67 or 68 Toro, which to buy

[kathy's husband]

If I were to choose between the two models which one? The 67 supposively has a better "Road Feel", but the 68 has the bigger (Is it better) engine?
My wife says the most important thing is Headrests (Safety) Were they available in the 67 Model? Did they ever make a Standart Trans 66-69 Toro?

[Oldsguy]

Gee, seeing as how most people have some subjectivity involved in selecting a car I would encourage you to consider which one you LIKE better. But, yes the '68 had a 455, it was the first year for that engine but that doesn't mean the 425 isn't a good engine. The 455 in the '68 might have been run into the ground and need a rebuild and the 425 in the '67 might be a pristine 37,000 mile engine. Things to consider. Both engines are torque monsters and both cars are front wheel drive. As for the headrests, I never noticed. I don't remember if shoulder belts were used in '67 or '68 but I have a '69 Delta that had them. That might be a safety consideration. I am pretty sure both year models had disc front brakes as well, so.......

Good luck in your search.

[jdorour]

Interesting question.
I like the styling of the 66 and 67 beter than the 68 and 69.
Some would say that the short stroke 425 is a better design but you would have to agree that the 455 has been proven a robust engine.

Headrests are optional in in 66 and 67 on the standard seat and on the Astro Bench. Disk brakes are optional in 1967. I think disk brakes are standard in 1968 (not sure).

I was once told that the differential was improved in 1968 or 1969. The steering knuckels are stronger castings in 1968.

My fav is the 1966, I like the 1967 but I would take any year Toro if the price was right for a nice car.

Cheers
John

[Oldsmaniac]

My favorite is the 1967 Toro.....I feel that the 425 has more guts than the 455. I base this on a 66 Delta 88 I had verses a 68. The 68 had the 455 and the 66 a 425. The added cubes of the 68 I couldnt notice and the 66 just seemed to have more punch.......As was said, buy what you like.....you wont be satisfied till you do.

[coldfire]

I take it you're planning to keep it stock? Because you could always swap the 455 into a '66/'67...otherwise tough call I like both the 66/7 and 68/9's styling in their own way.
Check this link http://www.kingoftheroad.net/toronad...do-234-web.jpg it sure looks like headrests to me in this '67 hope that helps

[kathy's husband]

Thanks Guys: I guess the question is in the styling. to me the "Classic" toro is the 66-67, but I like the 68 with the huge american muscle grille (The definitive olds split grill). So, what I need in the way of Headrests, Disc Brakes are options on the 67....standard on the 68. Has anyone evere heard of see an Manual transmission 66-68 toro?

[coldfire]

Mmm....I'm not certain, but I don't think manuals were available

[goodwrench1984]

I have never heard of a manual transmission for 1st-3rd generation E body vehicle's and I don't think they ever made them. I worked for a Olds dealer for 15 years.

[kathy's husband]

I always wanted to "Pop the clutch" and see what it would be like with all that weight over the drive wheels. I guess what I heard as a kid was correct....only automatic Toros were made.

[jdorour]

There was never a stick shift Toronado of any year.

[Tusses]

Originally Posted by kathy's husband

I always wanted to "Pop the clutch" and see what it would be like with all that weight over the drive wheels. I guess what I heard as a kid was correct....only automatic Toros were made.

You could always lift the revs THEN put it is drive ;-)

Dont make a habit of it though.

I haven't tried it in the Toro, but the Trans Am has took it on the chin a couple of times. (Easyer to get Tranny's for the TA ! )

Rich

[jdorour]

No need for that!
Just put it in L and mash the gas.
OLDSMOBILE = torque

[Farvardeen]

personally i would say go with the 67... sure the 68 has the 455 but the 66-67 styling and value in the long run is way more appealing, especially since the 425 engine is basically GOLD, i've rarely seen any remanufacturer rebuild those motors cause olds only made them for three years 65-67 and only the 66-67 were specially made for the toronado ... so i say go 67 heck you as one of the guys above said you could always put the 455 into the 67

[sportynut]

'67 had a 425 with 385 HP and 475 Ft#s of torque
The '68 had 455 and yet produced a mere 375 HP and 510 ft#s (lest the forced air induction system , which included such bonus' as HO cams and a higher axle ratio , was opted for bringing the stats to 400HP and 500 ft#s).
As for 'road feel' I believe they were both very simular ( I own 2 '67s and 2 '68s) , they were both very nice driving cars to be sure.

I am looking to sell my collection of 10 cars ('66-'70) should anyone be interested. (3-'66s , 2-'67s , 2-'68s , 1-'69 and 2-'70s) from the lot one could build 5 cars easy !