What size motor?
#2
Welcome to the site...
The 2A makes reference to the 260, but the 558916 is not listed...
If the engine is original to the vehicle, the 5th digit of the VIN will identify the actual engine installed at the factory...
The 2A makes reference to the 260, but the 558916 is not listed...
If the engine is original to the vehicle, the 5th digit of the VIN will identify the actual engine installed at the factory...
#3
The ONLY gasoline Oldsmobile V8 installed in a 1978 Cutlass would be the 260, which is what you have. The cylinder heads will also have a 2A on them. I'm betting that the fifth character of your car's VIN is the letter "F", which also indicates the car was born with the 260 motor.
#4
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I will concede that the vast majority were the 260, but certainly not ALL. Absolutely the VIN will tell the tale if the engine is original.
#5
Time to brush up on your reading comprehension. From above:
The Chevy 305 is not an "Oldsmobile" engine. The diesel 350 is not a "gasoline" engine. Both were offered in 1978. Neither applies to the OP's car nor my statement.
Note that I did NOT say "the only V8 Oldsmobile installed".
#7
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Point taken, although not comprehension, more attention to detail. I should have said chevmobile or Oldsmochev engine....
Here's a question though. Why couldn't a special order 1978 Cutlass have other than a 260?
Btw, I never said anything about the diesel.
Here's a question though. Why couldn't a special order 1978 Cutlass have other than a 260?
Btw, I never said anything about the diesel.
#8
#9
Btw, I never said anything about the diesel.
#10
Not disputing your statement or your post Joe, simply providing info to the OP as to "all available options" per factory listings... Since the request wasn't to identify ONLY Oldsmobile engines (he was unsure of actual casting number), the additional info is simply that, info... I do agree, I believe if it is a V8, it is most likely a 260 if factory original, hopefully he will be able to determine that from the info being provided...
#11
Not disputing your statement or your post Joe, simply providing info to the OP as to "all available options" per factory listings... Since the request wasn't to identify ONLY Oldsmobile engines (he was unsure of actual casting number), the additional info is simply that, info... I do agree, I believe if it is a V8, it is most likely a 260 if factory original, hopefully he will be able to determine that from the info being provided...
#12
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
I wonder if emissions requirements were different for Canada back then.
#13
I find that interesting because I bought a 1978 Cutlass Calais off the dealer showroom wit the Chev 305 4bbl. I'm guessing that when you say Chassis you're referring to only the rolling chassis, which would have been shared with the Malibu? Btw, that was a nice performing engine.
I wonder if emissions requirements were different for Canada back then.
I wonder if emissions requirements were different for Canada back then.
Or are we going to argue about the definition of "special order" again?
And yes, in 1978, Canada DID have different, less stringent emissions requirements than did the US - and that difference continued into the 1980s. As an example, the 307 did not get CCC on cars sold in Canada until the mid-80s. US cars got CCC starting with the 1981 model year.
#14
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
The 305 Chevy WAS emissions-certified in the A-body line for the 1978 model year. It was available in the Cutlass line as a regular production option. There was no "special order" needed, just check the box on the order form.
Or are we going to argue about the definition of "special order" again?
Or are we going to argue about the definition of "special order" again?
I would hazard a guess that more cars in Canada were equipped with non Olds V8 Chev power than in the US. I remember how underwhelmed I was with my 1982 Cutlass Supreme's 260.
And yes, in 1978, Canada DID have different, less stringent emissions requirements than did the US - and that difference continued into the 1980s. As an example, the 307 did not get CCC on cars sold in Canada until the mid-80s. US cars got CCC starting with the 1981 model year.
#16
#18
I'll point out as an aside that cars like the modern Mustang Cobra Jet and COPO Camaro are NOT emissions legal and do not come with VIN tags. They are factory built race cars that carry non-certified engines with no emissions equipment and thus cannot be legally driven on the street - at least, not in the U.S. This makes the new Dodge Demon that much more impressive, as it blows those cars away and STILL complies with all US emissions and safety laws. I'm both pleased and amazed that FCA produces that car.
#19
#20
Welcome to Classic Oldsmobile! I hope you enjoy your stay here, find useful and interesting information about your Cutlass, and enjoy your car for years to come!
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