Stock gear ratios

[DoubleV]

Too bad the T5 isn't a direct swap for the T50 though. Much better trans.

My friends stock 4 speed 78 came with 2.56 gearing. Don't know if the 260 5 speeds were the same. I'm sure they're close to that.

 

[DoubleV]

Some pics of the 5 speed I just bought but don't have yet. Need to get some rally wheels for it first thing. Those hubcaps are not my style.... Very clean low mileage car but yeah it's a dog. I got my 85 442 for speed though!

 

[oldsmobile joe]

i have two equipped with the factory 5spd. one is a 78 cutlass salon coupe with factory buckets and only 46k on the odometer. the other is a 79 cutlass calais. both are equipped with the power house 260 v8.

I think I read 2.56 was the ratio standard with the 260 5spd. With the .84 OD, one owner claimed 30 mpg.

yes you have accurate info on the gearing. i don't know about the 30mpg, i can't drive that slow.

The T-50 also has the goofy euro-style first gear down to the left and 2-5 are close ratio and in the H... good for "racing".

yes, that dogleg first gear is hard to used to, especially when you also have cutlas with a t56 in it. some days i get confused. but, like mopeds and fat chicks, they are a blast to drive, you just don't talk about it.
joe

 

[olds307 and 403]

Too bad they didn't have a bit steeper gear like a 3.42 and taller OD gear. My 260/2004R/3.42 is acceptable and I should get 30 mpg this next Summer.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

Too bad they didn't have a bit steeper gear like a 3.42 and taller OD gear

i agree. i have several t5's to pick through and several optional rear axle ratios too. if i don't get around to it this winter, it will happen next winter.

I should get 30 mpg this next Summer.

i hope this works out. keep us up to date in this, I'm very interested.
joe

 

[olds307 and 403]

Some pics of the 5 speed I just bought but don't have yet. Need to get some rally wheels for it first thing. Those hubcaps are not my style.... Very clean low mileage car but yeah it's a dog. I got my 85 442 for speed though!

Nice car, I like those wheel covers. 2" dual exhaust and a lot of part throttle timing helps accerlation. I'm sure you are leaving it stock but both those help make it liveable.

 

[64nailhead]

Too bad the T5 isn't a direct swap for the T50 though. Much better trans.

Not much better - at all. If you're keeping the 260 in stock form, then OK, it's somewhat better, but the T50 will work for that powerhouse, so why change it.

I've looked into using a standard and the options are limited once you get into the 300 whp range because our cars' weight unless your pocketbook is full - lol. .

 

[84HO425]

I had a 76 Cutlass my dad special ordered. Had the 260, with a dual jet carb, three speed in the column, and 3.08 geared limited slip rear. When I purchased it from him, I put headers on that power house and dual exhaust, can't remember the size pipe. I would get 31 mpg on the interstate doing yes, 55 mph.
The dual jet was a 4bbl quadrajet with no secondary buterflies. Had plates covering them. We put over 250,000 on that car and I only sold it to pay for my 84 Hurst.

 

[olds307 and 403]

i agree. i have several t5's to pick through and several optional rear axle ratios too. if i don't get around to it this winter, it will happen next winter.

i hope this works out. keep us up to date in this, I'm very interested.
joe

I got 26 mpg imperial last time out, cool fall day and windy, shooting 30 imperial, my car weighs 3750 pounds plus me at 200 more. We use Imperial mpg up here, which is less and it is more realistic for the weight of the car, with me, the emergency parts and spare tires in the trunk an easy 4000 pounds. To compare our 2010 V6 Challenger at a similar weight gets 32 mpg highway. The Olds probably does better in town. My speedo was off but averaged 60 mph. The changes for spring will be the Igniter 3 module and 225/70R14 tires on the back. That will drop rpm 100 more on the highway and be narrower than the 235/60R14 and put my speedo bang on. Should get very close to 30 in good weather and town mileage is nearly as good. Remember this is also non ethanol premium fuel.

 

[DoubleV]

Not much better - at all. If you're keeping the 260 in stock form, then OK, it's somewhat better, but the T50 will work for that powerhouse, so why change it.

T5 can't handle much power but definitely more than the T50. Then you got the T5WC which is even better ( not by much but still ). T5 is easier to find parts for too and there's alot more support.

Why change? Well I didn't say I was gonna but if I did the reason would be better shift pattern and preservation of the original transmission where if it broke I probably wouldn't be able to fix it for a reasonable price.