believe it would run smoother without much increase in gas consumption. Do the V6 and V8 use the same automatic transmission? I read online that the Cutlass downsized to a lighter duty transmission (200 series?) for these cars that can be overwhelmed by the torque of a more powerful engine. So far my transmission has been trouble free.
If you put in a 307 V8, also get rid of the TH-200 that's there already. It can actually barely handle the V6. Get the TH-350 for the V8.
Yeah the 'turbo 350' transmission is probably going to be the cheapest transmission you can find anywhere, and it fits the 307 perfectly. It's also very strong and durable.
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