Hey guys, i just purchased a 1976 Olds Omega SX. The car is very original and has a V8 with 5-speed transmission.

Now im very new to old american cars, im a huge european car enthusiest, however i know that by the mid-70s muscle/hp was out and fuel economy was in. Most of the exciting cars were gone.

So im assuming there are not many V8/5-speed Omega SX built in 1976. Can anyone give me any info on these cars. Thank You.

 

Welcome to CO. Yes the five speed gearbox was combined with the little 260 V8 to provide better gas mileage than the larger 350 V8 would deliver. This was a new option for 1976. The V8 was an optional engine for the Omega that year over the baseline six. No production numbers on the SX package though, sorry.

 

Welcome to the site! It may be a scarce car, but not much for muscle. Try searching threads for the 260 engine, I'm guessing that's what it has. The 260 had very low compression and the 5 speed wouldn't take the torque of a much stronger engine. But you do have the pedal assemblies, transmission hump, floor shift dash parts, etc. so if the day comes that you want to put in a 350 or 455 with a stronger 4 or 5 speed transmission you've got a great platform to build on! John

 

Congrats. You are correct, this was not a popular powertrain. The T5 transmission is unfortunately not the strongest and the pavement-ripping 260 was the largest motor Old put in front of it.

The good news is that any Olds small block is a direct replacement for your 260 if you choose. You will need to upgrade to a stronger version of that trans, however.

 

Welcome to the site. John has the right idea. You have got the makings for a muscle car. Nice 350 or 455 and a stronger transmission and your good to go.