This is my first post. I am looking at 1971 Delta 88 conv, 455/4bbl, posi 2.93, dual exhaust, 5 factory mag wheels, 12x2 rear brakes, excellent original shape, 78,000 mi. Any comments/info on this setup?

 

Get the best one you can find to start with. Little to no reproduction pieces for these. Also check the top frame closely for wear and adjustment.

Mechanically there are no issues with the 71-76 big cars. They were well built and bulletproof, and mechanical parts are easy to find. It's body and trim pieces that will get you.

 

Welcome to CO. Rocketraider is right on the money with his statements. Hope you enjoy your stay with us.

 

Welcome aboard

When you get a chance look for The Land Yacht Club on this forum. I believe you are a candidate.

 

Great place to be and there are lots of big Olds guys on the site to help with any questions you might have.

 

The posi is golden if you are sure it isn't a peg leg rear end. Also, make sure it has true dual exhaust and not duals that Y behind the passenger side manifold. Finally, if it has factory "mag wheels" then they are the SSIVs. These are impossible to find and were only available in 71 and 72. They are a steel wheel with rubber molded to the front. They are somewhat soft and can be easily damaged. If they are in good condition then you are set.

IF that car was in OK or TX I would be all over it like Micahel Jackson on an eight year old boy.

 

It has true dual exhaust, no "Y", I'm confused about the "factory mags" these appear to be cast aluminum w/ trim ring and Olds center hub. Is there some place I could find pics of SSIV, I've been searching and pics seem to be as hard to find as the real thing

 

Here is a picture of the SS IV wheels.

http://oldsjunction.classicoldsmobile.com/ssiv.html

 

Thanks Olds64 for the link. Those are the wheels, alright. Interesting that they even state in the description that they are not Aluminium, I must not be the only dummy who mistook them for being that. There are a set of 5 with this car.
Frank

 

So what are you waiting for Frank? Buy the car, take pictures, post them and let us help you with your project.

 

Still working on getting this car. Took it out for test drive tonite, I've never owned a car of this size (455), it runs REAL STRONG and smooth but idles a little rough. Is this somewhat normal for BB with "point" ignition? I'm planning on converting to HEI if I get it. Also has slight heisitation on normal acceleration, I tend to think both problems are related to carb, 4 BBL. Maybe needs rebuild or some slight tweaking??!!

 

WHAT IS THE CORRECT PAINT COLOR FOR THE '71 455?

 

Medium metallic blue.

Car may just be in need of a good tuneup- plugs, points, condenser, rotor, wires and distributor cap, along with someone who knows how to properly set everything.

HEI might be a little benefit for this engine, but they ran fine with points for years. That's the issue with points now- unless you get some name brand old stock stuff, there are no good points made now.

 

Tune up... sometimes a person can't see the forest for the trees. I'm worried about carbs and miss the obvious, why not just do a tune up??!!

The lack of avaialble points would be a good reason for HEI... agree/disagree?
I'm 62/retired and I put few miles weekly but I intend to drive this car every chance I get and ENJOY it, I'm not looking for "100 points" car.

 

Points are available at any auto parts store for this application. I've never had problems with the points burning out early if dwell is set correctly. Convert to HEI only if you want to. IMHO, HEI ignition is far superior to points ignition; however, points works fine, especially for a daily driver.