Hello learned Olds mates ...

I am looking for some inspiration and your thoughts ...

How quick on the quarter mile would a 1968 Cutlass be .. it is fitted with a modified 455ci Olds, TH400, 12 bolt posi - 4.11 ratio running 275/60/15's on the back.

I really like the shape of the 68 hardtop and I am torn between leaving it the way it is or making it more practical for the street.

thank you in advance

DSCF0056.jpg

DSCF0059c.jpg

DSCF0055.jpg

 

I like the 1968's too.

Car looks like a survivor car, wouldn't be in any hurry to take it to the track, I'd go through the engine before I'd do that because, well you know.

As is, it could make a few 13 second runs before something lets go, I could be wrong but that's the way it usually goes.

 

Thank you for your response but what would you expect to let go ? Is it because it's a 455 ?

One thing I forgot to mention is that the drive train has only done 15,000 miles since reconditioned.

I have a 1978 Cutlass running a 350 chev that I bought to put an Olds drivetrain in to have a play ... mainly because i would be far less distressed if it hit something than I would I I smashed the 68.

I have a fully reconditioned 403 with a fully manualised T400 out of a local "nostalgic" drag car to put in it ...would the 78 weigh less ?

008c.jpg

014.jpg

013.jpg

 

Low 13's all day long

 

I agree, low 13s should be easily do-able with a 455.

I would think the '78 would weigh a bit less, all things being equal. I'm not sure exactly how much '68s weigh, I think they're lighter than say '70s, but they're still probably around 3,500-3,600 pounds. My '83 is about the same body style as a '78, and with the 455, a TH350, a 7.5" and 14" wheels with small tires, it weighed 3,340 with a full tank of gas.

I wouldn't be too worried about the 455 if it's been rebuilt. I'm not aware of any specific problems. Oil drain-back is open to debate, but there are voices on both sides of that. I'm guessing SBOrule's comments were based on if it was an original engine, never opened up.

 

Thanks Mike

I am kind of lucky here in Aus because most people don't know what an Oldsmobile is

I bought a fully reconditioned 403 & manualized TH400 with ratchet shifter .. only run for 20mins to run in the cam for AU$780 !!

Last week I bought a lumpy cammed 350ci Olds with performance pistons and custom headers, out of an Aussie Holden Show car for $400 !

Loving the bargains ... it makes having a play with them really affordable

 

G lds

 

That's unbelievable, some guys here say they can't even find Olds motors. Of course, they just don't know where to look. But still, $800 for a new motor and trans is a great deal.

 

Milke,

Olds motors are certainly not common here ... when I sent my 67 Delta 88's 425 off to get rebuilt none of the rebuiders books had that size listed !

It turn out to be too far gone anyway and I was lucky to find a 455ci Olds out of a 74 Cutlass apparently and they reconditioned that out to 463ci... I supplied then with roller rockers, M/T alloy rocker covers, an Edelbrock Torker manifold and more ... and it still owes me about $10,000 after having to purchase the dismantled motor for $1700.

here's some pics - ( last one is to show paint job colour on the 67)

DSCF0013.jpg
Just after 463ci reconditioned

DSCF0003.jpg
Installed in my Delta 88 Custom ... the throttle bodies on top are for running LPGas as fuel

DSCF0005.jpg
This colour is "Brandywine Candy" over silver HoK