Projects 1963 Olds Jetfire Re-restoration- Turbo charged/Fluid injection

That car has always reminded me of a smaller, cooler-looking '64-'65 Chevelle. Just amazing tech for the early '60s. I had an old Motor Trend with a small article about testing one in the quarter mile. A bunch of simple mods and they had that car into the 14.00s.
Keep up the good work!

 

OK quick update. Installed the front fenders and sheet metal. Just a few photos.

 

Cleaning the floor pans and some paint. Starting to look better!!

 

Looking good.

 

Thanks for the reply!

 

Being an Olds nut, I don't know how I missed this post for so long! Glad I found it and your doing a helluva job kid! Joe

 

Painting the dash. Made a big difference.


Before


After







Dash pad next.

 

Working on the trunk. One more day and should be done.



Before

 

You just cleaning the pad? Looks pretty nice. Or you painting it also?

 

A little scrub and a squirt of color makes it look factory fresh! Joe

 

Dash pad was nice but not perfect. I have a spare blue pad with a small crack and a nicer black one in case you are looking for one. Many spare parts. Nonhog did you have parts for sale on classic olds back a few months?
Thanks for everyone's comments!
Ken

 

Yep-not a lot left, much went to China
Loving your dash resto. I have the dash etc. from my parts car I plan to paint up and hang on the wall (someday) LOL

 

Nice to see one of these with 3 pedals don't see many like that.

 

Loud bang,
Converted it back in 1982 after reading the u drive reports on the auto. Not that big a job. Drives real nice! Should be able to restart the engine in the next 3/4 weeks. Waiting for the carb to get back from the rebuilder. Also ordered a complete exhaust system and it should be here soon. I will keep you updated.
Ken

 

Hey with a turbo on it the need for mufflers becomes moot. You should try it with straight pipes first you may be surprised.

 

Loudbang,
This video is for you. I got the car running in 2010 and made the video. Had cut off the muffler because it was full of mice nests. Take a look.
Ken

 

Perfect ......sounds quiet enough for me

 

Sounded good to me. That was the first startup in 25 years. Waiting for the carburetor to get back from the rebuilder. Might get it running and moving by Christmas. Working on the interior and dash and will post some more photos when I get more done.

 

Working on the interior. Dash pad, door panels installed. Carburetor due next week so moving to the engine next. Hopefully it should be running by the new year.

 

Awesome looking like a car once again

 

Thanks for the replying!

 

I was surprised to learn recently the turbo Rocker fluid was injected upstream from the turbo. Some discussions have mentioned that is tough on the high winding turbo impeller when liquid hits it . I wonder if it is finely atomized or kind of dribbly.

 

The reason it is injected upstream is to cool the charge to prevent denenation. No electronics to sense it. The cr was 10.25/1. Very high for a turbo engine. The main problem is they did not have materials to deal with the alcohol and the injection system would not work correctly. The car would be down on power. Most people in 1962 just wanted to go to work and not be bothered with turbo rocket fluid.
Thanks for the post!
Ken

 

Carburetor arrived last week! Installed the radiator, alternator, and turbo assembly. A lot of lines to hook up and hoses. Still have a few more days before I try to start it. Should be running after Christmas!



Merry Christmas to all,

Ken

 

Looking good Ken, there is a lot to connect to that little engine. Merry Christmas! Joe

 

Bringing it back from the dead. Nice Christmas present to yourself.

 

OK the re-start is complete. Drove it a mile or so. Moved, shifted and stopped. First time in 5 years. Lots of details and exhaust installed. See the video.


jetfire startup #1 - YouTube

 

I couldnt tell in the video but do they route both exhaust manifolds through the turbo or just the passenger side?

 

Sounds great. did you finally put a muffler on it or not?

 

Outstanding! It's always nice to fire em up and have them move under their own power after a long layoff! Joe