|
Create Handle Edit Handle Edit Post Page Editor Help Board! Featured Board All Listed Boards |
my85olds442
This was a transitional year for this model, as its body was redesigned to feature massive 5-foot (2 m) long doors and energy absorbing bumpers. The rear windows were fixed and the roof was reinforced in anticipation of roll-over standards being imposed by the government. These cars were a few hundred pounds heavier and slightly larger than the 1972s.
The introduction was delayed by a strike in 1972. The 4-4-2 option was reduced to a handling and appearance package code W-29 available on Cutlass and Cutlass "S". It consisted of a louvered hood, FE2 suspension, specific grilles, emblems and stripes. Items such as dual exhaust and super stock wheels had to be ordered a la-carte. This was all part of the industry-wide weaning of U.S. consumers from large, powerful cars.
1970 was the pinnacle year for the 4-4-2. 1971 through 1977 saw a gradual reduction of options and emphasis on performance. In 1973, one could build a "real" 4-4-2 from Olds, but this required careful review of the literature and a savvy dealer. Officially, the W-30 was not available, but the 1972 "V" code 455 was there, but only with the 4-speed wide-ratio M-20 transmission. 1973 was also the last year of the manual transmission in the Olds "A" body. The "V" code produced 270 net HP, the "U" code 455 AT produced 250 hp (186 kW), while the "K" code 350 single exhaust produced 180 hp (134 kW) and the "M" code 350 with duals produced 200 hp (150 kW). Positraction rear ends, axle ratios, gauges, Super Stock wheels, HD cooling and many sport type options were available, but had to be ordered. The "V" code engine was also available in the Hurst/Olds without A/C,code W-46,the W-45 "U" code was standard with A/C. Both versions used the Turbohydramatic 400 transmission.
Engines:
1972 L32 350 in³ 2-barrel V8, (160 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [H or J in VIN]
1972 L34 350 in³ 4-barrel V8, (180 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [K in VIN]
1972 L34 350 in³ 4-barrel V8 w/N10 dual exhaust, (200 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [M in VIN]
1972 W30 455 in³ 4-barrel V8, (300 hp and 410 lb·ft (556 N·m) in 1972) [X in VIN w/ TH400 and M20]
1972 L75 455 in³ 4-barrel V8, (250 hp w/ TH400 and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) in 1972) [U in VIN]
1972 L75 455 in³ 4-barrel V8, (270 hp w/ M20 and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) in 1972) [V in VIN] - used 2.07 valves and W30 automatic camshaft
1973-1976 231 in³ V6
1973-1976 455 in³ V8
1973-1978 350 in³ V8
1976-1978 260 in³ V8
1977-1978 403 in³ V8 (185 hp and 320 lb·ft (434 N·m) in 1977)
my85olds442 00:21:42 02/01/2008 (11)