Bamfer

Hi guy's I just got a 64 Cutlass Holiday Coupe last week and it has a 65 360 hp 425 in it. It has an edelbrock torker intake / carb on it w/ Stock exhaust manifolds. I just read some info in the " How to build MAX- PERFORMANCE Olds V-8s" by Bill Trovato" I'm new to Olds engines and I'm not a mechanic. I know just enough to get in trouble, alot of trouble actually.
I have no idea what else was done to this motor, but it doesn't use any oil or smoke in any way so i think it might have been rebuilt when they ( whomever ) put the intake on. Sounds stock when at idle. So here is my question.
If the HP rating from the factory is correct " Engine code N 360 hp 10.25:1 " In the book on page 92 there is a paragraph about ebelbrock performer heads. Out of the box with no mods adds about 70-80 hp ? And add another 15-20 hp if I add headers and a good exhaust system. So now we are talking 450-460 hp ? Is it really that easy! And if so what will I break when I put my foot in it? lol The car weight is around 3,400 ish so with that hp / torq it should be a hoot too drive. Well guys any thoughts ?

T.

Bamfer

Here are some pictures.

oldcutlass

That is one sweet ride. I don't think you need to worry about breakage unless you really beat it like a rented mule.

oldsmobiledave

Welcome & nice car. More pics please.

What trans & rear end are in the car?...if both are original neither will last long behind that built 425.

Before you break something check out the trans & diff. R&R as needed before adding any more power.

therobski

That is a very nice ride, very true on the supporting cast-the rear end, drive shaft, transmission, better figure out what you have. A 425 will destroy those stock 64 components if you start hot ******* it. Also if you get crazy with that 425 better make sure you can stop... Unless it has been upgraded you can't stop that brick too well at high speeds with a 64 single reservoir drum brake system.

MDchanic

Remember those pre-1972 numbers are for SAE GROSS HP and NOT SAE NET HP.

- Eric

jslabotsky

Pfft! If it's a stock 425, just drive it. Love the car and nice to see a green one that hasn't been color changed.

oldsmobiledave

Bad advice....recipe for carnage. You will find the weak links in a hurry.

Bamfer

Thanks guy's! The brakes are converted to disc's so it stops fine. 2 speed trans, 10 bolt rear end. I think the trans will handle the pwr but rear end won't. I am looking for a 12 bolt or ford 9" I do like the Fern Mist color with the DK Green interior a lot.

64Rocket

If it was mine, I would upgrade the trans to a T-400. It will be a great improvement, IMO.
A Olds Type "O" rear end or as you say a chubby 12 bolt, would be a bolt in. Just have to watch the tire to wheel lip clearance. The 12 bolt needs to be '67 and older to be the same width. Where as the 12 bolt and the type "O" '68 and up will be about an inch wider. If you can find, vista cruiser, Buick sport wgn, rear brakes, for they are bigger, (10x2.5)
Also a nice 2.5 full exhaust sys.

Gene

Bamfer

What if the 10 bolt was upgraded and a posi swapped in. I am not thinking about taking it to the track. If I get on it some it would be just to lite the tires or smoke a new Mustang or Camaro once in a while. Maybe ?

oldsmobiledave

The original 8.2" 10 bolt is the weakest link. Of all the differentials GM used from 1964-1972 this is by far the weakest of the bunch.

It will live thru a few burn outs on street tires. If you want to see a pinion gear shear then put some sticky tires on it & blast away.

If it was me I would swap in a T400 & a 71-72 8.5" with 3.23 or 3.42 gears.

Thanks again for the great pics....very nice car.

Bamfer

Thank you very much !! I will start looking for items you mentioned very soon. And if anyone knows of where they might be purchased that would be very helpful as well.

455man

With those hp #'s. I think they were figured with headers on them pre '72. So adding headers will be getting that 15-20 hp back instead of adding hp. I've read bolting on the aluminum heads will add 50hp but I'm sure it depends on what it's going on. Others might be able to give you are more accurate description of how much the Edelbrock heads will add.

drjr56

Nice car....I notice your car has power steering and breaks,if you would need to take the valve covers off could you do so.I have a 69 442 with power steering,and power breaks.The car has a 455 with Eddy heads,and I don't think I'll be able to get the valve covers off if I need to.....

therobski

Here is a few shots of my 64 rolling chassis. I'm running a very modified 200R4 trans with a Moser 9 inch. Please feel to e-mail me with any questions.
IMG_1785.jpg
IMG_1799.jpg
IMG_1801.jpg

Bamfer

Sweet Engine so far. I have to take the brackets off the get the valve covers off. As you do. I just got the 64 about a month ago and have had some work done on it over the last few weeks so I'm just know getting to know it. But so far I'm very happy with everything I'm finding. Were did you get your get the headers from, And how did they fit ? Did you have to used a hammer to get them in on the drivers side ? I would really like to put headers on my 64 but I have read in forums that they are hard find and never fit well. Your look like they fit pretty good. And what trans are you running ?

T.

matt69olds

Swap the 2 speed trans for a TH350 or TH400. Without changing anything else you will swear the engine has 50 more horsepower. The 1st gear ratio is pathetic in those trans, they work great in a lightweight car with lots of gear and converter. I'm pretty sure the Jetaway trans has a 1st gear ratio of 1.82 as compared to a 2.48 (TH400) or a 2.52 (TH350), that will make a huge difference in acceleration.

TripDeuces

I like that power booster. What brand and size is it?