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Hello everyone! My name is Tony and I have a 1964 Oldsmobile Super 88 4 dr, 4 barrel (base I think) with a 394. I’ve had it for a few years and I know that I will need help and knowledge from all of you to help me make it the cruiser that I want it to be. It runs (sort of) and drives but not in show shape nor do I want it to.
Before I ask too many questions, I will go through the site to hopefully find my answers and results. Thanks ahead of time for any advice given and I will do my best to follow the site rules.
1964 Oldsmobile Super 88 4 dr, 4 barrel (base I think) with a 394.
The base engine in the '64 Super 88 was a 394 Rocket V-8, 10.25-to-1 compression ratio, 4-bbl carb using premium fuel and putting out 330 hp. The only optional engine was the top-of-the-line Starfire V-8 which had a 10.5-to-1 compression ratio and put out 345 hp.
S88 was the "step up" car for those who wanted more than a Dynamic or Jetstar, but didn't want to turn loose the cash for a Ninety Eight or Starfire. All 1964 S88 were four doors, either the Celebrity Sedan as you have or Holiday Sedan 4d hardtop.
Is the back bumper as good as the front? They tend to rot out at the brackets.
How "sorta" does it run? Transmission shift ok? Be advised "ok" on that transmission is very subjective! Shudder-clunk-lurch on the first shift is fairly normal.🤪
welcome aboard - I'm sure there are many Tampa area board members so you'll hopefully run into some as you hit different shows - follow this link for a monthly calendar of area happenings (Covid-permitting these days)
I typically hit the Plant City, Dade City and Apollo Beach shows (each monthly most of the year I believe) but sometimes I venture across the bay to others near the beaches.
S88 was the "step up" car for those who wanted more than a Dynamic or Jetstar, but didn't want to turn loose the cash for a Ninety Eight or Starfire. All 1964 S88 were four doors, either the Celebrity Sedan as you have or Holiday Sedan 4d hardtop.
Is the back bumper as good as the front? They tend to rot out at the brackets.
How "sorta" does it run? Transmission shift ok? Be advised "ok" on that transmission is very subjective! Shudder-clunk-lurch on the first shift is fairly normal.🤪
Thanks for the info. The back bumper is as good as the front and I have all the chrome trim. Just the interior was changed by the previous owner. It’s not bad but changes will happen in time.
The sorta run is that I’m having issues with fuel issues. I’ll probably change carborator and fuel pump to correct specs. Transmission is ok like you said but will need to be serviced. Just happy to get started.
What carb's on it now? Sometimes those original 4GC 4-barrels can be ornery and they're sensitive to having the correct gasket between the throttle body and float bowl.
Also make sure your distributor's mechanical advance is functioning and not frozen in place. One of my Starfires drove me nuts for years and finally found the advance weights were stuck.