Dan Mumford

The number on the top front of the engine is 396021 FA. As best as I can tell, it's a 68-76 engine. To save on a lot of questions . . . 1. I'm in Delmar, Delaware 2. The engine was a replacement for the original 260. 3. The body of the Cutlass is in great shape; only rust is small spot on corner of trunk, and light surface rust on front left fender, needs painting. Almost new tires, upholstery in great shape, headliner needs replacement.

I have a running 455 engine for sale - CHEAP! It's setting in a 1978 Cutlass Supreme which will go with the engine. Pics on request. E-mail me at:boogieman@americancamper.net Oh yeah, the price? $850.00 The head has a "J" in front of the first spark plug and 411783 in the middle. I was told this means it has hardened valve seats and is a '73-'76 engine.

The car is no longer available at this time. dan

I have a 1978 Cutlass Supreme with a 455 Rocket engine for sale. It is in great shape for 26 year old. Solid body with no major rust, solid floor/rocker panels, landau roof, original wheels, great upholtery (except headliner). Engine could use rebuild (small knock, but runs great/used daily) and body needs a paint job. Hate to sell it but I need the money. Pics on request. Asking $1,800.00 If interested, e-mail boogieman@americancamper.net

There is a special puller for pulleys. It fits into the small lip (or groove) on the front of the pulley. DON'T use a regular gear puller on the edge of the pulley itself, you'll only break it. Check out your local Auto Zone for a free puller. (No, I'm not affiliated with Auto Zone, just cheap.) You have to leave a deposit, but you get all your money back when you return it. Dan

Thanks for the reply. Certainly enough to get me going. I'd rather have an older car or truck than a new one any day. Sorry to hear about your Buick. I lost one of my best cars to a slow dog, high speed, and a big tree. It was a 1969 Dodge Coronet 440 with a 383. Swerved to miss a soft dog and hit a hard tree. Thanks again for the help. Starting a new job in a couple of weeks and after I get a back-up car, I'll tear her down and do a rebuild. Dan

If you've read my earlier post, I told you about my '78 Cutlass. Somewhere along the line the original 260 was replaced by a '72-'76 Olds 455. (According to the block number.) It has a loud knocking in the lower front I believe to be a main bearing. It's gotta come out and be replaced. While I'm at it, I want to replace: crank, rod bearings, mains, and seals. I'll check the rest for wear and go from there. (Hey, I'm a poet!) All kidding aside, I want the engine to run the best it can on today's regular gas. I don't need to pull the front end into the air, but I want to make the kid in the pony 5.0 scratch his head when I leave him in the rearview. Any suggestions on low-cost mods? Cam? Carb? The car looks good, solid body, no major rust, but nothing fancy either. We used to call them sleepers "back in the day." Thanks, Dan

If you have an Auto Zone nearby, go in, give them $100.00 for a press. It comes with several size cups and when you're done, return it. It is a free service from Auto Zone. No, I don't work, nor advertise, for them, but I have gotten "loaner tools" from them at no cost. The $100.00 is just a deposit. Dan

I'd start with the basics. You know that after sitting for two years, the gas is bad and the carb is probably gummed up. I'd drop the tank and empty it, clean the carb, change the fuel and air filter and add some carb or injector cleaner to the tank of new gas. Check and/or change the plugs/wires. Change the oil and filter. Check your wires for frays/corroded connections, and check and replace the vacuum lines. Just remember an engine needs four things in order to run. 1. Fuel 2. Spark 3. Compression 4. Timing - The first three need to happen at the right time. The first thing I arm myself with when I get a new (new to me at least)vehicle is a service manual. I prefer Haynes but sometimes use Chiltons. Hope this gets you started. Dan

Thanks for the reply. I figured as much but can't understand why Carfax won't accept it. Dan

I just bought a 1978 Cutlass Supreme in great shape; no major rust, (some surface oxidation and one small spot on left corner of trunk lid) no dents, floor pans like new, seats & dash like new, almost new tires, original rims, even the carpet is in great shape. Headliner and left visor need re-covering. The original 260 has been replaced with an Olds 455 that runs great but will need main bearing replacement soon. I tell you this to introduce myself and my new found friend. I do have one question though. The VIN is only 13 digits and I can't do a search on Kelly's or Carfax. Both say VIN has to be exactly 17 digits. Anyone else with short VIN's? Anyone know why it would be short? Or, is it just because it's an older car? Just cuious, Dan