I am gearing up for a resto on my 65 F-85 Cutlass Convertable. I am debating the resto-rod/original dilemma. The car has a 330 hi comp 310 hp engine so if I wanted to go with a higher hp motor or rebuild what would be the limits of the Jet a way 2 speed trans? I believe I have heard these are great drag strip transmissions, so are they strong stock or are they building them up for racing?
Thanks to all--great site.

 

Match to a rear gear that will have your engine taching out at the end of a quarter mile ...

 

News to me. Do not confuse the Jetaway with the Powerglide. They are completely different. There are millions of beefed aftermarket parts for the PG, none for the Jetaway. As for drag strip suitability, that is a function of the motor and the car. Powerglides are used for drag racing because there is only a single shift during the quarter mile, which helps ET. This is ONLY true if you have an engine with a power band matched to the gear ratios and a relatively lightweight car. I doubt a two speed auto would be suitable for a heavier car on the track.

The Jetaway WAS used behind the Olds 400 motor in the 65-66 442s.

 

A two speed trans is going to limit you. Have you checked out what gearhead78 has done to his car its one good example how to set up a mid 60's Cutlass with a 330, and he would answer any questions you have, and has a lot of information about his car on the site.

 

Joe,
I am sure you are correct about the powerglide. I assumed that the GM 2 speeds from that era were the same with just the name being different (powerglide vs jetaway) Seems people are not too hot on the jetaways. I like it. It is certainly different to have a 2 speed car. I undersand it is not a real wheel spinner but it has been in the car for 44 years now with no rebuild that I know of. Still shifts real solid.What was the HP and torque on the 400 in 65?

 

I think your going to find that the jetaway trans is amazingly expensive to build. I just had one done for a dynamic 88. After the fact I wish I had sent a turbo 400 case out and had it modified. I dont remember the fellows name that modifys the cases, but I know he can do a 400 or even a 700r4/4l60e if you want. I think it would have driven/functioned much more nicely. I do know that the floor needs to be clearanced for a t-400

 

If you want to keep the car correct then rebuilt the trans but if you want it to haul @#% then get something else...I had a jetaway (super turbine 300) in my 65 Cutlass rebuilt in 1975 thinking I could beef it up...Nope...

My 442 still has its ST300...gonna rebuild/freshen it up it to keep it correct...but I dont expect too much out of it other than reliability...