Please Educate Me. Potential 442 Owner

[442Fan]

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/sho...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.

[EighteenVisions]

You'd probably be better off posting this in the muscle car forum.

[panzer dragoon]

if you are talking Olds performance you need to talk to one man: Joe Mondello http://www.mondellotwister.com/engines.html

I personally like the 1969 White/Gold Hurst/Olds (H/O) the best and the best deal I ever saw was when Mr. Gasket was selling some of his collection in the mid-90's. I think he wanted 12.5-15K for his 69 442 H/O and it was in very good shape. I would suspect this car would be worth 40k now.

If you are serious about the 442 you will need to do 1-2 yrs of homework. Find that first 442 deal (3-10k) and after you have invested another 5k into it will start doing the search for your perfect Oldsmobile. Remember these cars will appreciate more than a new car will depreciate, so if you find something in truely excellent shape ($15k-$25) I would consider it a bargain.

Stay away from the sticker option 442s like they were putting out in 1975. You either want a 442 or you don't (Cutlass). Nothing wrong with a Cutlass, but it's not a 442. The 1966 cars are lighter and strong while the 72 will be drive like a heavier car. The dual scoops on the 70s ones are pretty cool and that maybe is the look that you are after.

later edit: your picture wouldn't open up, but I checked out the site. The silver 69 442 may be the better deal they had there. An excellent original Cutlass convertible for 12-15 wouldn't be a bad deal. Stay away from the 442 clones, drag cars, and extensive restorations. You want a mint original car if possible. This may take awhile to find and you need to save up your money so you have the cash on hand. You want a car from someone that has passionately owned it and taken care of it for quite awhile (maybe even the original owner), Do your research before buying. I would expect the Mr. Gasket car to go for over $100,000 easy for what they were charging. You want a mint/original 442 for under $20k-25K and stick to it until you get lucky. May take a few years, but you can use that time to educate yourself and to talk to local 442 owners/sellers. That 403 engine shouldn't be on a 72 olds.