1966 Jetstar 88 2 door - Very rare!
July 14th, 2010, 05:29 AM
#4
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Nice looking car.
Interesting; the dash shot clearly shows the A-body style slider controls for the heater/defroster as opposed to the push-button style used in the other B and C body cars. Another member of this site pointed out that detail of the J88s not too long ago, and I had previously not noticed.
Interesting; the dash shot clearly shows the A-body style slider controls for the heater/defroster as opposed to the push-button style used in the other B and C body cars. Another member of this site pointed out that detail of the J88s not too long ago, and I had previously not noticed.
July 14th, 2010, 07:08 AM
#5
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Yes, it's a 425, I checked the numbers and asked an appraiser about it and he said that the factories would sometimes use "left over" engines from the previous year. The numbers on the engine indicate it is a 1965 engine.
July 14th, 2010, 07:12 AM
#6
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Nice looking car.
Interesting; the dash shot clearly shows the A-body style slider controls for the heater/defroster as opposed to the push-button style used in the other B and C body cars. Another member of this site pointed out that detail of the J88s not too long ago, and I had previously not noticed.
Interesting; the dash shot clearly shows the A-body style slider controls for the heater/defroster as opposed to the push-button style used in the other B and C body cars. Another member of this site pointed out that detail of the J88s not too long ago, and I had previously not noticed.
July 14th, 2010, 07:17 AM
#7
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Thanks for the close-up of the dash, shows just how clean/pit free the chrome is on the car.
As for the engine, assuming its an 1965 A-head / A-block 425 (or regardless of what big block it is), its 100% certain that a previous owner swapped out the original 330. This is not meant as a criticism but rather to counter to the mis-information that appraiser gave you.
The shift selector (PRNDSL) indicates it has a TH400 if I'm not mistaken, which really makes things interesting (the original Jetaway trans expected in a J88 would have read "PRNDL" I believe). Which means somwhere along the line the trans (and column too ?! certainly the shift indicator..) were also changed.
As for the engine, assuming its an 1965 A-head / A-block 425 (or regardless of what big block it is), its 100% certain that a previous owner swapped out the original 330. This is not meant as a criticism but rather to counter to the mis-information that appraiser gave you.
The shift selector (PRNDSL) indicates it has a TH400 if I'm not mistaken, which really makes things interesting (the original Jetaway trans expected in a J88 would have read "PRNDL" I believe). Which means somwhere along the line the trans (and column too ?! certainly the shift indicator..) were also changed.
Last edited by aliensatemybuick; July 14th, 2010 at 07:28 AM.
July 14th, 2010, 07:22 AM
#9
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This has nothing to do with left over engines or previous years engines.
Jetstar 88s all came from the factory with 330s. And there is more involved than the engine, as basically the whole drivetrain is different and not interchangeable. In other words, they couldn't *just* drop a 425 into a Jetstar 88 without other changes.
If you don't mind, can we start over? With what numbers you have?
July 14th, 2010, 07:29 AM
#10
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Thanks for the close-up of the dash, shows just how clean/pit free the chrome is on the car.
As for the engine, assuming its an A-head / A-block 425 (1965 numbers), its 100% certain that a previous owner swapped out the original 330. This is not meant as a criticism but rather to counter to the mis-information that appraiser gave you.
As for the engine, assuming its an A-head / A-block 425 (1965 numbers), its 100% certain that a previous owner swapped out the original 330. This is not meant as a criticism but rather to counter to the mis-information that appraiser gave you.
The only number I have right at the moment (gotta leave for work in a few) is the block 381917A.
Last edited by 66jetstar88; July 14th, 2010 at 07:33 AM.
July 14th, 2010, 07:37 AM
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As WMACHINE indicated, there are other things unique about the J88s compared to the other big cars. Since the engine and trans have clearly been changed (from 330/jetaway combo to 425/TH400), I now have to wonder about the brakes and rear end. I guess the lighter F-85 series derived rear would hold up and that the lighter (9.5" vs 11") brakes would stop the car with a big block under the hood, but it would not be an optimal combo.
These mysteries do not change the fact that it appears to be a very clean car.
These mysteries do not change the fact that it appears to be a very clean car.
Last edited by aliensatemybuick; July 14th, 2010 at 07:39 AM.
July 14th, 2010, 07:39 AM
#12
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Unfortunately the appraiser is out of his element with Oldsmobiles, and isn't afraid to make his ignorance known. A common problem with appraisers is they more often than not do not have the phrase "I don't know" in their vocabulary even though it is often applicable. Like in this case.
This has nothing to do with left over engines or previous years engines.
Jetstar 88s all came from the factory with 330s. And there is more involved than the engine, as basically the whole drivetrain is different and not interchangeable. In other words, they couldn't *just* drop a 425 into a Jetstar 88 without other changes.
If you don't mind, can we start over? With what numbers you have?
This has nothing to do with left over engines or previous years engines.
Jetstar 88s all came from the factory with 330s. And there is more involved than the engine, as basically the whole drivetrain is different and not interchangeable. In other words, they couldn't *just* drop a 425 into a Jetstar 88 without other changes.
If you don't mind, can we start over? With what numbers you have?
July 14th, 2010, 08:04 AM
#13
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That dash is cool.
The car looks really clean, is that color original??
I love a good mystery.
The '66 manual seems to show that you could get the 425 in the Jetstar with the L-74 option and that the Turbo 400 was also an option?
Maybe I've got my wires crossed?..nothing new.
It's a little hard to see but the one page says the T-400 is optional for the 5200 series at the top and the engine chart shows the L-74 or L-76 option for the 5200?
L-74 is Super 425 V8 4Bbl. hi compression, my '66 option chart doesn't show an L-76??
Check it out and tell me.
The car looks really clean, is that color original??
I love a good mystery.
The '66 manual seems to show that you could get the 425 in the Jetstar with the L-74 option and that the Turbo 400 was also an option?
Maybe I've got my wires crossed?..nothing new.
It's a little hard to see but the one page says the T-400 is optional for the 5200 series at the top and the engine chart shows the L-74 or L-76 option for the 5200?
L-74 is Super 425 V8 4Bbl. hi compression, my '66 option chart doesn't show an L-76??
Check it out and tell me.
July 14th, 2010, 09:15 AM
#14
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I wondered about that THM shift quadrant too, but Vista's shop manual scan clearly shows its availability (planned or actual) in the 1966 J-88. Just because I've never seen one with it, doesn't mean it didn't happen...
Would be weird to have switched all that out on a 30k mile car.
Look close at the build date on the data plate and compare it to the engine numbers, to see how much time discrepancy there is between them.
Handsome beast, whatever its story is.
Would be weird to have switched all that out on a 30k mile car.
Look close at the build date on the data plate and compare it to the engine numbers, to see how much time discrepancy there is between them.
Handsome beast, whatever its story is.
July 14th, 2010, 10:20 AM
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I beleive L-74 and L-76 in the context of the J88 series are 330 engines (and not just because they are indicated as being gold!).
As for the TH400 being an option in the J88 series, that is quite interesting. I did not know that. Aside from the mileage indicated on the speedo, I'm still convinced that the 425 wasn't original to the car, and don't think it that much of a stretch that if the engine was changed, the trans may have been as well.
As for the TH400 being an option in the J88 series, that is quite interesting. I did not know that. Aside from the mileage indicated on the speedo, I'm still convinced that the 425 wasn't original to the car, and don't think it that much of a stretch that if the engine was changed, the trans may have been as well.
Last edited by aliensatemybuick; July 14th, 2010 at 10:31 AM.
July 14th, 2010, 10:39 AM
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Now this, there is no doubt about!
July 14th, 2010, 11:00 AM
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July 14th, 2010, 12:40 PM
#19
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I guess my ignorance is also apparent since I believed him. Another reason I believed him is the guy I bought the car from said he only owned it for a year and had barely ever driven it. He bought it from the original owner and when he bought it, it only had about 30K miles on it. I guess you can't believe what you hear, even from people who are supposed to "know". Thanks for the info again.
And I can tell you that there is not (yet) one place to go that has *all* the *correct* info.
381917 indicates a 330.
But:
There should be a "1" or a "1A" there, not just an "A".
But either way, that engine is would be a '64 330 with a 45 deg lifter bank angle, *possibly* used into '65. But long gone by '66, replaced with the 394417 block with normal 39 deg lifter bank angle.
July 14th, 2010, 12:58 PM
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I would suggest looking at the number again, please. This is the number that is on top of the "shelf" behind the water pump.
Also: If you have the the metal "Protect-O-Plate", that would help. That is the plate that is in the back of the Warranty booklet that goes in the glovebox.
Also: If you have the the metal "Protect-O-Plate", that would help. That is the plate that is in the back of the Warranty booklet that goes in the glovebox.
July 14th, 2010, 01:22 PM
#22
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Wonder how many J-88 had Turbo 400s? ALL of them should have, b/c I doubt there was much difference in the production costs between Jetaway and THM, except on paper.
I'm sorry. An Oldsmobile should have proper D S L shift quadrant. D L reminds me too much of a whiny Powerglide, don't care if it WAS a Buick design. Hm- Buick liked that D L thing too. Matter of fact I think the original 1964 Buick Turbo 400 was P R N D L- I don't think the L2 L1 thing came out till 65.
I'm sorry. An Oldsmobile should have proper D S L shift quadrant. D L reminds me too much of a whiny Powerglide, don't care if it WAS a Buick design. Hm- Buick liked that D L thing too. Matter of fact I think the original 1964 Buick Turbo 400 was P R N D L- I don't think the L2 L1 thing came out till 65.
July 14th, 2010, 01:51 PM
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July 14th, 2010, 06:53 PM
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The 1966 Oldsmobile Product Selling Manual shows the available Turbo Hyda-Matic (M40) as an option for the J88 series.
The 1966 Olds Parts and Acessories Catalog in Group 5.544 Shaft Assy., Propeller has a listing for
1966-J88 T.H. 5697584 drive shaft which was exclusive to this one application.
Henry
The 1966 Olds Parts and Acessories Catalog in Group 5.544 Shaft Assy., Propeller has a listing for
1966-J88 T.H. 5697584 drive shaft which was exclusive to this one application.
Henry
July 15th, 2010, 07:44 AM
#26
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Don't feel bad. We all have to start somewhere and with all the misinformation out there it is really difficult to get a handle on it. What and who you believe can be a confusing. It is simply not easy.
And I can tell you that there is not (yet) one place to go that has *all* the *correct* info.
This is getting a little complicated here. There are conflicting sources of information on the block numbers.
381917 indicates a 330.
But:
There should be a "1" or a "1A" there, not just an "A".
But either way, that engine is would be a '64 330 with a 45 deg lifter bank angle, *possibly* used into '65. But long gone by '66, replaced with the 394417 block with normal 39 deg lifter bank angle.
And I can tell you that there is not (yet) one place to go that has *all* the *correct* info.
This is getting a little complicated here. There are conflicting sources of information on the block numbers.
381917 indicates a 330.
But:
There should be a "1" or a "1A" there, not just an "A".
But either way, that engine is would be a '64 330 with a 45 deg lifter bank angle, *possibly* used into '65. But long gone by '66, replaced with the 394417 block with normal 39 deg lifter bank angle.
Last edited by 66jetstar88; July 15th, 2010 at 07:56 AM.
July 15th, 2010, 04:44 PM
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July 15th, 2010, 06:48 PM
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July 16th, 2010, 06:33 AM
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Thing is, and I mean no disrespect, but you previously assured us the car had a 425 in it. Clearly what happened is that you checked against a faulty aspect of the Olds FAQ (you may have noticed, but there were double question marks ("??") next to that particular casting number entry in that document.
Some of us were skeptical about that. Some pics of the motor (as you posted of the rest of the car) may have kept us from spinning our wheels a bit trying to solve this "mystery" (I assume what paint is left on it is gold? Assuming its original, is the air cleaner black (indicating low compression) or red (indicating high)?). The current situation is that it sounds like your engine IS a 330, but there is still some question about the YEAR as well as which version. It would be good if you WERE sure of any information you posted, especially the casting numbers. The number on the head, and if possble, the engine ID number (e.g. "X001001 with perhaps a "G" or "L" or other suffix) which would be engraved on a pad on the front of the passenger side head (or if they were flipped around during a rebuild, the back of the driver's side head) may help. ESPECIALLY if you have the POP, which should also have the engine ID number on it (and could be used as documentation as to whether its the original head, anyway).
One thing that I am glad came out of this discussion is that I am now aware of the optional TH400 usage in the J88 series cars (I now am inclined to believe that that is how you car was equipped from the factory, and indeed, the POP may clear that up as well).
Some of us were skeptical about that. Some pics of the motor (as you posted of the rest of the car) may have kept us from spinning our wheels a bit trying to solve this "mystery" (I assume what paint is left on it is gold? Assuming its original, is the air cleaner black (indicating low compression) or red (indicating high)?). The current situation is that it sounds like your engine IS a 330, but there is still some question about the YEAR as well as which version. It would be good if you WERE sure of any information you posted, especially the casting numbers. The number on the head, and if possble, the engine ID number (e.g. "X001001 with perhaps a "G" or "L" or other suffix) which would be engraved on a pad on the front of the passenger side head (or if they were flipped around during a rebuild, the back of the driver's side head) may help. ESPECIALLY if you have the POP, which should also have the engine ID number on it (and could be used as documentation as to whether its the original head, anyway).
One thing that I am glad came out of this discussion is that I am now aware of the optional TH400 usage in the J88 series cars (I now am inclined to believe that that is how you car was equipped from the factory, and indeed, the POP may clear that up as well).
Last edited by aliensatemybuick; July 16th, 2010 at 06:54 AM.
July 17th, 2010, 05:42 PM
#34
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11k is alot for a car (rare or not), especially if it has the 9.5" brakes. My first Olds was my father's 65 J88 that I drove for 3 years and had nothing but brake problems.
I always thought the J88 had the 330 with a "Jetaway" 2 speed as standard.
Learn something new daily.
July 17th, 2010, 06:49 PM
#35
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11k is alot for a car (rare or not), especially if it has the 9.5" brakes. My first Olds was my father's 65 J88 that I drove for 3 years and had nothing but brake problems.
I always thought the J88 had the 330 with a "Jetaway" 2 speed as standard.
Learn something new daily.
I always thought the J88 had the 330 with a "Jetaway" 2 speed as standard.
Learn something new daily.
July 18th, 2010, 09:59 AM
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July 18th, 2010, 01:44 PM
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OF9984 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed auto
Interestingly has the THM mated to the mildest engine option.
320 black interior
VV Almond paint color
(Blank where the rear end info goes)
30100=
3 power steering and brakes
0 (no cruise)
1 Deluxe (base AM) Radio
0 (No AC or HD cooling)
0 (No power windows or locks)
If you have X192370L stamped on the front of the passenger side head, then have at least the original heads, if not the wold engine.
So what is there?
Last edited by wmachine; July 18th, 2010 at 01:49 PM.
July 19th, 2010, 07:00 PM
#38
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X192370L is the optional low compression 2-bbl 330 (L-65)
OF9984 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed auto
Interestingly has the THM mated to the mildest engine option.
320 black interior
VV Almond paint color
(Blank where the rear end info goes)
30100=
3 power steering and brakes
0 (no cruise)
1 Deluxe (base AM) Radio
0 (No AC or HD cooling)
0 (No power windows or locks)
If you have X192370L stamped on the front of the passenger side head, then have at least the original heads, if not the wold engine.
So what is there?
OF9984 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed auto
Interestingly has the THM mated to the mildest engine option.
320 black interior
VV Almond paint color
(Blank where the rear end info goes)
30100=
3 power steering and brakes
0 (no cruise)
1 Deluxe (base AM) Radio
0 (No AC or HD cooling)
0 (No power windows or locks)
If you have X192370L stamped on the front of the passenger side head, then have at least the original heads, if not the wold engine.
So what is there?
I just went to your website and checked out your cars, you've got some nice ones! Of course, I especially like your Jetstar.
Thanks again for your help.
Celeste
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