Oldsmobile

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

[ Oldsmobile Service ] 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
[ Oldsmobile Service ]

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 HTML. It can viewed online or offline with your web browser. When viewing offline, it will appear and work the same as it does online. You will need about 3.0 MB of disk space to store the FAQ in order to view it offline.

The best method of obtaining the FAQ is to download the .zip file that contains everything, from the ftp site. By doing this, you can view the FAQ on your computer without needing to access the Internet! After downloading the FAQ zip file (about 1.5MB), make a directory for the FAQ, then unzip (pkunzip or winzip) the file into that directory (requires about 3.0 MB). Then open oldsfaq.htm (this file) in your web browser. Super fast and reliable!

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Please send your input, suggestions, changes and additions (this is not a problem hotline, parts locator, or value service) to [email protected]. 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
[email protected]
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:

  1. 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.
  2. The distributed portion of the document is not modified.
  3. The distributed copy contains instructions about where to get the latest version.
  4. 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 [ Updated ]
Copyright Notice
Disclaimer
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments [ Updated ]
Index






Oldsmobile V-8 History
Rocket Era 1949 - 1990
Generations
First Year Items
Indy Pace Cars [ Updated ]


Engines
1949 - 1964
What CIDs
Differences & Similarities [ Updated ]
Varieties of the Early Rocket [ New ]
303 Detail324 Detail371 Detail394 Detail [ New ]
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 [ Updated ]
Varieties of Olds Big Blocks [ Updated ]
400 Detail425 Detail455 Detail [ New ]
Varieties of Olds Small Blocks [ Updated ]
260 Detail307 Detail330 Detail350 Detail403 DetailDiesel Detail [ New ]
Similarities: Other GM engines [ Updated ]
Engine Performance [ Updated ]
Cam Bank Angle, Lifter Size Considerations [ Updated ]
Experimental 455 Engines

1995 - Present
What CIDs
Engine Performance
Indy Car Engine


Blocks
1949 - 1964
Identification [ Updated ]
Block Unit Numbers Detail [ Updated ]
Block Functional Details [ Updated ]

Big Block 1965 - 1976 [ Updated ]
Big Block Identification
Big Block Unit Numbers Detail [ Updated ]
Big Block Functional Details

Small Block 1964 - 1990 [ Updated ]
Small Block Identification
Small Block Unit Numbers Detail [ Updated ]
Small Block Functional Details [ Updated ]

1995 - Present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Functional Differences [ Updated ]

General
Oversize Lifter Bore
4 bolt Mains


Heads
1949 - 1964 [ Working on It ]
Identification [ Updated ]
Details [ Updated ]
Intake, Exhaust Port Sizes
Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange

1964 - 1990 [ Updated ]
Identification
Details
Miscellaneous Topics
Intake, Exhaust Port Sizes
Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange

1995 - Present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Details
Intake, Exhaust Port Sizes
Combustion Chambers, CC's, Interchange


Crankshafts
1949 - 1964 [ Working on It ]
Identification
Strengthening/Machining

1964 - 1990 [ Updated ]
Identification
Forged 455 Crank
Pilot Bearing
Late / Early Model Flex Plate Differences
Strengthening/Machining

1995 - present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Strengthening/Machining


Intake Manifolds
1949 - 1964 [ Updated ]
Identification [ Updated ]
Details

1964 - 1990 [ Updated ]
Identification
Details
Port Fuel Injection

1995 - Present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Details


Exhaust Manifolds
1949 - 1964 [ Working on It ]
Identification [ Updated ]
Details [ Updated ]

1964 - 1990 [ Updated ]
Identification
Details

1995 - Present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Details

General
Dual Exhaust Using Crossover Exhaust Manifolds
Adding An H Pipe


Pistons, Connecting Rods
1949 - 1964 [ Working on It ]
Identification
Piston Dish Volumes
Strengthening/Machining

1964 - 1990
Identification [ Updated ]
Connecting Rod Center to Center Lengths [ New ]
Piston Dish Volumes [ Updated ]
Strengthening/Machining

1995 - Present [ Working on It ]
Identification
Piston Dish Volumes
Strengthening/Machining


Other Parts
Transmissions
Automatic Transmission Identification [ Updated ]
Automatic Transmission Comparison [ Updated ]
Automatic Transmission Swapping [ Updated ]
Automatic Transmission Tuning [ Updated ]
Automatic Transmission Rebuilding [ New ]
Manual Transmission Identification [ Updated ]
Manual Transmission Comparison [ Updated ]
Manual Transmission Swapping [ Updated ]
Manual Transmission Tuning [ Updated ]
Manual Transmission Rebuilding [ New ]

Differentials
General
Suspension Air Bags
Differential Codes [ Updated ]
Gear Recommendations for the Street
Rebuilding
Swapping

Brakes [ New ]

Suspension [ New ]

Steering [ New ]

Wheels / Tires [ New ]

Cams [ Updated ]

Carburetors [ Updated ]

Ignition [ New ]

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 [ Updated ]

Rebuilding
Quadra-jet Carburetor
Pulling Engine [ Updated ]
Rebuilding Engine [ Updated ]
Installing Engine [ Updated ]
Rebuilding Steering Box
Pulling Transmission
Rebuilding Transmission
Installing Transmission

Buildup
General Considerations
Engine [ Updated ]
Transmission
Distributor
Vacuum Alternatives

Swapping
Brakes
Differentials
Engines
Exhaust Manifolds
Heads
Steering Box
Suspension
Transmissions [ Updated ]

Restoration
Body Style Letters
VINs, Cowl Tags, Build Sheets
Frame Off
Cleaning
Assembly
Convertible Tops [ Updated ]
Locating Businesses, etc
Parts
Paints / Colors

1965 - 1976 Option Codes [ Updated ]
W-25 Option Package
W-26 Option Package
W-27 Option Package
W-29 Option Package

Compression Ratio Information / Calculation / Comparison [ Updated ]
Calculation
Comparision
Information
Volume Formulas


The Cars
W Machines
W-30 [ Updated ]
W-31 [ Updated ]
W-32 [ Updated ]
W-33
W-34 [ Updated ]
W-40
W-41

Hurst/Olds
History
Authentication
Production [ Updated ]
Miscellaneous

442
Meaning(s)
Authentication
History [ Updated ]
Production [ Updated ]
Miscellaneous

Toronado
History
Production

88 / 98 / Delmont 88 / Delta 88 / Dynamic 88 / Jetstar I / Jetstar 88 / Starfire / Super 88
History [ Updated ]
Production [ Updated ]

Cutlass / F-85
History
Production
Miscellaneous

Jetfire
History [ Updated ]
Production [ Updated ]
Aftermarket [ Updated ]
Special Maintenence / Problem Areas [ New ]

Vista / Cutlass / Custom Cruiser
History [ Updated ]
Production [ Updated ]


Other Stuff
Basic Tech / Fundamentals [ New ]

How To [ New ]

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 • IndexAcknowledgements

HistoryEnginesBlocksHeadsCranksIntakesExhaustPistons
TransmissionsDiffsBrakesSuspensionSteeringCamsCarbsInterchange
Best BBBest SB260303307324330350371394400403425455Diesel
RebuildingBuildupSwapRestoreOption CodesWheelsIgnitionComp Ratio
The W'sThe H/O'sThe 442'sToronado88 / 98 / StarfireCutlassJetfireWagons
Basic Tech How ToMiscellAll VehiclesAdditional 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.