Inside, the goal was to keep...
Inside, the goal was to keep things as simple as possible. Despite the fancy seats, the dash, gauges, and steering wheel remain stock. The Hurst T-handle shifter with a rubber boot lends the look of a simpler factory four-speed. The controls for the Vintage Air A/C system are neatly integrated into the stock dash panel.
So what's next for this self-professed oddball of a car builder? "Right now, I'm working on an '81 Turbo Trans Am. No one really likes those late second-gen shovelnose cars, and they were such turds from the factory that they have the potential to really catch people off guard," he explains. "I plan on building a twin-turbo LS9 for it and shooting for 1,500 hp." Just when we thought Jeff had reached the pinnacle of purposeful outlandishness with this Cutlass, he may just top himself yet again with his next project. Nonetheless, with its mysterious aversion to hopping up and down, this Barrio Gold Oldsmobile continues to prove that multiplying two "negatives" does indeed yield a positive. Who says you'd never use this algebra junk in the real world, anyway?
When fitting an LS7 into a...
When fitting an LS7 into a muscle car, many people ditch the factory dry sump for a more conventional wet sump setup. Jeff doesn't see the point of this logic. "The factory dry sump works great in hot rods because it's so simple. Since the pump is internal and it doesn't have multiple stages of scavenging, all you have to do is hook up the feed and return lines to a tank and you're done. I used a Peterson tank," Jeff explains.
From beneath the car, the...
From beneath the car, the additional space provided by the Schwartz frame is clearly evident. Along with custom mini-tubs, the frame accommodates massive 345/30R19 rear meats. The exhaust features mufflers in addition to resonators to help mellow the interior resonance.
The 442-style ram-air hood...
The 442-style ram-air hood retains its functionality. Although we've made a few cracks about the gold paint, Jeff says this particular hue was offered by Olds from the factory.