Adding Modern Performance And Handling To A Classic Envelope
This cool yellow 1968 Oldsmobile 442 looks great, but the owner wanted better handling, braking, and comfort, while adding more reliable power and a smoother shifting transmission to the car without sacrificing the classic look. The solution is the installation of at Roadster Shop chassis and a 530 HP Blueprint Engineering LS3 V8, hooked to a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
Restoring As Needed
This 1968 Oldsmobile 442 had been restored once, but we discovered some areas needing attention. We replaced the rusty dashboard and performed some floor pan repairs during the process. The goal was to perform the required tasks without re-restoring the entire car. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop team enjoyed bringing this Olds to the next level!
Upgrades With Drivability In Mind
The foundation is a Roadster Shop chassis, which is not only stiffer than the original GM chassis, but it also incorporates improved suspension geometry, stroger parts, and spring, shock, and steering technology over 50 years more advanced than the 1968 design. The end result is a car that drives phenomenally well while not losing the original 442 appearance. Foose Design wheels provide a modern interpretation of the original 442 Super Stock II wheels wrapped with Nitto tires.
LS3 + TKX = Way More Fun!
The 530 HP all-aluminum Blueprint Engineering LS3 V8 engine provides modern and reliable power while saving weight and eliminating old-design leaks. A Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission from Modern Driveline is able to handle over 600 ft-lbs of torque and adds an overdrive 5th gear, all while capable of 7500+ RPM shifts. It is geared to match the rear axle ratio and power curve of the engine, so the hydraulically-clutched 5-speed adds to the fun while being easy to drive. A Magnaflow exhaust provides just enough rumble at idle, with comfortable sound levels cruising down the road.
Enjoying The Drive
Inside, we’ve upfitted this 1968 442 with Dakota Digital gauges in the dash, along with a Vintage Air A/C system to keep things cool. The Modern Driveline hydraulic clutch works easily and smooth, but still grabs tightly. We found this car to be very comfortable and quiet going down the road, until you mash the throttle and wake up the 530 horsepower LS3!
Spec Sheet
Vehicle Overview
- Year/Make/Model: 1968 Oldsmobile 442.
- Color: Saffron Yellow.
- Build Philosophy: Injecting modern performance and reliability while maintaining a period-correct appearance.
Drivetrain & Performance
- Engine: 530 HP LS3 V8 from Blueprint Engines.
- Engine Aesthetics: Block and components painted in a custom-matched Oldsmobile copper color to mimic the original 400 engine.
- Transmission: TREMEC TKX 5-speed manual transmission.
- Engine Management: Holley Terminator X fuel injection system with integrated ECM and harness.
- Accessory Drive: Holley midmount accessory drive system.
- Fuel System: Tanks, Inc. reproduction fuel tank featuring an internal high-pressure EFI pump.
- Exhaust: Hooker cast iron exhaust manifolds mated to stainless tubing and MagnaFlow mufflers.
- Exhaust Tips: Original style Oldsmobile trumpet exhaust tips.
Chassis & Handling
- Frame: Full Roadster Shop chassis made with rigid tubular steel members.
- Front Suspension: Advanced geometry with tubular control arms and a large sway bar.
- Rear Suspension: Tubular control arms with adjustable coilover springs and shocks.
- Steering: Power rack and pinion steering unit.
- Braking System: Oversized brakes assisted by a hydraulic brake booster for linear, high-pressure clamping.
Interior & Creature Comforts
- Climate Control: Vintage Air AC system.
- Instrumentation: Dakota Digital dash featuring analog needles and a multi-function digital display for monitoring oil pressure, temperature, and fuel.
- Shifter: TREMEC shifter configured to exit in the stock four-speed location for an original appearance.
- Custom Fabrication: * Modified transmission tunnel to accommodate the larger 5-speed gearbox.
- Custom-repaired dashboard using modified Chevelle reproduction panels and original Oldsmobile vents.
Wheels & Tires
- Wheels: 18-inch Foose Design chrome-plated wheels styled after the original Super Stock 2 design.
- Tires: Nitto performance tires.
Manufacturers Mentioned:
- Roadster Shop: roadstershop.com
- Blueprint Engines: blueprintengines.com
- TREMEC: tremec.com
- Holley (Terminator X & Midmount): holley.com
- Vintage Air: vintageair.com
- Dakota Digital: dakotadigital.com
- MagnaFlow: magnaflow.com
- Foose Design: foosedesignwheels.com
- Nitto Tire: nittotire.com
- Hooker Headers: holley.com/brands/hooker
- Modern Driveline: moderndriveline.com
Let’s Build Your Dream Ride
The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team understands personally significant vehicles and the freedom they deliver. We can transform your existing ride, or design and craft a custom bespoke automobile tailored specifically for you. We invite you to contact us today to start the conversation.
V8 SPEED AND RESTO SHOP
314.783.8325
Follow The Build
The photos tell the story of how the V8 Speed and Resto Shop team transformed this Olds into a road car that the driver can enjoy all day long. Our team is very experienced in building these type of Pro-Touring Muscle Cars for those who put the emphasis on driving performance. What can we build for you? Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop today to chat about your dream classic, Hot Rod, or Muscle Car!
