A Fresh Engine Brings New Power!
This deep black 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass SX Convertible is powered by a 455 Olds V8 and arrived at the V8 Speed & Resto Shop with a turbo 400 automatic transmission. These are exceedingly rare cars, with only 357 convertibles built in 1971! The owner wants to use this car often and make it a comfortable and reliable driver, but the Olds Rocket 455 V8 needed some help, so the V8 Speed and Resto Shop engine machine shop went to work.
Cranking It Up
The 455 had scored the crankshaft, and the block required more than just an overbore to create a perfect piston seal, so our engine machining team installed a new cylinder sleeve to repair the block. A replacement crankshaft was aquired, and the 455 short block was rebuilt with new bearings, pistons, rings, and converted to a COMP Cams hydraulic roller camshaft. The new displacement is 462 cubic inches, and it’s topped with Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and intake. Fueling the beast comes by way of a Holley Terminator EFI system, and the RPMs are kept in check with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. However, the classic original appearance of the car and engine are maintained.
Follow along as we improve the drive ability of this rare and sharp 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme SX 455!
What Does Your Classic or Muscle Car Need?
Contact us for any restoration or performance upgrades you’re considering, we do it all in-house, from mechanical work, engine rebuilding, upholstery, rust repair and fabrication, body and paint work, and more!
Photos Of The Rocket 455 Build and Performance Upgrades
