Hi folks... I wanted to introduce myself. I have a 66' Olds F85 4dr that was my grandfather's and then my father's car. In their honor I'm refurbishing this vehicle on my own and with some pros in the area. I'm always looking for advice because I am a novice who really wants to learn. I'll post pics tomorrow, even though she has four doors...LOL

Thanks,
D'Olds

 

4 doors or 2 its a great car. Welcome to the site.

What engine and drivetrain ? From the basic 6 cylinder to the high performance 330 their all great in their own right as well.

 

I’m getting to like the looks of 4drs. They can look sharp with a nice set of wheels. It’s probably that I’m getting tired of seeing the same old coupes and convertibles. Maybe I’m getting old or something!

 

V8 330 cu in (5.4 L) Jetfire Rocket (not turbo) standard 3.385 in stroke; bore 3.938 in/ 2 barrel - I was thinking of switching the carb and intake to 4b

I've done 0-60 in 8.4 seconds, 1/4 mile 18.643 @ about 84 MPH, 3360 lbs - but that's me in the car ten years ago on an open road

All original parts and only 64k miles - about 14mpg - Drum Brakes - gotta change these to discs

Love your Cutlass! Nice car!! Thanks...

 

Hey thanks... some parts dealers are really coupe happy...and I get it... but yeah, this is nice car. I can't wait to get her on the road again.

 

Thank you very much.

I know your engine fairly well. My first car officially was a 67 Cutlass with same engine. Nice performance on your part, I'm assuming the auto 2 speed from those numbers ?

 

Welcome to the group... I have said it before and I will say it again, It's always good to hear of Oldsmobiles with a long family heritage...

 

Welcome to the site, look forward to some pictures.

 

That's right... auto 2... you know your stuff. I wish I did as much

 

Hey thanks... That list is impressive

 

Thank you... looking forward to sharing and learning... probably more learning on my part

 

Thank you I appreciate that. I have about 33 years of being fascinated by Oldsmobile's under my belt. With that said I'm a novice myself compared to some of the members on this site.

With regards to upgrades and performance. Your baby is running really well. I timed my older brother doing a 0-60 run via stopwatch at 8 seconds flat. In my 67 back in the late 80s. It was 3 speed stick with 3.08 rear and 42,000 original miles around that time. She moved well, sink you right into your seat. Bone stock Jetfire just like yours.

Met another 67 330 2BBL at a local hang out back then. Did a few rolling blasts side by side. He was 2 speed Jetaway and we were still side by side. Your torque helps compensate for lack of a "real" first gear. Were it hurts you is 1/4 mile, after 60 MPH the thrust runs out of steam. Now your at 1:1 were a 3 speed is still in 2nd gear. 1 to 1 meaning our transmissions final gear.

As a rule of thumb for cars that run in our performance range. You can normally add 8 seconds to your 0-60 and be close to what it should run in the 1/4. But that equation is off with a stock mildly powered car and 2 speed. Lack of extra gear is the culprit. My 67 ran an 8 and if you added 8 it should run around a 16 flat in the 1/4 mile. If your F85 had a 3rd gear it would as well.

I had all the swaps you are considering done, and was not that impressed with results. Swapped to a 4BBL then dual exhaust. Then eventually headers and a 4 speed manual.

I would consider a timing chain set replacement ( mine went around 100,000 miles and 35 years old, sprocket teeth were worn down to nubs) asap. A 3 speed auto (THM350) would be a huge improvement, a THM200-4R would allow you to get a very aggressive rear end gear without high rpms at normal highway speeds. Then go from there.

You may be pleasantly surprised at the performance improvement from just the additional gear.