SR71

Wallpaper Description:

1971 Olds Cutlass S


The GM LS family of engines is a great platform for horsepower and reliability, without a doubt. But a lot of folks are worn out from seeing LS engines swapped into everything, especially when there are perfectly good options with a lot more personality. Kevin Oeste from V8TV agrees, which is why the SR71 runs a very unique Olds powerplant. The SR71 began life as a '71 Olds Cutlass S that the original owner specially ordered with 4-4-2 options until he ran out of money. Unfortunately, he ended up without the 455, so it had a 350ci 4-bbl, four-speed, bucket seats, disc brakes, fiberglass air induction hood, sway bars, and a 3.42:1 posi rear. Oeste set out to build a badass version of the original, and felt it was important to keep it Olds motivated, but with a load of new technology and power.









Beginning with a 350ci Olds diesel block for increased strength, Oeste built a stout long-block ready for ample amounts of boost. With a small cam, the SR71 is smooth, quiet, and pulls 20 inches of vacuum at idle, however, if you lean on it, it builds boost quickly and it'll haze the tires at will. Oeste says he has datalogged 16 psi at 5,700 rpm and volumetric efficiency reaching 223 percent. At that level, the engine thinks it's over 941 ci, and it will break the tires loose at 70 mph! Um, yeah, LS what?