Oldsmobile
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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V 5.X LAST UPDATED 10/10/2000
V 4.1 Released 12/11/1997
V 4.0 Released 10/16/1997
V 3.0 Released 3/3/1997
V 2.0 Released 10/29/1996
V 1.0 Released 4/12/1996
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Keywords: 442, 88, 98, aurora, cutlass, delmont, delta 88,
dynamic 88, hurst, h/o, hurst/olds, jetfire, jetstar, kettering, olds, oldsmobile,
rocket, starfire, super 88, toro,
toronado, f-85, f85, w-30, w30, w-31, w31, w-32, w32,
w-33, w33, w-34, w34, w-35, w35, w-40, w40, w-41, w41, w-43, w43,
ow-43, ow43, w-45, w45
How to use this Document
I hope you find this FAQ useful. It is an accumulation of knowledge shared
on the Oldsmobile Mail List Server. Enjoy!!
This document is best viewed using a web browser since it is formatted in
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It looks better as well.
Please send your input, suggestions, changes and additions (this is not
a problem hotline, parts locator, or value service) to oldsfaqcompiler@hotpop3.com.
This FAQ is also available from www.442.com,
www.en.com/users/thall,
ftp://ftp.neurobio.arizona.edu/lists/olds/.
The work in progress FAQ is located at
www.inil.com/users/dlbrown/oldsfaq.htm.
It may contain updated information, but may be in a rough, uncompleted format.
For more Toronado specific information, check out the Toronado FAQ at http://www.toronado.org/torofaqs.htm
There are many automotive topic specific FAQs on the Internet, such as oil, gasoline,
etc. Use the search function on your browser to find them.
PS. Read the disclaimer. I've tried to the greatest possible degree
to ensure the correctness of
the content of this document. Unfortunately, even with this attention,
I'm sure there are some outright incorrect items contained here. If you
find them, let me
know! BTW, this address is for corrections and additions to the FAQ,
not a request for help on a problem, "how much is it worth", "where can I
find", etc, questions. Join the Olds mailing list and post your question
there!
David Brown
oldsfaqcompiler@hotpop3.com
OCA, IVOC #27978
Copyright Notice
This FAQ is Copyright © 1996 - 2000 by the members of the Oldsmobile
Mail List Server Community. All rights reserved.
Permission is hereby granted to use, copy and redistribute this FAQ
in whole or part by any means for any purpose so long the following conditions
are met:
-
The distribution is not done for profit. However, authors of sections
in this FAQ are free to use those submissions for whatever purpose they
choose and are not bound by this copyright for their specific contribution.
-
The distributed portion of the document is not modified.
-
The distributed copy contains instructions about where to get the latest
version.
-
If the copy is imbedded in any publication (Print, CD-ROM etc.) one
copy must be delivered to the author free of charge. That delivered copy
will/may/can be used by the Oldsmobile List Mail Server Community.
Any reproduction or distribution of this FAQ in whole or part by any
means, implies agreement with the above conditions. Basically, I want to
the document to be distributed free of any charge and know who is quoting
it.
Disclaimer
I, David Brown, the contributors to this document, and anyone mentioned in
this document, am in no way affiliated with General Motors or the
Oldsmobile division.
While the information contained in this FAQ was carefully collected
and compiled by recognized reliable experts to be as accurate as possible,
there are no expressed or implied warranties that the information contained
herein is correct, of any value, or suitable for any purpose.
If you use this information in any way, you assume full responsibility
for the results of your actions. In no event will the author(s), or others
be liable for any results or the lack thereof.
[ Thanks to Wes Fujii for this information ]
Table of Contents
- How to use this Document
- Copyright Notice
- Disclaimer
- Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Index
- Oldsmobile V-8 History
- Rocket Era 1949 - 1990
- Generations
- First Year Items
- Indy Pace Cars
- Engines
- 1949 - 1964
- What CIDs
- Differences & Similarities
- Varieties of the Early Rocket
- 303 Detail •
324 Detail •
371 Detail •
394 Detail
- Engine Performance
- 1964 - 1990
- Big Block CIDs
- Small Block CIDs
- Is
it a Big Block or Small Block ('64 - '90) Engine?
- Differences & Similarities: Olds BB and SB
- Varieties of Olds Big Blocks
- 400 Detail •
425 Detail •
455 Detail
- Varieties of Olds Small Blocks
- 260 Detail •
307 Detail •
330 Detail •
350 Detail •
403 Detail •
Diesel Detail
- Similarities:
Other GM engines
- Engine Performance
- Cam Bank Angle, Lifter Size
Considerations
- Experimental 455 Engines
- 1995 - Present
- What CIDs
- Engine Performance
- Indy Car Engine
- Blocks
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Block Unit Numbers Detail
- Block Functional
Details
- Big Block 1965 - 1976
- Big Block Identification
- Big Block
Unit Numbers Detail
- Big Block
Functional Details
- Small Block 1964 - 1990
- Small Block Identification
- Small
Block Unit Numbers Detail
- Small
Block Functional Details
- 1995 - Present
- Identification
- Functional Differences
- General
- Oversize Lifter Bore
- 4 bolt Mains
- Heads
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Details
- Intake, Exhaust
Port Sizes
- Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange
- 1964 - 1990
- Identification
- Details
- Miscellaneous Topics
- Intake, Exhaust
Port Sizes
- Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange
- 1995 - Present
- Identification
- Details
- Intake, Exhaust Port Sizes
- Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange
- Crankshafts
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Strengthening/Machining
- 1964 - 1990
- Identification
- Forged 455 Crank
- Pilot Bearing
- Late / Early Model Flex Plate Differences
- Strengthening/Machining
- 1995 - present
- Identification
- Strengthening/Machining
- Intake Manifolds
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Details
- 1964 - 1990
- Identification
- Details
- Port Fuel Injection
- 1995 - Present
- Identification
- Details
- Exhaust Manifolds
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Details
- 1964 - 1990
- Identification
- Details
- 1995 - Present
- Identification
- Details
- General
- Dual
Exhaust Using Crossover Exhaust Manifolds
- Adding An H Pipe
- Pistons, Connecting Rods
- 1949 - 1964
- Identification
- Piston Dish Volumes
- Strengthening/Machining
-
1964 - 1990
- Identification
- Connecting Rod Center to Center Lengths
- Piston Dish Volumes
- Strengthening/Machining
- 1995 - Present
- Identification
- Piston Dish Volumes
- Strengthening/Machining
- Other Parts
- Transmissions
- Automatic Transmission Identification
- Automatic Transmission Comparison
- Automatic Transmission Swapping
- Automatic Transmission Tuning
- Automatic Transmission Rebuilding
- Manual Transmission Identification
- Manual Transmission Comparison
- Manual Transmission Swapping
- Manual Transmission Tuning
- Manual Transmission Rebuilding
- Differentials
- General
- Suspension Air Bags
- Differential Codes
- Gear Recommendations for the Street
- Rebuilding
- Swapping
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Wheels / Tires
- Cams
- Carburetors
- Ignition
- Part Interchange
- Body Panels
- Carburetors
- Crankshafts
- Distributors
- Exhaust Manifolds
- Fuel Tanks
- Heads
- Manual Steering Box
- Power Steering Gear
- Radiators
- Wheels
- Rebuilding / Swapping / Buildup / Restoration / Tuning / Updating
- Picking the Best Big Block
- What Should I Look For in a BB For My Performance Olds?
- Why Get a Toronado Engine?
- How to Tell If
It's a Toronado Engine
- Summary of
Olds 425/455 Engines
- Picking the Best Small Block
- Rebuilding
- Quadra-jet Carburetor
- Pulling Engine
- Rebuilding Engine
- Installing Engine
- Rebuilding Steering Box
- Pulling Transmission
- Rebuilding Transmission
- Installing Transmission
- Buildup
- General Considerations
- Engine
- Transmission
- Distributor
- Vacuum Alternatives
- Swapping
- Brakes
- Differentials
- Engines
- Exhaust Manifolds
- Heads
- Steering Box
- Suspension
- Transmissions
- Restoration
- Body Style Letters
- VINs, Cowl Tags, Build Sheets
- Frame Off
- Cleaning
- Assembly
- Convertible Tops
- Locating Businesses, etc
- Parts
- Paints / Colors
- 1965 - 1976 Option Codes
- W-25 Option Package
- W-26 Option Package
- W-27 Option Package
- W-29 Option Package
- Compression
Ratio Information / Calculation / Comparison
- Calculation
- Comparision
- Information
- Volume Formulas
- The Cars
- W Machines
- W-30
- W-31
- W-32
- W-33
- W-34
- W-40
- W-41
- Hurst/Olds
- History
- Authentication
- Production
- Miscellaneous
- 442
- Meaning(s)
- Authentication
- History
- Production
- Miscellaneous
- Toronado
- History
- Production
- 88 / 98 / Delmont 88 / Delta 88 / Dynamic 88 / Jetstar I / Jetstar 88 / Starfire / Super 88
- History
- Production
- Cutlass / F-85
- History
- Production
- Miscellaneous
- Jetfire
- History
- Production
- Aftermarket
- Special Maintenence / Problem Areas
- Vista / Cutlass / Custom Cruiser
- History
- Production
- Other Stuff
- Basic Tech / Fundamentals
-
- How To
-
- Miscellaneous
- Recycling
- Fluid Disposal
-
- Ethylene Glycol (auto anti-freeze)
- Miscellaneous Fluids
- Build (Bill of Material) Sheets
- Dealer Codes
- Protecto Plate
- Serial and Warranty Plates
- VIN Decoding
- ComfortTron
- Rallye Pac
- Rallye Pac A-body Conversion
- Rallye Pac B,C-body Conversion
- Rallye Pac G-body Conversion
- Rocket Rallye Pac Tic Toc Tac
- Tachometer Reads Incorrectly
- Converting Console Shifter to Hurst Dual Gate
- Hurst Dual Gate Shifter
- Stiff Toronado
Shift Linkage Solution
- 1983 - 1988 G-body T-tops
- Lightened Frames
- Movies With Oldsmobiles
- Songs With Oldsmobiles
- Applicable to All Vehicles
- Replace Your Fuel Lines
- Quick Year Identification
- Alternator Conversion
- Points to HEI Conversion
- Spark Plugs to Use with HEI
- Blower Motor Diagnosis and Repair
- Clock Repair
- Electrical Problem Checklist
- Generator Diagnosis and
Repair
- Radios, Speakers, Impedance
- Stock Looking Radio, Speaker Upgrades
- Wiper Motor Repair
- Aluminum Intake/Head Cleaning
- Removing Calcium
Deposits From Paint
- Removing Cylinder/Head/Piston Carbon Buildup
- Removing Paint Overspray
- Prepping a Car
for Storage
- Road Trip Home
- Starting a Stored Vehicle
- Differences
Between A/C and non A/C Cars
- Radiator Upgrading
- Factory Service Tools
- Online Repair Manual For All Models
- Parts Cleaner
- Putting Out a Carb Fire
- So You Want To Buy That
Car?
- Sources of Additional
Information
- Oldsmobile Mail List Server
- Toronado Mail List Server
- Hurst Oldsmobile Club
of America
- Oldsmobile Club of America (OCA)
- OCA Chapters
- Oldsmobile, Division of General Motors
- Oldsmobile
Enthusiast World Wide Web Pages
- Other National Oldsmobile
Clubs
- GM Historical Services
(Canada)
- Oldsmobile History Center
- RE Olds Transportation
Museum
- Bowling Automotive Programs Web Site
- Grand National Web Site
- Books
- Magazine Reference Articles
- Manuals
- Glossary
- Index
Table of Contents •
Index •
Acknowledgements
History •
Engines •
Blocks •
Heads •
Cranks •
Intakes •
Exhaust •
Pistons
Transmissions •
Diffs •
Brakes •
Suspension •
Steering •
Cams •
Carbs •
Interchange
Best BB •
Best SB •
260 •
303 •
307 •
324 •
330 •
350 •
371 •
394 •
400 •
403 •
425 •
455 •
Diesel
Rebuilding •
Buildup •
Swap •
Restore •
Option Codes •
Wheels •
Ignition •
Comp Ratio
The W's •
The H/O's •
The 442's •
Toronado •
88 / 98 / Starfire •
Cutlass •
Jetfire •
Wagons
Basic Tech •
How To •
Miscell •
All Vehicles •
Additional Information
© 1996 - 2000 by the members of the Oldsmobile
Mail List Server Community. All rights reserved.
Submit corrections and additions to this information to
The Olds FAQ Compiler.