Classic car builds and LS engines go hand-in-hand with each other like peanut butter and jelly these days, but while the combination of the two is certainly worth taking a look at, it’s just not as unique as some would like. This week on Big Muscle, Mike Musto drives a 1965 Oldsmobile 442 clone–one that, you guessed it, does not have an LS engine under the hood. What does it have? Well, you’ll have to check out the episode above to find out!
Owned by uber-talented automotive photographer Robert McGaffin, this 1965 Olds Cutlass F-85 is quite the ride. Stout as hell with plenty of weight behind it, the car surprisingly gets up and goes. That’s because under the hood there is a carbureted 461ci Oldsmobile masterpiece that has been massaged with the likes of Edelbrock and Holley components.
Backed by a TKO 600 5-speed transmission, this old-school Olds setup is good for 525hp and 540ft-lbs of torque.
Though she’s as enormously long as the factory intended, and rather weighty, McGaffin’s Olds handles quite nicely, even craving more power in the corners thanks to a Detroit Speed Engineering suspension system, Viking computer-controlled shocks and a Strange rearend encompassing 3.73 gears. Extra gripping power for the car comes compliments of new BF Goodrich g-Force Rival tires, while Baer brakes are on hand for substantial braking potential.
Seemingly complete, the Olds has not had its last laugh, according to McGaffin. In the future, the car will probably be turned into more of a pro-touring machine reminiscent of the 1970s Trans Am race cars. But for now, she works well not only for a project car for magazines McGaffin is associated with, but also as a cruiser for him and his kids. And that’s something we just can’t argue with!