WITH STANDARD
TRANSMISSIONS
WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
AXLE RATIOS
 With
Synchro-mesh
 Standard Axle Ratio
 Optional Expressway
Ratio
 Optional
Performance
Ratio
F-85 Cutlass
 3.23 to 1
 3.08 to 1
 N/A
 3.23 to 1
3.55 to 1
F-85 Deluxe or
F-85 V8
 3.08 to 1
 2.78 to 1
 N/A
 3.23 to 1
3.55 to 1
F-85 Deluxe or
F85 with Cutlass
V8 Engine
 3.23 to 1
 3.08 to 1
 2.78 to 1
 3.23 to 1
3.55 to 1
F-85 Deluxe or
F-85 V6
 3.23 to 1
 3.08 to 1
 2.78 to 1
 N/A
Vista Cruiser
 3.23 to 1
 3.08 to 1
 N/A
 3.23 to 1
3.55 to 1
Surprisingly, these cars are not as heavy as many people
might have expected.  The standard F-85 weight fluctuated
from just under 3000lbs for a plain model, to just over 3200
for a nicely optioned model.  
The table below shows the
approximate vehicle weight by Model
and Engine type.
To identify the original ratio of your Rear Differential,  The
Differential Ratio Code is located approximately 8 to 12 inches
to the passenger side of the Differential Case.  Letters will be
approximately 1/4" in height and will contain two letters.  
  Cutlass
 F-85
Deluxe
V8
 F-85
Deluxe
V6
 F-85
V8
 F-85
V6
Shipping
Weight
 3,205
 3,182
 3,012
 3,161
 2,991
The Table below will reveal the letter
that identify the Axle Ratio and whether
or not the unit started life as a
One-Wheel-Wonder-Peel or with the
very desirable, Anti-spin Differential unit.
Tooth count of Ring & Pinion
and Ratio
 Code for Standard Differentials
 Letters for Anti-Spin
Differentials
39:14 (2.78)
 SA
 SB
40:13 (3.08)
 SC
 SD
42:13 (3.23)
 SE
 SF
39:11 (3.55)
 SI
 SJ
39:10 (3.90)
 TG
 TH
Facts about the 1965 442

Engine Specifications:
Maximum Horsepower at RPM           345 at 4800
Maximum torque at RPM (lb.ft.)          440 at 3200
Displacement (cu.in.)                             400
Bore (in.)                                                   4.000
Stroke (in.)                                               3.975
Compression ration (to 1)                    10.25
Carburetor barrels (no.)                        4
Exhaust System                                      Dual
Transmission                                           4 Speed
                                                    or 2spd Jetaway
Facts about the 1965 Cutlass and F-85

Engine Specifications:
Maximum Horse at RPM                315 at 5200
Maximum Torque at rpm (lb ft) -  360 at 3600
Displacement (cu in)                      330
Bore (in)                                             3.9375
Stroke (in)                                          3.3850
Compression Ratio (to 1)              10.25
Carburetor barrels (no.)                 4
Exhaust System                              Single
Transmission                                   2spd Jetaway
Note in 1965 the 442 was its own model,
however the standard F-85 and Cutlass could
be ordered from GM with the 400 cubic in
motor and a variety of  Axle Ratios.  

It's widely known that 4.11 and 4.33 axle ratios
were available, however, these gear ratio's
could be installed at GM Dealerships and only
if the particular vehicle was equipped with the
optional 3.90 axle ratio.  No axle ratio code,
other the original markings on the housing, will
be identified.
Facts about the 442, Cutlass and F-85
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass, F-85 and 442
Engine
codes, Letters and Paint Colors
HEAD CASTING IDENTIFICATION

Casting #        Letter         Application
383821               A             All 400 2.00" Int/1.60"Exh.
                         2             All 330
OLDSMOBILE ENGINE BLOCK CODES

CID                CASTING # / LETTER
330                        381917 / A
400                        389298 / B
OLDSMOBILE ENGINE BLOCK PAINT

CID             YEAR          PAINT COLOR
330             1965             GOLD
400             1965             BRONZE