80 to 71 chassis

[kingalbrect79]

I currently own a 1971 350 olds cutlass s coupe. I also have purchased a 1980 cutlass with the 455, four speed, and 12 bolt posi. The frame in the 71 is rusted in a few body mount locations and would be too heavy(repaired) for what i want to do to the car, but is repairable. I Want to do a big block swap and repair/restore the 71. My question is was there any deviation for the gm a body frames for olds? I am a hardcore chevy guy, but this is my first olds. If possible i would like to restore the body on the 71, and drop the body on the 80 frame.

Will the body mounts be the same? Are there any differences in chassis length? And are there upgrade parts for a better suspension for the olds?

I know that gm used the same frame for nova, chevelle, malibu, and elcamino with a differnent body for years...is the same applicable for olds? I believe it will fit but i want all the information before i go and start hacking cars.

I am not sure what model the 80 is yet(no badges too lazy to check the vin), but it is a rust free glass t-top..so i will most likely repair the 71 frame, and set the 80 body back down with the 71's 350 so that someone can at least salvage the car so it is not wasted...(i'd hate to see a rust free cutlass scrapped)

My 71 is to be an outlaw street class street/strip car...with EXTENSIVE engine mods...but before i can go that far i need to have a frame..and i'd rather not sub frame the car if i don't have to.

also, are the bolt patterns the same from the 80 to the 71..the 71 came with cutom aluminum rims, i'd like to keep em.

thanks.

[MrPbody]

The "G" body ('78-'87) is similar in design to the A-body ('68-'72) but no, nothing "fits". Wheelbase and width are different.
Camaro/Nova has only a front "subframe" (uni-body design), where Chevelle uses a similar frame to your Cutlass. You should be able to use the frame from any '68-'72 Cutlass (2-door if that's what yours is). A convertible frame is more desirable, as it's "boxed", where the coupe/hardtop frame is "channel". It will add some weight...
It's also possible to use the frame from a Chevelle, LeMans/GTO or Skylark. Care must be taken to insure all the suspension mounting points are either the same or moved to be the same. Width and length are correct. The 4-door car uses a different frame (3" longer wheelbase).