Hey Dave I have a line On a 65 Olds Starfire with the 425 ultra High compression motor with 4 barrel I think it is the 375 Hp car not sure how to tell. It is pretty loaded up power windows,locks,antenna,rear defrost,console,console tach,a/c, cruise,the big HP motor I think I can confirm it has a 4 barrel and the Ultra High aircleaner. I should have pictures in the next couple of days I have already went over it and it is all there, the thing is nice but not perfect been sitting for a while. just wondering what kid of rep this car has besides being a big heavy boat. Would it be pure stock material?There is a 70 Impala convertible I might get that one and do up a 454 as it has manual Trans pedals in it.trying to decide if I want one of them or not and I am not to familier with the Olds. Thanks Paul
Paul: The Starfires are really neat cars, but they are big. Olds first used the name in 1954 and 1955 on the 98 Convertibles, then came out with unique models in 1961 and ran through the 1966 model year. They're basically a sport luxury 88 with the big motor from the 98. They had convertibles and hardtops. You could get a 4 speed in the 65 and 66's. Used to street race against one in the Ramrod when it was new. Pretty even race from a roll. Typical of GM sport luxury 2 door hardtops of that era like the Grand Prix and Buick Riviera. Plush, sporty and fast. All Starfires had the same high compression 4 barrel engine. 65 used the Rochester 4GC, which hurt it a little as compared to the Q jet that came out the next year. That 425 engine is the first year of the newer Olds Big Blocks and will do everything a 455 willl do and more (forged crank, shorter stroke). It was used until 1967 when they increased the stroke for the 455 and slowed down the RPMs. They also had a switch pitch T400 (first year also) that lends itself nicely to PS racing. They used that in the 65-67 B and C cars, but only in the 67 442's. 66-67 Toros used the same engine with a modified intake manifold (for hood clearance). Had very unique LH exhaust manifold for factory duals to clear the steering box (linkage was behind the crossmember in 65-70). 65 had some wierd valve train hardware that was only used that year. The rocker pivots were a stamped bridge that interlocked into machined pivots. Known for wear and breakage. They also used a 45 degree lifter bank angle and have unique cams, but fortunately not the large .921 diameter valve lifters of the 66-67's ($$$$$) Car itself has dynomite styling for a big car, but can get a little expensive to restore with some very rare and expensive die cast parts that are unique to Starfires. Other than the taillights, all the sheet metal is common to an 88, but Ii think the rear bumper is unique (for the taillights). Not hard to find, but pricey. The body itself is the B body, but has a different rear quarter window and C pillar that's much more sporty than the standard B body. It was shared with the Jetstar I which was a poor man's version of the same car. Interiors are very nice with console and floor shift basically like the 442's. I think it'd be a great Pure Stock car, especially if you could get one with a 4 speed or convert it. Look at the frame very closely for rust problems. Especially right at the front of the cowl just ahead of the side rail. They must have overstressed the metal there as they really rusted bad and almost imposible to fix except with anothe frame from Southwest or Southern parts. You'd look really good in one! Then again, Miller may be looking for something new. That big Blue Buick in his post must be getting stale already, what's it been a week, two? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Here's a pic of a 65 Jetstar I The 65 Jetstar I was the little brother to the Starfire in 1964-1965. It didn't have the unique taillights and rear bumper of the Starfires, but used the regular 88 rear end treatment. It did, however, use the neat unique C pillar, concave rear glass, and 1/4 window. I think it sshared that with the Grand Prix of the same year. Jetstar I's didn't have the ultra cool exhaust outlets in the lower quarter panels of the Starfire (expensive to have plated like all die cast) and not quite as fancy inside either. Here's a nice 65 Jetstar pic and I'll post a nasty 65 Starfire pic in the next post. That Jetstar just happens to be in your color!
and a nasty Starfire This car moves. Another being built in Canada right now that's even nastier. Notice the Mopar hood scoop? Not too shabby. Like that much better than the Rhino look of the rear facing cowl hoods. This shows the large die cast rocker moldings and rear quarter exhaust outlets unique to the Starfire. Pretty expensive to have plated, hard to find non pitted (just like the 65 Cutlass/442's). Very expensive trim panel between the taillights on the Starfires (as are the bumper and taillights themselves). Don't think the exhaust is connected to the factory outlets on this one. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
The Mopar scooped car is listed for sale in the latest Muscle Car Hot Rod Swapper. 455 Edelbrock heads, TH400, four link, runs 11.30's $6900 asking price. Bracket Rats just don't hold their value.
I have seen worse starting points. If you get that car, Fusick in Conn. will be your new best friend. We may have to start a 'Battle of the Barges ' at the pure stocks. We had the small and big block shootouts, just need to carry on to another level! :TU:
I would say if you're into Starfires, that's a great starting point. Must have been sitting for a long time, still has the A/Cbelt installed. Does the engine turn or frozen? Has the very expensive and rare cast wheels on it. As Rusty says, not bad for a start. Nice interior to start with. Brian: Agreed, but these aren't bringing that much unless high point show cars anyway. If the rear frame or trunk floor is rusted out, why not tub it out? Other than that, it'd be nothing more than an engine donor, and is way too big to fit on the back of Casey's sheeny truck.
Hey, it's still got the original maple leaves under the hood!!! :laugh: And the not-so-rare driver's-side, rallye-orange floor mat. Car's got potential......
