Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser

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Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Manufacturer Oldsmobile
Parent company General Motors
Production 1971–1992
Assembly Arlington, Texas
Class Full-size
Body style(s) 4-door station wagon
Layout FR layout
First generation
Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Production 1971–1976
Platform C-body
Engine(s) 400 in³ V8
455 in³ V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic
Related Cadillac Calais
Oldsmobile 98
Pontiac Safari
Second generation
Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Production 1977–1990
Platform B-body
Engine(s) 307 in³ V8
350 in³ V8
350 in³ diesel V8
403 in³ V8
Transmission(s) 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic
4-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic
Wheelbase 115.9 in (2944 mm)
Length 220.3 in (5596 mm)
Width 79.8 in (2027 mm)
Height 58.5 in (1486 mm)
Related Buick Electra Estate
Chevrolet Caprice
Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight
Pontiac Safari
Third generation
Production 1991–1992
Platform B-body
Engine(s) 5.0 L V8
5.7 L V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic
Wheelbase 115.9 in (2944 mm)
Length 217.5 in (5525 mm)
Width 79.7 in (2024 mm)
Height 60.3 in (1532 mm)
Related Buick Roadmaster Estate
Chevrolet Caprice

Oldsmobile used the Custom Cruiser name on their large rear-wheel drive station wagons from 1971 to 1992. The Custom Cruiser wagon used the same B-body platform as the Chevrolet Caprice, and Buick Roadmaster wagons.

Contents

[edit] First generation (1971–1976)

The first generation Custom Cruiser first appeared in 1971 based upon the C platform. It could seat up to 8 people, and it also featured an innovative electrically operated tailgate that went down into the floor of the car, while the rear window went into the roof. The first generation lasted until 1976.

Oldsmobile's 455 in³ (7.4 L) V8 engine was standard.

[edit] Second generation (1977–1990)

The second generation Custom Cruiser appeared in 1977 based upon the B platform. The second generation was smaller and lighter than the previous generation, and still able to seat up to 8 people. The electrically operated tailgate was replaced by a conventional three-way tailgate.

The new 1977 Custom Cruisers came with a standard 350 in³ (5.7 L) V8. Oldsmobile's 403 in³ (6.6 L) V8 was optional through 1979. In 1978, the 350 in³ diesel V8 became available; it would remain an option through 1985, after which it was discontinued. 1980 saw the introduction of the 307 in³ V8, becoming standard equipment. The gasoline 350 would remain as an option through 1980, but was dropped thereafter.

The Custom Cruiser was slightly restyled in 1980 with a lower front fascia. The doors and window mechanisms were also redesigned to be lighter. On the sides, the woodgrained panels no longer followed the curves of the wheel wells, but were positioned higher on the body sides to give a straighter, sleeker look; however it should be noted that not all Custom Cruisers were equipped with woodgrained panels. 1980 saw the last restyling of the second generation Custom Cruisers. By 1988, the Custom Cruiser became Oldsmobile's last rear-wheel drive car.

Minor mechanical changes were made between 1980 and 1990. The new E4ME electronic carburetor which used GM's CCC (Computer Command Control) system was introduced in 1980 for models sold in California. In 1981, all Custom Cruisers used the E4ME with the CCC system, although Canadian emission cars continued to use the mechnaical M4ME carburetor until 1986. Also new in 1981 was GM's new Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R transmission with overdrive. This transmission was equipped with a lock-up torque converter and a 0.67:1 overdrive ratio. With the new transmission, the Custom Cruiser could be equipped with a numerically higher rear axle ratio for better performance, while offering improved fuel economy with the overdrive range. 1985 saw major changes to the 5.0 L (307 CID) engine's cylinder head design. Introduced were new "swirl port" heads, which improved driveability and low-end torque. These new heads also featured very small intake ports, which reduced the higher RPM power and performance significantly. Along with the new heads, roller lifters replaced flat lifters.

The second generation continued on until 1990.

[edit] Third generation (1991–1992)

The Custom Cruiser was completely redesigned for 1991. . The Olds 307 was replaced by a 5.0 L, (305 in³) Chevrolet V8 engine. This engine was equipped with throttle body fuel injection and was rated at 170 hp (127 kW) The new Chevrolet engine offered an increase in performance as well as improved fuel economy. Also new for 1991 the Turbo-Hydramatic 200-4R was replaced by the 4L60.

Sales did improve over the 1990 model year, with some 7,663 Custom Cruisers sold for the 1991 model run. Sales slipped to just over 4,300 in 1992, however, and Oldsmobile discontinued production. The 1992 model year offered a 5.7 L (350 in³) Chevrolet V8. This engine was also equipped with throttle body fuel injection and was rated at 180 hp (134 kW), and 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) of torque compared to the standard 305's 170 hp (127 kW) and 255 lb·ft (346 N·m) of torque.

[edit] Production figures

1971 Total: 13,981

  • Two-seat (six-passenger): 4,049
  • Three-seat (nine-passenger): 9,932

1972 Total: 24,994

  • Two-seat: 6,907
  • Three-seat: 18,087

1973 Total: 38,921

  • Two-seat, plain body: 5,275
  • Two-seat, woodgrained body: 7,142
  • Three-seat, plain body: 7,341
  • Three-seat, woodgrained body: 19,163

1974 Total: 15,916

  • Two-seat, plain body: 1,481
  • Two-seat, woodgrained body: 2,960
  • Three-seat, plain body: 2,528
  • Three-seat, woodgrained body: 8,947

1975 Total: 16,068

  • Two-seat, plain body: 1,458
  • Two-seat, woodgrained body: 2,837
  • Three-seat, plain body: 2,315
  • Three-seat, woodgrained body: 9,458

1976 Total: 22,316

  • Two-seat, plain body: 2,572
  • Two-seat, woodgrained body: 3,849
  • Three-seat, plain body: 3,626
  • Three-seat, woodgrained body: 12,269

1977 Total: 32,827

  • No breakdown of the number of two- and three-seat models produced is given in Oldsmobile's production figures for the Custom Cruiser from 1977 on.

1978 Total: 34,491

1979 Total: 36,648

1980 Total: 17,067

1981 Total: 18,956

1982 Total: 19,367

1983 Total: 25,243

1984 Total: 34,061

1985 Total: 22,889

1986 Total: 21,073

1987 Total: 17,742

1988 Total: 11,114

1989 Total: 8,929

1990 Total: 3,890

1991 Total: 7,663

1992 Total: 4,347

[edit] Engines for United States models

Generation Years Engine Power Torque Induction
I 1971 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 185 hp (138 kW) 355 lb·ft (481 N·m) 2bbl carburetor
1971–1973 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 225 hp (168 kW) 360 lb·ft (488 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1972 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 250 hp (186 kW) 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1974 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 210 hp (157 kW) 350 lb·ft (475 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1974 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 275 hp (205 kW) 395 lb·ft (536 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1975 400 in³ Pontiac V8 190 hp (142 kW) 350 lb·ft (475 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1975–1976 455 in³ Oldsmobile V8 190 hp (142 kW) 350 lb·ft (475 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
II 1977-78 350 in³ Oldsmobile V8 170 hp (127 kW) 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1977-78 403 in³ Oldsmobile V8 185 hp (138 kW) 320 lb·ft (434 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1978-79 350 in³ Oldsmobile Diesel V8 120 hp (89 kW) 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) Indirect Injection
1979-80 350 in³ Oldsmobile V8 160 hp (119 kW) 270 lb·ft (366 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1979 403 in³ Oldsmobile V8 175 hp (130 kW) 310 lb·ft (420 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1980 307 in³ Oldsmobile V8 150 hp (112 kW) 245 lb·ft (332 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1980-85 350 in³ Oldsmobile Diesel V8 105 hp (78 kW) 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) Indirect Injection
1981–1984 307 in³ Oldsmobile V8 140 hp (104 kW) 240 lb·ft (325 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
1985–1990 307 in³ Oldsmobile V8 140 hp (104 kW) 255 lb·ft (346 N·m) 4bbl carburetor
III 1991–1992 5.0 L/305 in³ Chevrolet Small-Block V8 170 hp (127 kW) 255 lb·ft (346 N·m) Throttle-body FI
1992 5.7 L/350 in³ Chevrolet Small-Block V8 180 hp (134 kW) 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) Throttle-body FI

NOTE All engines, including 1971 are listed in SAE net brake horsepower.

[edit] References

  • Flammang, James & Ron Kowalke (1999). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976–1999. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-755-0. 
  • Gunnell, John, Editor (1987). The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946–1975. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87341-096-3. 
  • Gunnell, John (2003). The Standard Catalog of V-8 Engines 1906–2002. Kraus Publications. ISBN 0-87349-446-6. 
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