Please Educate Me. Potential 442 Owner

Hi, first off, let me say that I've never really been a gear-head (more of a book-worm) so please excuse any ignorance. My wife and I have started looking at classic cars recently and I have my eye on a '72 Oldsmobile 442.

We are looking at this car: http://www.volocars.com/showroom/sh...=olds/442&show=

I would really like to add some performance to it (headers, exhaust, etc... as much horsepower as I can get with it still being a reliable car), but I don't know of any companies that sell aftermarket parts for it and which one's would be the best. I'd really like it to have that low thud-thud sound when it's idle (and shakes the neighbor's chair) but again, which parts to get it to do that?

Also, they have a Cutlass which has been dyno'd @ 450hp. Can anyone here tell me which car is more desirable or add any advice as to what kind of parts I could add to it (or for that matter, links to manufacturer's who sell such parts)?

I know it's long-winded, but we appreciate any responses/advice you could give.

The link doesn't seem to work.
However, there is lots of performance potential in an Oldsmoble. The 442's came with a variety of engines displacements, which are variations on one basic design. The 455 cid engines are more suited to high performance than the 350s or 400s and are worth more. There is nothing wrong woth the latter, but if you want the best performance, go for a 455.

I also would suggest some research, to see what 442 options are the most desireable. This affect value and price. Also, do some research to see how to tell a real 442 from a fake. (pedestrian Cutlass which has been upgraded) A fake one may be fine for your purposes, depending on the equipment. Just don't pay real 442 prices for it.

As for parts, start here:http://www.mondellotwister.com/
Their articles and links are hugely valuable.

Thanks MagicRat....

Here's another try at the link: http://www.volocars.com/showroom/showroom_d.php?id=11035&nhs=0&make=olds/442&show=

It's a 455... and I'll do some research. I appreciate your advice. I don't think I would want to harm the value any... Is it possible to keep the old parts and put them back on at resale and still keep the value? For instance, if I put headers, exhaust, etc... kept the old parts, then put them back on at resale time?

Grr... the link is being cut off when I submit:

www.volocars.com/showroom/showroom_d.php?id=11035&nhs=0&make=olds/442&show=

Or go to www.volocars.com/showrooms/showroom.php?make=olds/442 and it's the 1972 OLDSMOBILE 442 W-30 X CODE (purple/brownish paint).

Also, what is more desirable, the 442 or the Cutlass? (They have a 450 h.p. Cutlass that looks pretty nice too...)

A genuine 442 will always be more desireable than a regular Cutlass. Remember, you can always add aftermarket parts to any car, but it can only be original once. Of course, if you don't plan on keeping it original at all, go with either one. Just don't pay top dollar for a non-original car unless it is really special.

That big lopey idle your referring to comes from a good cam. The early 70 455's were making around 400hp, and 500 ft/lb of torque right out of the box. The cool thing is that the maximum torque was at 2800 RPM, which is just perfect for fun on the street. If you throw a decent intake, moderate cam, and a set of headers on this beast, it will be a smile a minute, and as dependable as a swiss watch.

beautiful olds my freind i would give my left leg for it,my brain too (i dont need it :bloated:) but any way i think you should get one, very nice cars if you ask me. give padestrians whiplash i know i would seeing one of them comein down the street. but anyways have fun.

Well, I'm looking at both cars now and I really, really, don't think either one of them are worth the price. One of them has all the 442 goodies but when I look at the interior, (bench seat, column shift, aftermarket gauges, regular cutlass fuel guage and no 442 on the glove box), it just makes me think it aint the real mccoy. I see no W-30 emblem on the fender. I could be wrong but I'm not a full believer until I see a vin and a head or block #.

The other car is a fairly nice 72 Cutlass Supreme and at least you know its been tweaked with the 403 in there, which is a 77-79 engine. If it had the original motor, it might be worth more down the road. But there's no way I'd pay $17,000 for that car.

You might want to hold off a little while and see what else cruises you're way before blowing 17 to 20 grand. Get the VIN and I'll check it for you.

By the way, just go to www.volocars.com and you can find it no problem. Ya don't need the subfolder stuff.

I've been to the volo site and the museum. As brutus said, I wouldn't pay their prices for a "restored" car with the intention of hot rodding it. Their cars are high $ restorations, almost perfect in most cases. If you have the $ to spend for one of their cars, buy a 70-72 cutlass and build from there, since it appears $ is no object. Do it your way and don't cut up an already very nice and over priced car. Just my opinion.

Thanks Mike, I appreciate your thoughts. The car sold before I could buy it. I'm buying a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 right now (for the family car) and once that's fixed up and paid off, I'll get my 442 - w30.

Thanks guys,


-Still a 442Fan....

442fan,good luck with the mustang,liked the body style since the 1st time I saw "Diamonds are forever" racing around Vegas.