I’m a newbie. Not to Olds...my parents had a ‘67 cutlass, a 72 cutlass, a ‘77 cutlass and an ‘80 diesel cutlass supreme. I found this 1964 F 85 hardtop coupe 330 H.C. with 68 k and a blown head gasket. The car is a jet away 2 speed console car. I currently have the 330 at Andy Miller’s Olds Performance and machine. He is boring to 4” for forged pistons, grinding me a performance 45 degree cam and working over the #1 heads for larger valves. I would like the car to run in the 12’s. I found 4.10 ring and pinion gears and a locker to fit in the stock diff. I am thinking a TH350 would be a good replacement for the TH300, but would be fun to have a 4 speed car.




Would like to hear from others about achieving my goals...

 

Welcome! Looks like you found a real nice car. Glad to see another 64.

 

That looks sharp!

 

Welcome to the site.

 

Welcome to the group... Good luck with your project...

 

Welcome to the site. I love the 64 - 65's. Look forward to more postings and pictures. Good looking car. Nice goals 👏

 

Beautiful F85; love that body style! Hope what you have is a limited slip and not a locker. With drag slicks and good horsepower and torque, a locker is a parts breaker in the 8.2 rear end. Just my opinion and experience FWIW.

 

UMI built a 1965 Cutlass to showcase their suspension parts. While I'm not a fan of the wheel and tire combo, the car is very nicely done - and even kept the Olds 330! I saw this car in person on the 2019 Power Tour. It might provide some suggestions for your 64.

https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...t-1965-Cutlass

 

Just a thought. Since your engine is at the machine shop,if you want, you may have them drill and install pilot bushing for a 4 speed . Easier now than later. Good looking car Bassinguy

 

I already ordered that modification. We’re on the same page👍

 

12’s should be no problem for a mild small block, th350, 4:11 gear in a 64 cutlass. Keep in mind you will need a good converter to match your cam, and you will need a good exhaust system. And dont overlook the chassis, getting the car to efficiently put the power to the pavement takes as much planning as building the engine. Keep us updated on the progress.

 

I have 2 original steel head gaskets as the 64 are all bye them selves not the same as 65 330. I can sell them if interested in them. They are factory 330 head gaskets.
Gerald

 

Thanks for the offer. But we are going to 4” on the bores. I’ll check and see if they are what we need.

 

Yes, another early 64-65 A-Body nice Ill be watching the progress.

 

4:10's are going to be hard on the freeway.
stop light to stop light will be great, not so much on the freeway.
looks like a nice car.
good luck.
Gene

 

Thank you Gene,
I agree, according to gear calculator I’ll be turning 3700 at 70. I am building it to be quick and fun not for speed. Want to teach my boy about pushing it on the track not the street. Looks like your 64 is really quick! I would like to learn about your setup.

Jay

 

Any question, any time ;
my email ;
gene@oldsmobileonly.com