Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser Second Generation 1977–1990
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Model years | 1977–1990 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | B-body |
| Related | Buick Electra/LeSabre Estate Buick Estate Pontiac Bonneville Safari Pontiac Catalina Safari Pontiac Parisienne Safari Pontiac Safari Chevrolet Caprice Chevrolet Impala |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 307 in³ V8 350 in³ V8 350 in³ diesel V8 403 in³ V8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic 4-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 115.9 in (2,944 mm) |
| Length | 220.3 in (5,596 mm) |
| Width | 79.8 in (2,027 mm) |
| Height | 58.5 in (1,486 mm) |
The second generation Custom Cruiser appeared in 1977 based upon the B platform.
The second generation was smaller and lighter than the previous generation, and still able to seat up to 8 people. The electrically operated tailgate was replaced by a conventional two-way tailgate.
The new 1977 Custom Cruisers came with a standard 350 in³ (5.7 L) V8. Oldsmobile's 403 in³ (6.6 L) V8 was optional through 1979. In 1978, the 350 in³ diesel V8 became available; it would remain an option through 1985, after which it was discontinued. 1980 saw the introduction of the 307 in³ V8, becoming standard equipment. The gasoline 350 would remain as an option through 1980, but was dropped thereafter.
The Custom Cruiser was restyled in 1980 with a lower front fascia. The doors and window mechanisms were also redesigned to be lighter. The woodgrained side panels on models so equipped no longer followed the curves of the wheel wells like the 1977-1979 versions, but were positioned higher on the body sides to give a straighter, sleeker look similar to the first generation. 1980 saw the last restyling of the second generation Custom Cruisers.
Minor mechanical changes were made between 1980 and 1990. The new E4ME electronic carburetor which used GM's CCC (Computer Command Control) system was introduced in 1980 for models sold in California. In 1981, all Custom Cruisers used the E4ME with the CCC system, although Canadian emission cars continued to use the mechanical M4ME carburetor until 1986. Also new in 1981 was GM's new Turbo Hydramatic 200-4R automatic transmission with overdrive. This transmission was equipped with a lock-up torque converter and a 0.67:1 overdrive ratio. With the new transmission, the Custom Cruiser could be equipped with a numerically higher rear axle ratio for better performance, while offering improved fuel economy with the overdrive range. 1985 saw major changes to the 5.0 L (307 CID) V8 engine's cylinder head design. Introduced were new "swirl port" heads, which improved driveability and low-end torque. These new heads also featured very small intake ports, which reduced the higher RPM power and performance significantly. Along with the new heads, roller lifters replaced flat lifters. The 1989 Custom Cruiser was the last edition to have front shoulder belts mounted in the B-pillars; 1990 introduced door-mounted "passive" shoulder belts.
The second generation continued on until 1990, having become more of a standalone model starting in 1986. The previously similar Delta 88 had been downsized for 1986 and no longer shared a platform with the Custom Cruiser. In 1990, the second generation's last year, a historic event occurred—the Oldsmobile 'Rocket' V8, having been a unique Olds-designed engine around in some form or other since the 1949 model year, was dropped. From then on, Oldsmobile never again had an engine unique to the division.