What's the difference between 72 cutlass and cutlass supreme

What is the difference between a cutlass and a cutlass supreme in 1972?

I just bought a 1972 cutlass with a 455. The vin number and data plate indicate it's a cutlass, the interior trim says cutlass "s".

The reason I'm asking is because I want to buy headers for the car and most manufacturers have headers to fit cutlasses but not cutlass supremes.

Is there a difference between the frames or engine bays that would make the headers not fit?

Thanks in advance for your help. Louie

A cutlass s has more of a slant back (rear window roof line) while the cutlass supreme is more squared off.

I have a 1984 cutlass supereme and I can tell you for sure that the rear window goes stright down (no slant At all). But the frame and front clip is the same as the regular 1984 cutlass. As a matter of fact my Cutlass "S" is sitting on a Pontic Grand Prix frame of the same year (1984) and everything is the same right down to the suspension, drive train, steering etc. So as far as headers fitting the cutlass "s" It's my best guess that they will fit/work.
As far as I know the "supreme" is the same as the regular cutlass but with way more power options and stuff. Like my 84 cutlass supreme has all of the power options avaible during that year and it has glass T-tops. besides that stuff it still has the same 305sb engine with the 7004r "converter lock-up" Auto tranny, just like the regular cutlass of the same year (1984).
So IMHO the headers will fit as long as its for your 455bb engine. If your in serious doubt ask the manufacture if they will fit or not, They should know forsure!!.

cutlass350

There is a common misconception about header fitment in the 68-72 Olds. Some suppliers say their header will not fit a Cutlass Supreme because the engine is offset in the frame 2". This is total B.S. The frame of a Cutlass S and Supreme are pretty much the same for 68-72.

As for your question about body style. The Cutlass for 72 had a "Holiday Coupe" sort of a fastback. This is the body style almost all 442's were. Supreme is a Sedan type body think "notch back" with a wide rear post. The Hurst/Olds for 72 were either this body style or a convertible. Of course a convertible and a 4-door and wagon was also available in the line.

Hope that answers your question.

I have a 1984 cutlass supereme and I can tell you for sure that the rear window goes stright down (no slant At all). But the frame and front clip is the same as the regular 1984 cutlass. As a matter of fact my Cutlass "S" is sitting on a Pontic Grand Prix frame of the same year (1984) and everything is the same right down to the suspension, drive train, steering etc. So as far as headers fitting the cutlass "s" It's my best guess that they will fit/work.

He's talking about a 72, not a g-body. :biggrin: