80 Cutlass Calais T-Top Questions

Alright, it's been awhile since i've posted questions on my cars, but here goes...

I purchased a 1980 Cutlass T-Top early last year, to which someone shoe-horned a 74/5 455 and Turbo 400 trans in. I am unsure as to what extent this vehicle was produced. Originally, my intention was to just slap in a stock 350, drop the 455 in my 71 hardtop, and sell it. I was recently informed that the T-Top is rather rare. I have currently decided to keep it, as it is in fantastic condition, all original interior, and the body is almost rust-free, (just a small spot in the floorboard)

What I know for a fact:

The car does have a 12-bolt posi rear end in it, good condition
It has a hurst t-grip shifter assembly in it (unsure if this is stock or not)
It's all black, black paint/vinyl top/leather interior

My questions are thus..

The car (according to the vin) came with a 206 v-8, but how many were produced in a T-Top?

What is the gear ratio of the rear end? (I'm and engine guy, not gearing)

Are there any hurst/olds variations of the cutlass in 1980 and/or in a T-Top?

Is there anything special about this calais? I have not seen one cutlass T-top other than my own in the few years i've lived in michigan. I live close to lansing, they are everywhere. But none in the elusive T-Top.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.



On a side note: I am currently building a 350 to put back in it, bored 30 over, new pistons, 403 cam, ceramic headers, new intake, carb, heads have been modified from the 1.5 sbo exhaust valves to the big bbo 1.6 exhaust valves, new everything on the outside and in, aluminum pulleys, etc.

Should make decent power, I just hope it's inagural run is a "smokey" one if you know what I mean....:grinyes: Screeeeeeech!!

T-tops were rare.
sure about the other things on them.

I seen one that had the Hurst in-line shifter stock.
4 sp forward 4 in rev :screwy:
It also had T tops, but was an 81' Cutlass, 350 w/12 bolt posi too.
Looked like this guys 81' at cardomain (http://www.cardomain.com/ride/416128).

Sounds like you have a good plan, that 455 is so big, I bet the 350 with move it along much better :thumbsup:

Also check out this Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldsmobile_Cutlass) on Cutlass's .

thanks alot, I didn't know they made topps in 81 as well. Mine is an 80 with the flat front grille.

It doesn't say how many were made though...you have any ideas?


Love the wikpedia though, great background.thanks