Going out on a limb

jeffrey · October 17th, 2007, 06:50 PM

Hi, All, I'm going to ask a question, and I know how this is going to sound. But I'm compelled to ask anyway. An elderly gentleman who I respect very much (and who KNOWS vintage cars) told me that there was something about the frame geometery or suspension/drivetrain of a '50 oldsmobile that would cause the rear end to LIFT during acceleration from a dead stop

Is this correct? Thanks, Jeff

88 coupe · October 18th, 2007, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrey

........ that would cause the rear end to ........

Not just the rear, the whole car. '49-'51 88s were well known for doing just that.

Simple coil spring/ladder bar suspension, pushed the tires toward the ground to improve weight transfer/traction. Downforce caused the rear to rise, along with the front.

With the 461 and original suspension, my Grey Coupe would 60' in the high 1.5s, on a good day,

Norm

jeffrey · October 18th, 2007, 08:37 PM

Thats Wonderful, Literally, Not only was he correct, he understated the truth (a rare trait these days). The oldest Oldsmobile that I own (of 4) is a '53 88 which was damaged in a wreck and barely runs, much less jumps into the air. You're 60' times are awesome even by todays standards, do you still have "the Grey Coupe"? Thanks, Norm, Jeff

88 coupe · October 19th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffrey

........ do you still have "the Grey Coupe"?

Yes, in addition to my Red Coupe.

Norm

October 17th, 2007, 06:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
jeffrey Rocketeer Jr. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 130	Going out on a limb Hi, All, I'm going to ask a question, and I know how this is going to sound. But I'm compelled to ask anyway. An elderly gentleman who I respect very much (and who KNOWS vintage cars) told me that there was something about the frame geometery or suspension/drivetrain of a '50 oldsmobile that would cause the rear end to LIFT during acceleration from a dead stop Is this correct? Thanks, Jeff

October 18th, 2007, 08:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
jeffrey Rocketeer Jr. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 130	Thats Wonderful, Literally, Not only was he correct, he understated the truth (a rare trait these days). The oldest Oldsmobile that I own (of 4) is a '53 88 which was damaged in a wreck and barely runs, much less jumps into the air. You're 60' times are awesome even by todays standards, do you still have "the Grey Coupe"? Thanks, Norm, Jeff Last edited by jeffrey; October 18th, 2007 at 09:12 PM.. Reason: caps

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