1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88 350 rocket from North America

Summary:

Nice car, but today's parking spaces were a bit challenging

Faults:

The water pump was replaced.

Timing chain broke.

Body mounts were bad.

No reverse gear.

General Comments:

Defiantly a highway car. Drove from Windsor to Toronto at 140 k.p.h (only because that as high as it shows) and it was like riding on air. Went at higher speeds no problem, but at what speed!- the needle stopped.

For a heavy car this car had great pick-up most notable when the tranny kicks down and the pedal to the metal as the way it should be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2002

1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88 5.7 litre diesel from North America

Summary:

A excellent diesel engine from GM. A real pleasure to use everyday

General Comments:

I can't say enough about how well this diesel engine has performed.

A lot of people give the 350 diesel a bad name, but they are wrong about this one in every way.

The fuel economy and reliability is just great. I would buy another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st March, 2002

24th May 2002, 15:44

I own a 1981 Delta 88 with the 350 diesel and I love it dearly. I did rebuild it at 144,000 when it blown the head gasket. I installed ARP head bolts that are proven to 192,000 lbs. tension. Therefore that will never happen again! I think they perform great as well. I have already driven 24,000 miles in the last 2 years. Not one problem!!

4th Mar 2005, 21:05

The 350 Olds diesel was a great motor, but only if it was maintained well.

21st Jan 2008, 16:36

The Olds 350 Diesel was the first engine when I earned my driving license long long ago. Now, some 25 years later, I had the luck to find a Diesel Ninety-Eight here in Germany, and it's absolutely incredible how well this drivetrain does perform even today. Smooth, quiet, strong. Compare it to the Audi 3.0-litre of today, and you will feel the experience what a phantastic job Olds did some thirty years ago! I would never accept this Audi granted in respect to this plushy, roomy big great Olds.

In reply to 21st Jan 2008, 16:36

17th Jun 2011, 23:45

Hello, haerzliche gruesse, do you take parts from the USA, or were you able to collect them in Europe? I am dutch, and have the chance to purchase a Delta 88 with a 2nd series 5.7 diesel...