Oldsmobile 442

I have owned this 442 since 1998. The body was separated from the frame in 1999, painted in 2002 and reassembled in 2004. Documentation of the rebuild will be provided. The original 400 cubic inch motor and turbo 400 transmission were rebuilt and powered the car until 2012, when a 455 motor and 2004R overdrive transmission were installed.
The Motor: A 1970 455 F-block with ported ‘C’ heads, Edelbrock dual plane intake and cast iron exhaust manifolds that are port-matched to the heads. The spark is controlled by a billet MSD distributor and the fuel is mixed by a 780 CFM Holley Street Avenger Carburetor. Engine machine work was performed by Spitfire Machine Shop in Denver, Colorado and assembled with Keith Black high compression pistons, Voodoo camshaft #10420703 (lift: .511/.522 advertised duration: 273/279), Mondello oil restricted hydraulic lifters, Comp Cams roller tipped rocker arms, rods are stress relieved and shot peened and the rotating assembly balanced, high volume oil pump and custom 7 quart oil pan. The engine components compliment the characteristics inherent to the 455 – low RPM torque.
Exhaust: In the spring of 2019 a new dual exhaust from manifold to bumper was installed with Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers and cross over pipe.
The Transmission: A 2004R built by Century Automotive in Rosenberg, Texas. The transmission has numerous upgrades including a performance valve body from a Buick Grand National and it has a lock-up torque converter with a 2200 stall. Transmission shifts firmly and at WOT will shift consistently at 5200-5500 RPMs.The transmission has a lock-up torque converter that is engaged via a manifold vacuum switch and timer, both are adjustable.
The Rear Axle: Type O axle with 3.42 gears and posi. The axle was rebuilt by Seguin Equipment in July 2018 with all new gears, bearings and seals
The Body & Interior: The original paint and interior was light blue on light blue with a white top. The body was removed from the frame and painted “Atlantic Blue” and the interior and convertible top changed to black. The frame and all suspension components were rebuilt and painted black. The original factory air conditioning was replaced with a Vintage Air unit.
In the fall of 2018, the body was repainted the same “Atlantic Blue”. Before paint, all chrome, stainless trim, and weatherstripping was removed from the vehicle. Reassembly included a variety of new parts from Fusick, including:“442” badging, grill assembly, park lenses and trim, tail lights and trim, door hinges, seat padding and interior carpet. Dynamat was installed under the new carpet and inside the door panels. New kick panels with speakers were installed and parking brake foot lever was modified to accommodate. Felt covered MDF board was installed in the trunk, hiding the relocated battery, amp and bluetooth receiver.
Suspension: The front suspension is stock with performance polyurethane bushings and large sway bar. The rear suspension is upgraded to an adjustable, performance tubular control arms with polyurethane bushings and a large sway bar.
Brakes: The car has 4 wheel disc brakes and a matched master cylinder.
Wheels: In the spring of 2019, the chrome 15” “SSII” wheels were replaced with a new set of American Racing wheels VN501s that look very similar to the original “SSI” wheels.
Extras: Original 400 CI short block with original manifolds, carburetor, valve covers and oil pan, Harland Sharp roller rockers with less than 20 hours run time, two complete sets of push rods, and adjustable pushrod. A variety of Holley carburetor replacement and adjustment pieces. The original turbo 400 transmission with a B&M torque converter. The original rear suspension and rear drum brakes. All documentation consisting of previous labor and parts replaced on the car.
How it Performs: This is an extremely fun car to drive. The almost endless amount of torque means the driver can break the rear end loose at will and the swaybar/suspension upgrades allows the car to hug a turn longer than most of its contemporaries of the same vintage. With the lock up torque converter engaged the engine is turning at 2500 RPMs doing 80 mile per