1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts, Figures, and Specifications
1971 Styling Enhanced & Engine Power Reduced
The front and rear fascia were restyled, with a much more aggressive look for the 442, and a more formal look for the Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme. The 350 CID V-8 and 455 CID V-8 continued in several different power levels, however, the compression ratio was reduced to 8.5:1 across the Board.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Resources
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1971 Oldsmobile Service Manual
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1971 Oldsmobile Wiring Diagrams PDF Download –
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1971 Oldsmobile A Body
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1971 Oldsmobile A Body Assembly Manual
1971 Oldsmobile Engine
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1971 Oldsmobile Engine Assembly Manual
Oldsmobile Engine Modification & Tuning Guide
GEN 2 V-8 1964 – 1987
Covers 260-403 Small Block & 400-455 Big Block
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1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1971 Oldsmobile
| 11 Arctic White | |
| 13 Platinum Mist | |
| 16 Tealmist Gray | |
| 19 Regal Black | |
| 24 Cascade Blue | |
| 26 Stratomist Blue | |
| 29 Nocturne Blue | |
| 39 Twilight Turquoise | |
| 41 Silver Fern | |
| 42 Willowmist Green | |
| 43 Lime Mist | |
| 49 Verdemist Green | |
| 50 Bamboo Cream | |
| 53 Cortez Gold | |
| 55 Cornet Gold | |
| 61 Sandpiper Beige | |
| 62 Bittersweet Mist | |
| 65 Copper Mist | |
| 67 Burnished Cinnamon | |
| 68 Deep Chestnut | |
| 70 Pearl Beige | |
| 73 Sunset Mist | |
| 74 Vintage Red | |
| 75 Fire Red | |
| 78 Rosewood |
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1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Facts
NOTE: Vista Cruiser was considered a special separate model line and is not covered here.
The 1971 mid-size Oldsmobile shared much of the same exterior sheetmetal as the 1970, but with a new hood, grille, and headlight assemblies, as well as new front and rear bumpers and taillights. Four new exterior body colors were offered, Viking Blue, Lime Green, Bittersweet, and Saturn Gold.
The 350 CID V-8 and 455 CID V-8 continued in several different sizes and power options, however, the compression ratio was reduced to 8.5:1 across the Board. This was the last year for the 250 CID six-cylinder engine – not a popular offering in Olds the line. All engines were now fitted with hardened valve seats, preparing for the upcoming mandate for unleaded gasoline that would effect for 1975 models.
The Cutlass Supreme coupe and convertible were once again available with the “SX” option package. The SX option could include the 455 CID V-8 borrowed from the Olds 98, not the 442 as was the practice in 1970. It still featured the 442’s cutout rear bumper and exhaust trumpets, and as an option, the 442’s FE-2 suspension. Distinctive “SX” badges remained.
The 442 returned in 1971 with only minor modifications from the previous year. Engine output was reduced for 1971 due to the lower compression ratio of 8.5:1, that affected all of GM’s muscle cars as the result of a corporate policy requiring engines to run on lower-octane regular gasoline. The base 455 was rated at 340 HP, with the W-30 at 350 HP. Since a corporate rear axle was now used, the W-27 option was now only an aluminum cover for the differential housing.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Factoids
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The 442 W-30 option returned – somewhat hamstrung by the lower compression ratio. However good torque and “factory blueprinting” resulted in excellent performance. For more info, see the 1971 Oldsmobile Super Tuning Guide HERE.
GM’s mandate to reduce compression ratios in response to the federal government’s demand that unleaded gasoline be in place by 1973 was enacted at Oldsmobile this year. The drop generally reduced HP by about 5%. Performance was impacted by a similar amount.
The Dual Disc Clutch, option W-37 was offered on the 442. It was a very rare option with a list price of $99.00. The advantages were smother engagement, less pedal effort, and less wear. Few were purchased, making it a super rare option.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Models Offered
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F-85 – The F-85 Series was still available as a one model series. This year the only available body style was a four-door Town Sedan. Standard series equipment included: front door armrests, cigarette lighter, dome lamp, dual head restraints, seat belts and shoulder harnesses and chrome hubcaps. Standard tire size F78 x 14 inches. Interiors were done in either vinyl or cloth.
F-85 models were only a 4-door Sedan.
Cutlass and Cutlass S – The Cutlass line consisted 5 body styles with either six or eight-cylinder power-plants. Standard equipment included all items from the F-85 list plus: DeLuxe armrests, carpeting, molding packages, Flo-thru ventilation and recessed windshield wipers. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Upholstery was done in either cloth or vinyl.
Cutlass Models Available: 2-door Cutlass Hardtop Coupe, 4-door Town Sedan, and Station Wagon.
“S” models also had front and rear armrests, cigarette lighter, carpeting, dome light, chrome molding package, radio antenna in windshield, seat belts and shoulder harnesses and DeLuxe steering wheel.
Cutlass “S” Models Available: 2-door Sedan (Sports Coupe), and 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe.
Cutlass Supreme – The Cutlass Supreme models was the most upscale Olds. A total of three body styles were available including a convertible. Standard series equipment included: armrests, cigarette lighter, V-8 engine, carpeting, wood grain dash, interior light package, moldings, seat belts and shoulder harnesses, DeLuxe steering wheel and chrome hubcaps. Standard tire size was F78 x 14 inches. Upholstery was done in either vinyl or cloth.
Cutlass Supreme Models Available: 2-door Holiday (notchback) Hardtop Coupe and Convertible.
442 – High performance began slipping in 1971. This was the final year the 442 would be its own line at Oldsmobile. Standard series equipment included: special 455 cubic inch motor, dual exhausts, carpeting, special Fe-2 suspension: springs, stabilizer bars and special engine mounts. Also Strato-bucket seats, heavy-duty wheels, special “442” emblems (and W-30″ emblems where appropriate), and Deluxe steering wheel. Standard tire was G70 x 14 inches. Upholstery was done in either vinyl or cloth.
442 Models Available: 2-door Holiday Hardtop Coupe and Convertible.
NOTE: W-30 was now an option, not a separate series.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Engines
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- 145 HP 250 CID I-6
- 240 HP 350 CID V-8
- 260 HP 350 CID V-8 AMT
- 260 HP 350 CID V-8 SMT
- 320 HP 455 CID V-8 AMT
- 340 HP 455 CID V-8 442 AMT
- 340 HP 455 CID V-8 442 SMT
- 350 HP 455 CID 442 W-30 V-8 AMT & SMT w A/C
- 350 HP 455 CID V-8 350 HP 442 W-30 SMT
- NOTE
250 CID I-6 – All Transmissions: In-line six cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 250 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 3.875 x 3.530 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.00:1.
Horsepower: 145 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 230 @ 2000 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 244°, Exhaust 244°, Overlap 33° 30′, Lift 0.388″ (intake), 0.388″ (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester BV one-barrel model (manual transmission) 7041017 (automatic) 7041014.
350 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions: Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 240 @ 4200 RPM.
Torque: 350 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester GC 2-barrel (manual transmission) 7041155 (automatic) 7041156.
350 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 260 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 250°, Exhaust 264°, Overlap 36°, Lift 0.400″ (intake), 0.400” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester MC 4-barrel 7041255.
350 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 350 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.057″ x 3.385″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 260 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 360 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 285°, Exhaust 287°, Overlap 66°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester MC 4-barrel 7041250.
455 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – Automatic Transmissions Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 320 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 258°, Exhaust 272°, Overlap 44°, Lift 0.435″ (intake), 0.435” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MC 4-barrel (automatic transmission) #7041251.
455 CID 442 V-8 – Automatic Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 340 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 294°, Exhaust 296°, Overlap 74°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel (automatic transmission) #7041257.
455 CID 442 V-8 – Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 340 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque:460 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 308°, Exhaust 308°, Overlap 88°, Lift 0.474″ (intake), 0.474” (exhaust).
Carburetor: Rochester 4MC (Quadra-Jet) 4-barrel Model 7041253.
455 CID 442 W-30 V-8 Automatic Transmission and Manual Transmission with A/C Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 8.5:1.
Horsepower: 350 @ 4700 RPM.
Torque: 500 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 294°, Exhaust 296°, Overlap 74°, Lift 0.472″ (intake), 0.472” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel #7041253.
455 CID 442 W-30 V-8 Manual Transmission Only. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 455 CID.
Bore and stroke: 4.125″ x 4.250″.
Compression ratio: 10.50:1.
Horsepower: 370 @ 5200 RPM.
Torque: 500 @ 3600 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft Duration: Intake 328°, Exhaust 328°, Overlap 108°, Lift 0.475″ (intake), 0.475” (exhaust).
Induction: Forced Air (OAI)
Carburetor: Rochester Quadra-jet 4-barrel #7041256.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: All 2-door: 112 inches; all 4-door : 116 inches.
- Overall length: All 2-door: 203.6 inches; all 4-door: 207.6 inches; Station Wagon 207.6 inches.
- Overall height: All 2-door: 52.9 inches; all 4-door: 53.5 inches; Convertible: 52.9 ; Station Wagon 55.2 inches.
- Overall width: 76.8 inches.
- Front track: All: 59.7 inches.
- Rear track: All: 59.0 inches.
- Standard tires: I-6: F78 14; V-8 G78 14; optional G70 14.
- 4-4-2 tires: G70 14 standard 8.25 x 14 Export Only.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Information
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 1st – 2.85:1, 2nd – 1.68:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.95:1.
- 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.54:1, 2nd – 1.50:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.63:1.
- 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 350 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- 455 CID V-8: 1st – 2.52:1 2nd – 1.88:1, 3rd – 1.46:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.60:1.
- 455 CID V-8 Close Ratio: 1st – 2.20:1 2nd – 1.64:1, 3rd – 1.28:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- 350 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.52:1, 2nd – 1.52:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 1.93:1.
- 400 Turbo Hydra-Matic 3-speed: 1st – 2.48:1, 2nd – 1.48:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.08:1.
- Maximum Stall:
- T-350: 2.20:1 Fixed Stator.
- T-400: 2.25:1 Fixed Stator.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
-
- I-6 SMT: 2.73:1; Optional 3.08:1; 3.23:1.
- I-6 AMT: 2.78:1; Optional 3.08; 3.23:1.
- 350 CID 240 HP V-8 SMT: 3.08:1; Optional 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 350 CID 240 HP AMT: 2.73:1; Optional 2.56:1; 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 350 CID 260 HP V-8 SMT: 3.23:1; Optional 2.73:1; 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 350 CID 260 HP AMT: 2.73:1; Optional 2.56:1; 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 455 CID V-8 3-speed SMT: 3.23:1 Optional 2.73:1; 3.08:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 455 CID 442 V-8 3-speed SMT: 3.23:1 Optional 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 455 CID V-8 4-speed Wide Ratio SMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1 (A/C cars receive 3.23:1 standard)..
- 455 CID V-8 4-speed Close Ratio SMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1 (A/C cars receive 3.23:1 standard)..
- 455 CID V-8 AMT: 3.23:1; Optional 2.56:1; 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 455 CID V-8 SX Turbo Hydra-matic: 2.56:1 Optional 2.73:1; 3.08:1; 3.23:1; 3.42:1; 3.73:1.
- 455 CID V-8 W-30 4-speed Close Ratio SMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.73:1 Limited slip standard.
- 455 CID V-8 W-30 AMT: 3.42:1; Optional 3.73:1 Limited slip standard. (A/C cars receive 3.23:1 standard).
-
NOTE: For more powertrain information, you may access the 1971 Oldsmobile mid-size AMA Specifications Sheets HERE and the 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Specific AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 455 CID 350 horsepower W-30 V-8 – 442 only ($348 w/power disc brakes).
- 455 CID 350 horsepower W-30 V-8 – 442 only ($369 w/o power disc brakes).
- Anti-Spin rear axle with standard ratios ($44).
- Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift – Close Ratio ($237).
- Four-speed manual transmission with floor shift – Wide Ratio ($195).
- G-89 3.73:1 Axle package includes Anti-Spin ($67).
- G-92 3.42:1 Axle package includes Anti-Spin (21).
- L-32 455 CID 320 horsepower V-8 ($47). Standard with SX.
- L-65 350 CID 240 HP V-8 – Cutlass ($47). Standard Cutlass “S”, if ordered w/Cutlass Supreme (deduct $34)
- L-74 350 CID 260 HP V-8 – Cutlass, Standard Cutlass Supreme ($47).
- M-38 Automatic Transmission – Cutlass and Cutlass Supreme ($221).
- M-40 Automatic transmission ($243).
- Three-speed manual floor shift transmission ($84).
- Three-speed manual transmission was standard.
- W-27 Aluminum Axle Cover ($26).
- W-37 Dual Disc Clutch (442 only) ($99).
- Y-79 SX Performance Package – Cutlass Supreme Coupe and Convertible, includes 320 HP 455 CID V-8 ($152).
- K-30 Cruise control ($63).
NOTE: 4.10:1, 4.66:1 and 5.00:1 rear axle rations available as dealer installed. For more options and information on power teams, see the 1971 Oldsmobile SPECS sales booklet found HERE.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Significant Options
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- Air conditioning ($407).
- Bucket seats ($68).
- Bumper guards ($47).
- Clock ($17).
- Courtesy lamps ($6-$12).
- Cruise Control ($61).
- Floor mats ($7).
- Outside mirror, remote-control ($9).
- Outside rear view mirror ($5).
- Power antenna ($31).
- Power brakes ($69).
- Power disc brakes ($105).
- Power door locks ($44-$68).
- Power seat ($105).
- Power steering ($100).
- Power trunk latch ($14).
- Power windows ($115).
- Radio, AM Deluxe push button ($74).
- Radio, AM/FM ($239).
- Rallye pack instruments ($84).
- Rear deck spoiler ($73).
- Rear speaker ($16).
- Rear window defogger ($63).
- Remote control mirror ($12).
- Seat shoulder belts ($23).
- Special order paint ($83).
- Sports console ($61).
- Sports mirrors ($22).
- Stereo tape player ($134).
- Tilt steering column ($46).
- Tinted windows, all ($43).
- Tinted windshield ($25).
- Two-speed wipers and washer ($23).
- Two-tone paint ($36).
- Vinyl roof ($121).
- Wheels, Super Stock ($75).
- Windshield washer ($17).
NOTE: For more options and information, see Oldsmobile SPECS sales booklet found HERE.
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1971 Oldsmobile Full Line Brochure
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Print Ads
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars AMA Specifications Sheets
1971 Oldsmobile 442 AMA Specifications Sheets
1971 Oldsmobile Engine Assembly Manual
1971 Oldsmobile Super Tuning Guide – All 442, Cutlass and W-Series
1971 Oldsmobile Mid-Size Cars Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Oldsmobile Mid-Size Line will appear below
1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible
The 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Convertible sales were dropping, now at 1,304 units, of which 110 were W-30 equipped.
1971 Oldsmobile 442 Hardtop Coupe
The 1971 Oldsmobile 442 Hardtop Coupe was still popular, but sales were cut in half – insurance ratings were killing the muscle car. 810 were W-30 equipped.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Convertible by 120% this year, to 10,255.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Coupe
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Coupe’s sales dropped slightly – down to 60,599.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Sedan
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Hardtop Sedan sold nearly even with the previous year, with 10,458 delivered.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Hardtop Coupe was ever popular, but sales dropped to 63,314.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Sports Coupe
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S Sports Coupe sold in low numbers with 4,339 produced.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hardtop Coupe
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hardtop Coupe was a brisk seller with 33,623 delivered.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Town Sedan
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Town Sedan was the upscale 4-door sedan in the mid-size line. It sold moderately with 32,522 produced.
1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser Station Wagon
The 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser Station Wagon was a less expensive alternative to the Vista Cruiser, Only 6,789 buyers chose this alternative.
1971 Oldsmobile F-85 Town Sedan
The 1971 Oldsmobile F-85 Town Sedan would be the last offering in the famous F-85 line. Only 4,419 were sold.