1962 Oldsmobile 215 Aluminum Engine

One of the cool things about cars from the 50 and 60 was each marquee had the ability and willingness to set their sub-brands apart from each other with design and power plant options.   That is evidenced by the GM’s development of the 215 small block.

 

Used by Pontiac, Buick and Oldsmobile for powering multiple makes/models each GM subdivision add its own unique at aspects.  For this post we are talking about the 1962 Oldsmobile 215 aluminum V8. The Oldsmobile version of this engine, although sharing the same basic architecture, had cylinder heads and angled valve covers designed by Oldsmobile engineers to look like a traditional Olds V8 and was produced on a separate assembly line.

Among the differences between the Oldsmobile from the Buick versions, it was heavier, at 350 lb. The major design differences were in the cylinder heads: Buick used a 5-bolt pattern around each cylinder where Oldsmobile used a 6-bolt pattern. The 6th bolt was added to the intake manifold side of the head, one extra bolt for each cylinder, meant to alleviate a head-warping problem on high-compression versions. This meant that Oldsmobile heads would fit on Buick blocks, but not vice versa.

Most of the 215’s produced 215 HP, however some models came with a turbo.

As is the case with the engine below which is for sale from a fellow gear-head I work with.  It was pulled from a 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire and restored back to factory specs, with the exceptions of harden valve seats etc. to accommodate unleaded gas.  It is set up for 7lbs of boost from the turbo.  It was then stored, here in AZ.

If you are interested drop me a note at AGCARRESTORATION@COX.NET or timsweet@cox.net or just leave a post here and I’ll find ya!!

SOLD!!!

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Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

DrivingLine | Amazing Innovations: Turbochargers

first-turbocharged-car-1962-Oldsmobile-Jetfire-engine-detail. The V8’s 10.25:1 compression ratio resulted in detonation or pre-ignition events, innocuously called knocking or pinging. Controlling the timing of the combustion …

Powerglide: A GM’s Greatest Hit Or Deadly Sin?

The concept was not unknown at the time, of course — the Oldsmobile Jetfire engine had a wastegate, as well as fluid injection. (In fact, there was a switch at the bottom of the injection tank that automatically popped open the …

 

Auto Factoid for Week of Nov. 30, 2014

Hope you all had a great Turkey Day!!

Here is the line up of Auto Factoids for the first week in December!!!

 

Nov 30 1960  De Soto ceases production.  The last De Soto produced were really the Chrysler Windsor, most did not sale, even though dealerships continued to received cars after the brand was terminated.

1961 Windsor

1961 Windsor

1961 DeSoto

1961 DeSoto

 

Way before that on Nov 30, 1900 Germany patented an automobile front wheel drive.  Although this is a common historic fact, there is some evidence that the first production car with front wheel drive was a French car.  There exists a French Patent around 1898 or 1899.  The manufacturer was Société Parisienne and the car was the Victoria Combination.

It was a lightweight two-seater trailer,known as a ‘Victoria’, combined with the back axle and mechanical components of a motor tricycle, but this axle was placed in front of the trailer and steered by a long tiller on which the controls were located. The first examples were powered by 1.75 or 2.5 horsepower De Dion Bouton engines geared directly to the differential, but larger engines of this make were fitted as they became available.

1900 Victoria Combination

1900 Victoria Combination

 

December 1, 1925 GM purchased Vauxhall.  Vauxhall started out as engine manufacturer mainly for pumps and marine use (1857 – Alex Wilson).  They began making cars in 1903.  Here is a video of a 1903 Vauxhall.  They are still producing cars using the Opel name under GM.

One more of it on a road test.

Back 1913 (just over 100 years ago) on Dec 1, Ford fired up the first continuous assembly line.

Ford's Production Line

Ford’s Production Line

And just one day and 14 years later (Dec 2, 1927) Ford began selling Models A off this assembly line.

1927 Model A

1927 Model A

 

Dec 3, 1951 is Rick Mears birthday – one of only three drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 3 times.

Rick Mears in his Formula 1 car

Rick Mears in his Formula 1 car

 

That round out the week.  Thanks for reading Auto Factoids.

Tim

 

If you’d like to sponsor a week of Auto Factoids contact me directly.

#AutoFactoids

Petersen Museum hosts hot rod stamps dedication | ClassicCars.com

I didn’t realize there were models for the stamps!

This is an older article.

The two ’32 Ford highboy roadsters that posed for the U.S. Postal Service’s new Hot Rods Forever Stamps will be shown today at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles during a dedication ceremony of the limited-edition collection.The cars – the red ’32 McGee Roadster owned by well-known collector Bruce Meyer and the black-with-flames ’32 Frank Rogers Roadster owned by Mark Graham – will be at the museum with their owners for the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ceremony, along with U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe and emcee Barry Maguiar, host of the TV show Car Crazy.

via Petersen Museum hosts hot rod stamps dedication | ClassicCars.com.

 

HotRod

Thanks for reading.

Tim

32 McGee Roadster.

32 McGee Roadster.

Shout Out to All Overseas Readers

I never want to take readers for granted.  They are the life’s blood for a blogger and I appreciate all of them.

Here in the U.S. we sometimes think – just by volume of publications that we are the “hub” of the automotive  hobby, but there is so much more in all the countries listed below. Innovation from the land down-under to some cool retro stuff in Japan and some very awesome car shows in Switzerland and all those British cars!!!!

Thanks to all readers in each of the countries below!!!!!  You folks ROCK!!!!!  Keep up the great work.

UK
Canada                          Australia
France                           Mexico
Germany                      Brazil
Italy                              Portugal
Turkey                          Russian Federation
Spain                            Puerto Rico
Switzerland                 Belgium
Japan                           Ireland
Philippines                Malaysia

 

Tim

australian cars

classic japanese cars[ ATTRIBUTE: Please check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/76492175@N08/10151221815 to find out how to attribute this image ]

mustang1

Peter Max Corvette Collection – Ultimate Barn Find? – Road & Track

The long and twisted tale of the so-called VH1 MAX

Artist Peter Max’s Corvette collection headed to auction [w/video]

Sometimes, the stories that lead to cars turning up at auction are as interesting as the vehicles themselves. That’s absolutely the case with the Peter Max (pictured above) collection of vintage Chevrolet Corvette models that are scheduled to cross the

, after sitting for nearly twenty-five years in a series of New York parking garages, has finally come to a close. According to a report in the New York Times, the thirty-six-car collection, which began as a grand prize in a television contest before finding its way into the hands of psychedelic graphic designer Peter Max, was recently purchased by a group of investors with the intent of returning the cars to their pre-infamy status.

via Peter Max Corvette Collection – Ultimate Barn Find? – Road & Track.

DAMN!!!

DAMN!!!

 

That’s an amazing find!!!!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014 – Prt III

Of course I can’t show you all the cars but here are a few that caught my eye.

 

This was a very nicely done '72 Karmann Ghia

This was a very nicely done ’72 Karmann Ghia

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I'd vote this one "BEST  INTERIOR"  it was so well done!!!!

I’d vote this one “BEST INTERIOR” it was so well done!!!!

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Maybe my favorite Mustang at this show.

Maybe my favorite Mustang at this show.

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Engine compartment was fantastic

Engine compartment was fantastic

I loved this  Stang with it's 'come as you are' attitude.

I loved this Stang with its “come as you are” attitude.

Paint job is priceless.

Paint job is priceless.

Can't beat an original 289 HP engine.

Can’t beat an original 289 HP engine.

The sign says "Please Touch"

The sign says “Please Touch”

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British cars were well represented with these two well maintained specimens.

This is a well restored and maintained Spitfire 1500.

This is a well restored and maintained Spitfire 1500.

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Check out all that wood!!!

Check out all that wood!!!

Sharp little car.

Sharp little car.

This TR6 was a highlight.

This TR6 was a highlight.

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More wood!!!!

More wood!!!!

 

I’ve always said that sometime there’s even a mini-car show in the parking lot of  any car show.  Often folks will drive their classic to a car show,  thinking theirs is good enough to enter (Dude, just check out the Mustang above!!!) so they keep it out side.  So don’t forget to looking around after you park, you might even find a good deal.  Check these two:

This Firebird  was there and parked outside.

This Firebird was there and parked outside.

Need some work but....!!!

Needs some work but….!!!

Here's the number.

Here’s the number.

You can't see it from this shot but it a Covair Wagon

You can’t see it from this shot but it a Covair Wagon

 

Thanks for reading.  Coming up the main attraction for this car show – 1911 Pierce Arrow Touring Car!!

Tim

 

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014

This weekend I attended the 8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show put on by the Rotary Club of Tucson. I’ve attend the last 5 of these shows, twice as a participant (once.
8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Garagistry Blog

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Real stories about Classic Cars and the people who own them.

1971 Mach 1 Mustang – Restore

One of my readers stopped by my Facebook page for Average Guy’s Car Restoration, Mods and Racing and dropped me a note about his 1971 Mustang Mach 1 he is restoring.

He wrote: “Guys – been lurking here and can’t get enough. I’m restoring a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 which I just made a video of – would be great if everyone could hit “LOVE IT” on the video link: http://bet.votigo.com/fbcontests/showentry/Ford-Contest-1/137096

Here is the video he posted. Lot of work went into this car.

 

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

1971 ford mustang mach 1

SixDos

RT @Motor_Roar: #MuscleCarMonday 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 http://t.co/3DDyjrJ8LN

Ford Mustang Mach 1

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is an performance-oriented option package of the Ford A 1971 Mustang Mach 1 was featured in the James Bond film,

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014 – Prt II

I could spend all day taking pictures of every car at any car show I attend, but that’s crazy (or so I’ve been told…whatever!!!). So here are some highlights.

Some Corvettes:

C3 and C4 arriving...there was only 1 C4 in the field!!!

C3 and C4 arriving…there was only 1 C4 in the field!!!

One of the beautiful 60's vettes - this one a 1967

One of the beautiful 60’s vettes – this one a 1967

One of the beautiful 60's vettes - this one a 1967

One of the beautiful 60’s vettes – this one a 1967

One of the beautiful 60's vettes - this one a 1967

One of the beautiful 60’s vettes – this one a 1967

Got to love those PIPES!!!!

Got to love those PIPES!!!!

StingRay

StingRay

There were multiple row of corvettes, here's just one.

There were multiple row of corvettes, here’s just one.

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Oh..and there was this other ...Sting Ray

Oh..and there was this other …Sting Ray

Oh..and there was this other ...Sting Ray

Oh..and there was this other …Sting Ray

 

More coming up.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Garagistry Blog

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show – Real stories about Classic Cars and the people who own them.
Tucson Classic Car Show – N2HotRods

Taken in Tucson, Arizona Oct. 19, 2013. Beautiful day in Tucson, AZ. Over 600 cars! 1383526_10202333085394786_257906437_n. Tucson Classic Car Show – Oct. 19, 2013. N2HotRods, LLC. Design By yesimarobot.com.
Tucson Classic Car Show October 22nd » Blue Knights AZ IX

Tucson Classic is having their 5th Annual Car Show on Saturday October 22nd from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Location is the St. Gregory Preparatory School @ 3231 N. Craycroft Rd.

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show 2014

This weekend I attended the 8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show put on by the Rotary Club of Tucson.  I’ve attend the last 5 of these shows, twice as a participant (once with my ’84 Vette and ’70 Mustang and then once again with just the Mustang) and it has never disappointed and it’s on GRASS!!! Yes!!! No hot sticky black top parking lot or weed ridden field, but an actual grassy sports field, it’s fantastic!!!!

This year was no different and in fact it exceeded the past two years by the number of cars, value of cars and in two other aspects.  This year the show was opened up to motorcycles (way cool!!) and toss in the display of one of the rarest early and privately owned cars that hasn’t been seen in public in many years (more on that in next post).

The cars were outstanding as always and covered just about any era, from the 1911 to 2014 Corvette Sting Ray (classic from day one).  I’ll show a few of those in the a later post.

For this post I want to extol the motorcycle corral, it was small – but awesome!

I love getting to a car show early – before all the exhibitors arrive.  Getting my car set up and then watching the other participants bring their cars in.  It’s a great what to select the ‘gotta see first’ cars.  I didn’t make it that early to this year’s event, but was early enough to see the a few of the motorcycles show up and there were some fantastic bikes.   It’s a treat to see someone ride up in one of the first Indian motorcycles or a Royal Enfield…yes….they were ridden in!!!

One of the oldest Indians I've every seen running!!!

One of the oldest Indians I’ve every seen running!!!

Very Cool Bike!!!

Very Cool Bike!!!

There were some other great bikes there, like the Triumph and Norton.

Norton Commando 750 - Awesome bike!!!

Norton Commando 750 – Awesome bike!!!

1976 BMW - Norton in the background

1976 BMW – Norton in the background

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Another great looking Indian

Another great looking Indian

Classic Indian - love the fenders.

Classic Indian – love the fenders.

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So my goal is to get my 1966 Bridgestone Dual Twin ready for next year!!   Fingers Crossed!!!!

Thanks for reading more coming up on the 8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show!!!

Tim

 

DTtucson

2014 Rotary Club Tucson Classic Car Show: http://t.co/XiRYrf8Agq via @YouTube
VeroAmoreAZ

Catch the Vero Amore Fire Truck at Tucson Classic Car Show at the Gregory School today till 4pm!
garagistry

8th Annual Tucson Classic Car Show A WONDERFUL WAY TO SPEND A FALL SATURDAY GREAT WEATHER IS IN THE FORECAST TOO! http://t.co/yrVEEPu6YK

Road Trippin’ in AZ Wine Country – Porsches

What do you when you’ve been married to a wonderful woman for 29 years?  Take a road trip!!  We both have busy schedules so we decided to take a day trip though AZ wine country – which is a pretty drive on any day, but with all the tropical rain we’ve had here in the southern part of Arizona it is lush in the desert!!!!    It was a beautiful ride and we ran into this group of folks enjoying the day as well.

They were from all over AZ and headed to Tombstone for lunch.

Porches at play

Porches at play

Love this 1960!!!!

Love this 1960!!!!

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They were having a lot of fun and I got to talk to John who was co-piloted this beautiful 1960.

Here is a short video of their gathering place.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

#AGCarRestoration

ebaytwhistory2

1960 Porsche 356 B T5 CABRIOLET http://t.co/kmeOHt5siw http://t.co/EU9Rpvmgnn

ebaytwhistory2

1960 Porsche 356 B T5 CABRIOLET http://t.co/kmeOHt5siw http://t.co/EU9Rpvmgnn
SirSupercar

2008 Porsche Boxster RS 60 Spyder & 1960 Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder. http://t.co/UYJk285k0f