oldsmobile 442

[spharlow]

can anyone tell me some possitives and mabye negatives to the 442?

[MrPbody]

That's a pretty broad question. It depends on the era of the 442. Early ones ('64-'66) had the earlier style Olds engine. The '67-'72 may be the best performers of the line. Certain '69 and '70 models are the most sought after. Anything with a "W-30" on it (pre'73) is a good one. Anything with a 4-speed is more collectable than the automatic versions.
The early 442s were the first of the GM muscle cars with the "handling package", which would include a rear sway bar and a larger (1" or 1 1/8") front sway bar. Disc brakes are also a plus.

The '73-'77 models are big and heavy. Not real well constructed (a problem across GM at the time). The '78-'80 models are okay. Good chassis. Not much power. '81-newer are a little better in the performance, but still not stellar. Some of the "Hurst" models are quite collectable. Look for "Lightning Rods" as a shifter.

Parts are available for most of them.

As a GTO guy, I always thought the dash in 442 was a bit "stodgey", but is nicer than the Chevelle and Buick versions. It isn't commonly aknowledged, but 442 was hot on the heels of GTO, becoming the second GM muscle car in full production. REAL (big block power) Chevelles were still a year and a half away. GS was no match for GTO OR 442 in '64 or '65.

Jim

[spharlow]

Sorry, I forgot to put the year I was looking into. I was hoping to hear about the 1966 442, thanks for the reply.

[MrPbody]

According to my reference material, the '66 would have the 400 engine (unique to 442). If it's a 4-speed, it will have a Muncie transmission (all aluminum case, 7 bolts holding the side cover on). If an automatic, it's a 2-speed known as Super Turbine 300. It's NOT a Chevy PowerGlide.

The rear axles in the pre-'68 A-bodies are known for "glass" side (spider) gears. The rear is the 8.2" GM (non-Chevy), with semi-floating axles (no "C" locks). All the good parts are available for it through Moser and Auburn.

'66s are pretty rare. Tough chassis. Good car. What are your intentions for the car? (restoration? hot rod?)

Jim

[spharlow]

well im a first time muscle car buyer, and there is a 66' 442 coming up in a local auction. I was just looking into mabye buying it.