1974 Oldsmobile Cutlass 'S' review from North America
"A good, reliable friend. Not perfect, but close"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
-The upper rad hose blew out twice.
-Other than that only normal maintenance was required. The car did seem to go through rear tires abnormally quick. Maybe driver error???
I replaced the old point distributor with an HEI unit,8.8 wires, re-curve kit, and the car had the factory dual exhaust replaced with aftermarket duals, performance mufflers and an H-pipe. Not a huge horsepower gain on paper I'm sure but feel it big-time on pavement!
General comments?
Very well built car and extremely reliable considering it's age.
The car handles very well for it's size and weight. Easy to drive and loves to gobble up highway.
I an very impressed with Old's 350 Rocket engine, especially given that this one is the low-comp, smog motor rated at 200hp for '74.
I assume with the exhaust work and modern ignition I added a bit of power but it was pretty much stock from the factory and the car would legitimately do a timed 15.4 - 15.7. Not bad at all for a 4100lb car, low-comp engine with high mileage and bad tires!
This thing actually put you back in the seat, but the gas gauge went with you!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1974 |
| Year of manufacture | 1974 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 350 Rocket Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 167000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 201000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Explorer |
| Date of Entry | 1st September, 2008 |