1975 Hurst Olds W-30 Build

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:44 pm

Finally got around to documenting some of the stuff on this 75 Hurst I picked up over the summer. This is a numbers matching 1975 Hurst Olds W-30 (455/400) that was found by a good friend of mine on the east side of Houston just a few miles from his house. It's in pretty rough shape but well worth sinking some money into. Been working on a few mechanical issues as well as maintenance (tune-up, fluid changes, etc.) and now it runs and drives real nice. Next phase is body work, or should I say, rust removal...and lots of it. I'll post pics and videos as I move along if there is any interest. Hope to get feedback from everyone on the projects I tackle moving forward as this is a learning curve for me since I'm a Chevy guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKXoqimgNbk&list=PLzYQObq377x1-gWxb2_Aw8xC31UK6hFmr&index=1

by Hawk03 Mon Nov 30, 2020 8:08 pm

The more I look at these cars, the more I like them. It looks pretty solid.

by FumiyoG3 Tue Dec 01, 2020 3:03 am

I've always loved those cars, Bill. Looks like a great project. Thumbs up

Good luck!!!

by Iggy Tue Dec 01, 2020 2:05 pm

That looks like a solid car to me, but I am from Michigan. As for Olds info, ask away, as much as I know about Chevy's I seem to know about Olds and Pontiacs! The factory heads from that time frame were not good performance heads, most I have seen were "J" heads, the earlier GA, G (71/72) and E (1970) are better flowing heads. The W30 F & H heads are hard to come by as are the "D" heads used on the early H/O cars. The best flowing stock heads are the "C" heads used from 67-69 on the 425's and 454's.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:38 pm

Hawk03 wrote:The more I look at these cars, the more I like them. It looks pretty solid.

This is not my first choice as far as Cutlasses go, but it's definitely a cool project. My first choice would have be a 75 442 or a 74 Hurst Olds since both have the fast back roof line. Just like the Ride Of The Week! How's your steering column working? Get all the bugs worked out?

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:40 pm

FumiyoG3 wrote:I've always loved those cars, Bill. Looks like a great project. Good luck!!!

Thanks Chris! But I would trade it in a second to have a 73 Laguna set up like yours!

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Dec 02, 2020 1:50 pm

Iggy wrote:That looks like a solid car to me, but I am from Michigan. As for Olds info, ask away, as much as I know about Chevy's I seem to know about Olds and Pontiacs! The factory heads from that time frame were not good performance heads, most I have seen were "J" heads, the earlier GA, G (71/72) and E (1970) are better flowing heads. The W30 F & H heads are hard to come by as are the "D" heads used on the early H/O cars. The best flowing stock heads are the "C" heads used from 67-69 on the 425's and 454's.

Iggy, thanks for the info! I suspected the heads were not the highlight of the engine like most others from the mid-seventies. It's got plenty of power when you hit the gas from stand still but it flattens out quickly. Any ideas where the best place is to look for better heads? Ebay? Craigslist? I've done quite a bit of work in the engine bay replacing the usual like the fuel pump, water pump, radiator... so I'm getting more familiar with these engines. Lots of differences from the Chevy stuff I normally work on. Couple things I've noticed, the inner fenders are plastic and the core support is completely different than my Laguna. Also the cruise control system is completely different. I'll be sending you pm's in the future for your expertise if that's okay. Here's a pic of the engine bay cleaned up a bit.

by Iggy Wed Dec 02, 2020 2:38 pm

Engine looks good! PM me anytime, my knowledge is no good if I do not share it! As for heads, look locally in ads for cars. About 10 years ago I found a 1969 Olds 98 for $100 - pulled the engine and trans, then scrapped the car ($300 for scrap), sold the TH400 for $100 and spend $30 cleaning and crack checking the heads (the exhaust manifolds were cracked). Heads checked out as did the block which also had a nodular crank (another plus for an Olds). By the time I sold the engine parts including the intake (same casting # as a W30) I was $1,000 ahead!

Olds varied compression via piston dish, Pontiac via head chamber size. Olds 4bbl 455's came with larger valves, the 2bbl 455 came with smaller valves and larger dish for the piston. in 1971 all 455's went with the larger dish piston to keep the compression around 8:1. Hope this kind of info helps.

by Hawk03 Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:13 pm

g3chevy wrote:
Hawk03 wrote:The more I look at these cars, the more I like them. It looks pretty solid.

This is not my first choice as far as Cutlasses go, but it's definitely a cool project. My first choice would have be a 75 442 or a 74 Hurst Olds since both have the fast back roof line. Just like the Ride Of The Week!

This should tell you how much I know the differences of these cars, I didn't even know there was a difference in roof line.

g3chevy wrote:How's your steering column working? Get all the bugs worked out?

Its great! No sound and turns with ease. When I had it a part this spring I must have messed up the turn signal harness, I have to manually cancel the signal after I make the turn. Not enough of an issue to make me tear it apart again. I was able to get the horn working a couple of weeks ago. First time I have been able to get it to work since putting it back together a few years ago. It sounds like an old cat meowing but at least it works.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:51 pm

Iggy wrote:Engine looks good! PM me anytime, my knowledge is no good if I do not share it! As for heads, look locally in ads for cars. About 10 years ago I found a 1969 Olds 98 for $100 - pulled the engine and trans, then scrapped the car ($300 for scrap), sold the TH400 for $100 and spend $30 cleaning and crack checking the heads (the exhaust manifolds were cracked). Heads checked out as did the block which also had a nodular crank (another plus for an Olds). By the time I sold the engine parts including the intake (same casting # as a W30) I was $1,000 ahead!

Olds varied compression via piston dish, Pontiac via head chamber size. Olds 4bbl 455's came with larger valves, the 2bbl 455 came with smaller valves and larger dish for the piston. in 1971 all 455's went with the larger dish piston to keep the compression around 8:1. Hope this kind of info helps.

I will definitely take you up on that offer. I should be able to get back on this project next week so I can make a list of things I come across. Here's a video of it running.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33oP76kWN1E

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Dec 02, 2020 11:01 pm

g3chevy wrote:How's your steering column working? Get all the bugs worked out?

Its great! No sound and turns with ease. When I had it a part this spring I must have messed up the turn signal harness, I have to manually cancel the signal after I make the turn. Not enough of an issue to make me tear it apart again. I was able to get the horn working a couple of weeks ago. First time I have been able to get it to work since putting it back together a few years ago. It sounds like an old cat meowing but at least it works.

Hey Hawk, it sounds like the cancelling cam is not working properly. I can send you some parts and a video of how to change it out when you're ready.

by REVINKEVIN / Mr. 600+HP Thu Dec 03, 2020 5:50 pm

Hey, Mr g3chevy, I’m glad to see that car on the schedule. I keep thinking about making you an offer on that car, but I should finish the ones that I have first. As you know, I really want a 76-77 442 so that means that I have looked into the performance side of the 455 Olds. The above comments on the heads are spot on. If you are going to keep the car you might look into this kit from Edelbrock. Kind of expensive but you will have enough torque to enter a tractor pulling event. I am ready to drive the 70 miles across Houston to help you out. I will also buy some pizza...

https://www.edelbrock.com/performer-rpm-top-end-kit-for-b-b-oldsmobile-2058.html

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Fri Dec 04, 2020 12:11 am

That is a slick upgrade kit! That engine would be a completely different animal with that setup. The ironic thing is that it costs more than what I paid for the car lol.

by REVINKEVIN / Mr. 600+HP Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:18 am

Yes it is. I think everything on my car cost more than I paid for my car. Funny thing the value of money. I just sold my LS1 engine for about the same as a head, cam, and intake kit. I just hope that either you or someone who buys it fixes it up. It’s a really cool car. I thought about buying it just for the engine. It just doesn’t seem right to split this car up like that. But if you do, you know my number.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Fri Dec 04, 2020 1:44 am

I know. Most of the vehicles I have I've sunk more money into them than I would ever get back if I sold them. But it sure is fun spending that money! I guess I'll see how far I get on the Hurst by this spring and if the tax man treats me better than he did in the last couple of years, I'll send this beast out for a proper paint job and purchase some of those go-fast goodies you guys have tempted me with.

by 77camino Sun Dec 20, 2020 1:19 pm

g3chevy, don’t want to hi jack your thread, but are the lights in the El Camino bumper and 73 tail pan(hanging on the wall) lit or is that just a reflection from the garage lights. If so, how do you have them wired?

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Sun Dec 20, 2020 2:34 pm

77camino wrote:g3chevy, don’t want to hi jack your thread, but are the lights in the El Camino bumper and 73 tail pan(hanging on the wall) lit or is that just a reflection from the garage lights. If so, how do you have them wired?

Yes, those are back lit with LED "puck" style lights that are programmable and are typically used under kitchen cabinets. These have a remote control to change the intensity, and blinking patterns. I believe I got them on ebay for under $40. I'll make a video this week of how they operate in the various modes and post it to YouTube if that helps.

by 73ss Sun Dec 20, 2020 7:56 pm

That is a nice project g3. Looks like it is all there. What did that come with from the factory for exhaust? Single or dual? Does it have or did it have a CAT from the factory?

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Sun Dec 20, 2020 10:00 pm

73ss wrote:That is a nice project g3. Looks like it is all there. What did that come with from the factory for exhaust? Single or dual? Does it have or did it have a CAT from the factory?

Yes, it's pretty much all there. It still has the factory exhaust system which is single exhaust from the factory. It did originally come with a catalytic converter but the previous owner removed it. The original muffler was in rough shape so I recently replaced it with a Walker direct replacement muffler. Still sounds respectable. Trying to keep it as original as possible.

Here's a video of it running with the new muffler.

https://youtu.be/nUW5-31iTJ0

by Iggy Sun Dec 20, 2020 10:17 pm

Just for information - big block Olds headers usually do not fit that chassis. If you can find some 1970 W30 exhaust manifolds you could fit a dual exhaust and look stock without the fitment issues of headers.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:31 pm

Iggy wrote:Just for information - big block Olds headers usually do not fit that chassis. If you can find some 1970 W30 exhaust manifolds you could fit a dual exhaust and look stock without the fitment issues of headers.

I bet those would be hard to find, but great info. Thanks Iggy!

by Iggy Mon Dec 21, 2020 9:37 am

Ram Air Restorations has some nice reproductions

https://www.ramairrestoration.com/rom-1-olds-hi-perf-exhaust.html

My bad, looked again and they show them discontinued. They used to be about $500 a set before reproductions were made, I used to have two set taking up floor space in my basement, ended up putting a set on a vehicle that was sold several years ago, the other set I sold to a guy putting a 455 Olds in a 1990 Suburan.

by 73ss Mon Dec 21, 2020 6:03 pm

Hard to believe all those cubes had to breath through a primitive convertor. I was wondering if Hurst/Olds found a loophole with the feds.

by REVINKEVIN / Mr. 600+HP Mon Dec 21, 2020 6:14 pm

I would bet that if you could get headers and a good dual exhaust on there, with a little carb work, that the car would pick up around 50 hp. If you added just a mild cam with it you might see 75. Now if we added a complete top end kit and some 10:1 pistons...

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Mon Dec 21, 2020 9:29 pm

73ss wrote:Hard to believe all those cubes had to breath through a primitive convertor. I was wondering if Hurst/Olds found a loophole with the feds.

Yes, its sad that they choked these cars down as much as they did with all the emissions equipment. 1975 was a dark time for horsepower. Although you could still get true dual exhaust on the 1974 Hurst Olds from what I've researched. But I'm sure the catalytic converter was one of the main reasons Hurst and Oldsmobile decided not to produce a vehicle in 76. I believe it was 79 before they partnered again?

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