JetFire

[69SSZL1]

Brought this home today, been in a garage for 20+years, factory all aluminum Turbocharged V8, all original:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06240_zps4c95389c.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06240_zps4c95389c.jpg.html)


If you don't know what it is, see this:
<object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/iieDedNEYuI"></param> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/iieDedNEYuI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"> </embed></object>

[travlnz28]

Greg,

Congratulations. Tell us more about how you found it and include some pics!

Gregg

[69SSZL1]

Factory boost gauge:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06284_zps76277f3b.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06284_zps76277f3b.jpg.html)

Factory Turbo, carb, and injection unit going out for restoration:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06353_zpsf1f1b013.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06353_zpsf1f1b013.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06352_zps057516d1.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06352_zps057516d1.jpg.html)

[SmallHurst]

Don't forget the 'Rocket Fluid'!!! Water/alcohol mix injected post turbo for a little liquid intercooling!

[olredalert]

----Moose Milk!!!.....Bill S

[69SSZL1]

Oh yes, the Turbo Rocket Fluid. And it has the <span style="font-weight: bold">4</span> speed Hydromatic transmission

[Bill Pritchard]

Could that be the only factory console-equipped car to have the old style automatic trans shift pattern? (reverse at the opposite end as Park)

Very cool find, by the way. How neat is that technology for 1962?!?!?! Love the youtube commercial, too....bow tie wearing driver giving the car's no-seat-belt-wearing occupants whiplash from the turbo rocket power <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif

[69SSZL1]

Trans is a Jetfire only OX562 stronger 4-speed Hydramatic auto with a 3.64:1 first gear, 3.03:1 2nd, 1.58:1 3rd, 1:1 4th, 3.36:1 rear
and Bill you just made me notice that my car has NO seatbelts!

Garage find at home:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06283_zps9ef486c8.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06283_zps9ef486c8.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06285_zps79677ce9.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06285_zps79677ce9.jpg.html)

[69SSZL1]

This is the original Jetfire motor that I just rebuilt. I call it ZL-1 &quot;lite&quot;. 215 all aluminum snarling cubic inches! 1hp per cubic inch, same power to weight ratio as a 442!

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06874_zps1316ac84.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06874_zps1316ac84.jpg.html)

Turbo almost ready:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/632_zps06b689a6.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/632_zps06b689a6.jpg.html)

Interior just needed carpet and front NOS uphostery:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06908_zps6507724a.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06908_zps6507724a.jpg.html)

[Material_Boy]

WOW! Neat car. I had heard of these back in the day but never seen one. Great score on a neat car.

Dave

[firstgenaddict]

Isn't that the same engine design Range Rover put in their vehicles until recently?

[olredalert]

----Yes!!!.....Bill S

[earntaz]

Same as the Buick?

[olredalert]

----No!.....Bill S

[travlnz28]

Greg,

Put me in line for a ride when you get it done!

Gregg

[69SSZL1]

You got it Gregg. When it ever gets done. Still waiting on some parts. Turbo Rocket Fluid tank is installed. It gets pressurized by the Turbo to the same PSI (6-7PSI)and injects the methanol/water mix into the carb to prevent detonation and add a little power. Maybe substitute Nitro Methane? This really is a well engineered system. The only problem was customers not keeping fluid in the tank. A light on the Boost gauge would come on warning of low fluid. The wastegate would open and a 2nd throttle body would close to prevent engine damage. Customers would bring the car to the dealer and complain of low power!

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC07288_zps0b4bf68e.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC07288_zps0b4bf68e.jpg.html)

Spare bottle to use on the road if you ran out:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC07292_zpseee288bb.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC07292_zpseee288bb.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC07291_zpsd089ae9f.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC07291_zpsd089ae9f.jpg.html)

[StealthBird]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: earntaz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Same as the Buick? </div></div>

It's a Buick 215 V8. Buick did all the design and cast all the blocks, and it was first available for the 1961 Buick, Olds, and Pontiac line. Obviously, the front mounted distributor was a telltale sign that it was NOT an Oldsmbobile or Pontiac engine, but it was still marketed as a &quot;Rocket V-8&quot; by Oldsmobile, and as an &quot;...available 155 hp aluminum V8&quot; in the Pontiac Tempest.

Mickey Thompson entered a stock block Buick 215 V8 in the 1962 Indianapolis 500 (driven by Dan Gurney). It was the only non-Offenhauser engine in the entire field, and Gurney qualified 8th, retiring about halfway through the race with a trans/rear end problem.

Buick abandoned this casting a few years later due to a very high scrap ratio. They had massive porosity problems, which resulted in massive oil leaks. The aluminum Buick 215 V8 was discontinued after 1963. They sold the the design, tooling and manufacturing rights to British Leyland (Rover/Jaguar/Triumph), which evolved into 3.5, 3.9, and 4.2 liter engines for many British cars, like the Land Rover, Rover 3500, TVR, TR8, and in the early 70's was available in the MG.

In 1980, Pontiac introduced their Turbo Trans Am (and Turbo Formula), using the 301 V8 as the platform. Many automotive writers of the day erroneously billed that as the &quot;first turbocharged American V8&quot;, but that incorrect. Oldsmobile had the first turbocharged American V8 with their 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire.

The Oldsmobile Jetfires were cool little cars. I really like them. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[markus37]

Buick and Olds versions used different cylinder heads..different bolt patterns too.Lance Reventlow ( of Scarab racecar fame ) did a lot of development work on these engines for early midengine racecar use...before the Can Am series.

[69SSZL1]

Yes, thats right. And the only difference between the Buick and Olds versions was the pistons and heads. Olds used the combustion chambers to get various compression ratios like Chevy did, the Buick 215 used different pistons and the same nailhead looking type heads on their versions. Olds also had an extra headbolt around the cylinder, like the ZL-1 has.
The Jetfire was the WORLDS 1st turbocharged production passenger car engine!

[jimbo]

Neat car.
What is the back story on the car?
Where can you buy the &quot;rocket fluid&quot;?

[69SSZL1]

I found this car in August in Los Angeles. It was sitting in the garage for 25+ years because it was not running. I found out later that the harmonic balancer had broken. The original owner had died 2 years ago and his estate was selling it along with 2 80's Caddys and the house. The Executors of the Estate are the owner's son-in-law and the owner's brother. They both remember when Tom (owner) bought it.
Its in great shape with no rust at all and all original.

The Turbo rocket fluid has been decoded and there is a recipe for it:
-35* windshield washer fluid (Methanol and water) + HEET (Methanol) + a little Prestone radiator Anti rust solution. There is a JetFire website with a regestry (about 5 working Turbo 1962 Jetfires in the world)with lots of info:

http://oldsjetfire.com

[Xplantdad]

Pics of one at Pavillions today...

Jetfire at Pavillions (towards the bottom) (http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/556439/Re:_Barrett-Jackson_day_at_Pav#Post556439)

[69SSZL1]

WOW. Thats a 1963, and a very rare 4 speed!

[Xplantdad]

It was cool as heck! I asked him about the rocket fluid....he looked at me like...How do you know? I fessed up and told him about yours!

[442w30]

I may have some unpublished production info these cars. If you can give me codes for the options, I can reference what I have.

[69SSZL1]

My cowl tag reads: 07C
STYLE 62-3147 BODY LA 2564
TRIM 973 PAINT H-C
ACC 631(this is the number I need decoded)
Motor HHI423515
Head: S191148T (on this car, the number on the right head is the Motor designation S---T is the Turbo motor)
Trans: OX562 4333s (special Hydomatic 4 speed auto for Jetfire)

Got lots of info here:
http://oldsjetfire.com

[69SSZL1]

Yea I know what you mean. I only meet 1 person that even knows that these cars existed. Great photos. I never saw that car before, it is just amazing. I checked and it is in the 1963 Regestry. Even though the 1963 looks alot different then the 1962, they are the same under the sheet metal. The 63 is bigger and the interior is differnet. Heres my tailights:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/DSC06286_zpsb3b1fc3c.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/DSC06286_zpsb3b1fc3c.jpg.html)

[PeteLeathersac]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69SSZL1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
ACC 631 (this is the number I need decoded)
</div></div>


I have a few old lists of the pre '63 Accessory Codes and will take a look.
600 range codes for '62 were sometimes for trans and rear axles but being an Oldsie I'd guess it refers to your seat config. buckets and/or console?
Very cool car!
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[69VN]

Saw the video you posted---was great! Neat idea for it's time! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif

[69SSZL1]

I do know that the buckets and console were standard on the Jetfire. It was a top-line car, above the Cutlass. Also was the only available hardtop model. The F85 and Cutlass were Post cars. No covertable Jetfires. Oldsmobile used a Cutlass convertable body and welded a Buick hardtop to it.
I'm guessing the 631 refers to the A/C and/or power windows.

[Xplantdad]

<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[442w30]

Here's what I do have:

3147
&quot;A 4 Trans&quot; shows 203 built
&quot;Synchromesh trans&quot; shows 16 built
&quot;Hydramatic trans&quot; shows 3546 built

Don't have anything else pertaining to Jetfire.

[olredalert]

----I owned a low mileage 63 Jetfire a long time ago. Guys that knew anything about them (few and far between) called the methanol mix &quot;Moose Milk&quot;. I didnt keep the little bugger long as it only had about 7000 original miles on it and someone offered me way more for it than I paid. It was a really nice little car and always turned heads......Bill S

[69SSZL1]

Got the Turbo Rocket running this weekend. I am amazed at the power, especially on the top end! I am sure this would beat many stock small block muscle cars. And this car is LOW. The top of the body above the door handle is 34&quot; above the ground. Only 2750 lbs also. Is this an early Muscle Car?
The Turbo Rocket Motor:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/TurboRocket1_zps640d1920.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/TurboRocket1_zps640d1920.jpg.html)

MooseMilk:
http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/moosemilk_zpse45f9395.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/moosemilk_zpse45f9395.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/front_zps725a797a.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/front_zps725a797a.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/TIPS_zps2bc4bcef.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/TIPS_zps2bc4bcef.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/tips2_zpsc288d51c.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/tips2_zpsc288d51c.jpg.html)

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r206/OAKLYSS/JetFire/seats_zpsd00fee45.jpg (http://s145.photobucket.com/user/OAKLYSS/media/JetFire/seats_zpsd00fee45.jpg.html)

[mockingbird812]

You've been busy Greg! It looks GREAT! Not something you see very often. I'll bet Hemmings Classics would be interested in your ride.

[earntaz]

That little devil has &quot;sleeper&quot; written all over it ... ENJOY!!

[jimbo]

What a neat car.

[mssl72]

Greg, Are you in Socal? Are you gonna take it out to any shows? It's very cool!

[jbsides]

Very nice car.

With that tree farm next door, I would guess central valley somewhere, although I have seen terrain like that in San Diego county.

[69SSZL1]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jbsides</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice car.

With that tree farm next door, I would guess central valley somewhere, although I have seen terrain like that in San Diego county. </div></div>

Yes, San Diego. I plan on attending the Heartbeat Happening car show on April 27th. I don't know about the Good Guys Del Mar Nationals on April 4-6 yet as the paint on this car has alot of patina and is not great.

[DW31S]

Extremely cool car Greg. Congrats on the find!!! I remember my father bringing one home one night from the dealership (I was 5 at the time) and that little thing left a lasting impression. It was Black and Silver with a silver interior. Greg, at the risk of trying to solicit another site, you should check in at &quot;ClassicOldsmobile.com&quot;. They are a great bunch of guys, and just like here, are eager to help and share info. There are other Olds sites and I check in on them from time to time, but I much prefer CO. Your new car will be a &quot;smash hit&quot; there and you and the Jetfire will be accepted with open arms. Glad to have you as a fellow Oldsmobile owner. You will find that Oldsmobile engineers were on top of their game and the cars had many innovative features that other makes didn't have for years if at all.
Nothing like original----GREAT FIND!!!

[Lynn]

What an amazing find. I would love to find one of those.

I am guessing you lowered the static compression ratio when you rebuilt it, down to 9.0 to 1 or lower.

[69SSZL1]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lynn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What an amazing find. I would love to find one of those.

I am guessing you lowered the static compression ratio when you rebuilt it, down to 9.0 to 1 or lower.
</div></div>

Nope. Compression is still 10.25:1. I added an adjustable vacuum advance and have had no detonation so far. Still tuning. The Methanol injection works great to stop the detonation and is boost-controlled using a complex pressure system!

[69SSZL1]

Well I deceided to sell it to finance another project and to get room in the garage. So I just put it up on eBay. It's been a great driving car and was fun to bring it back from the dead. It is very original and has great patina.
I am still planning to go to the car show at Bates Nut Farm this Sunday if anyone wants to see it.

[PeteLeathersac]

eBay link...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-Cutla...=US_Cars_Trucks (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Oldsmobile-Cutlass-F85-Jetfire-1962-oldsmobile-jetfire-factory-turbo-car-matching-numbers-all-/221423414942?forcerrptr=true&amp;hash=item338ddd2e9e&amp;i tem=221423414942&amp;pt=US_Cars_Trucks)

Such a cool car, good luck w/ the sale!
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[69VN]

Awesome looking car---hope it goes to a happy customer!

SAL

[bigjake]

[quote=olredalert]----I owned a low mileage 63 Jetfire a long time ago. Guys that knew anything about them (few and far between) called the methanol mix &quot;Moose Milk&quot;. I didnt keep the little bugger long as it only had about 7000 original miles on it and someone offered me way more for it than I paid. It was a really nice little car and always turned heads......Bill S [/quote

Bill--I remember that car. You brought it to the JNS restaurant one morning when we used to stop there for coffee.

[1968BM]

Awesome car!!!!!!! Never even had heard of one. Great piece of automotive history.

[69SSZL1]

Took it to the car show Sunday, and they awarded it Best Engine. That usually goes to the Blower motors or hot rods.



It's hit the reserve, it's selling today!