9th Jun 2005, 13:48
I'm looking to buy a 1970 442 cutlass and I would like to know where I would be able to find that info. and if 1500 is worth it.
15th Jul 2008, 15:42
I use to own a 1970 442 as well, until it was stolen, (see above!).
And I agree with the comment about it being 'LOUD', as I was constantly complained to from a friends neighbor, that "I kept knocking his wife's 'WHAT-NOTS' off the shelves!", (I believe what he meant was, 'knick-knacks'!!).
And, yes, an EXTREMELY FUN car to drive, even when not driving 'spirited'!! And if I could afford to buy another one, I'd do it in a heart-beat!!
29th May 2009, 20:48
I have a 1971 442 w30 convertible; purchased in 1972 from my brother. There were only 110 w30 Convertibles built. I am not worried about gas mileage! It's been a great car, and an import can't compare.
30th May 2009, 11:18
"Gas is POOR! I'm getting about 8 mpg city!"
- That's good! Mine did only about 6 mpg around town.
10th May 2010, 20:25
I have a 1971 Olds 442 with a 455 rocket that I just got rebuilt a year ago. I was wondering if anyone knew what the stock HP is or if there was anywhere I could find this out?
11th May 2010, 08:41
- The stock HP for the 1971 442 was 340 @ 4600 RPMs, according to the May 1971 issue of Road Test.
11th May 2010, 09:42
442.com lists the hp at 270 hp for base and 280 hp for the W-30 optioned cars for 1971. This is down quite a bit from the 365 hp/370 hp 455 engine options from 1970, due to unleaded gas and lower compression ratios due to government regulations. You are probably getting quite a bit more mileage in your '71. Of course, you probably don't drive it enough for that to matter much.
11th May 2010, 10:57
My issues on my 1968 were a steering box and a trans. Other than that it was great, and I miss it. I liked the tail lights better on mine than the square ones later owned from 74 to 83.
11th May 2010, 21:39
'68 is a sweet year for sure. I like the vertical taillights on the '69 a bit more and the turn signals moved to the bumper in the front. The black and silver '68 Hurst is one of the best looking Olds' out there though... My all time favorite year is the '70 as it is the fastest of the 442's.
10th Feb 2017, 01:36
You won't go through new starters if you use starter heat wrap. You are getting heat soak. Happens with many muscle cars, especially those with headers. Responding to the initial post. With spirited driving my big block would love to ever see 8 MPG. Seems you can almost watch the gas gauge needle moving. I get that MPG simply cruising. I am lucky it can run on 93 octane. I am good for a couple cruise nights and simply refuel. Is it worth it? Absolutely!
12th Feb 2017, 04:45
Good point about heat shielding.
You can likely find the OEM Oldsmobile steel heat shield (from late-70s Oldsmobiles) in junkyards. They are easy and effective bolt-on items :)
13th Feb 2017, 10:41
You have great taste with this model year car.
You can pick up starter wrap in places like Auto Zone for around 20.00. A lot of people go with aftermarket headers which get hot. This wrap is quicker and easier to install with the included stainless zip ties. A very effective solution. I recently went with a late model GM magnetic starter on my 1970 Chevelle SS. Should prove more durable. And added the wrap. I had to change out to longer starter bolts. Looks stock. Ran a hidden kill switch far under the dash to deter theft. Another solution is that you can go with a high torque mini starter to provide more header distance. I have a different big block than this, but the same comment applies. We also share the same GM frame.
Don't throw away the stock manifolds in case the next owner wants to go stock. In fact save as many original parts as possible. Including the T-3 headlights. The 70 4-4-2 is a beautiful model, especially with the matching color rear spoiler. That and the 70 Buick GS GSX and even some 70 GTO models could be ordered with more luxury options than mine. Makes the cars a bit heavier. My car is plainer other than the cowl induction flapper hood. This is a great year to find on any of these models. Especially 4 speeds with air and power windows. Or a convertible.
Some cars you simply keep forever. This review is definitely one of them. I had a 68 Olds at one time and really liked its body style too, especially the rear tail lights. A nice car to own! It gets tempting to sell when you get unsolicited offers a lot. But what would you replace it with? This was a tremendous era, especially this model year. Including many other muscle cars besides GM. With the insurance and government pressure on these high HP, the 1971s saw a drop in HP.
3rd Dec 2004, 11:06
Hello,
I'm the wife of a 442 Oldsmobile 1970 man!
What site would you go on to view how much his car is worth!
I need this figure for asset protection and I really think he should know! He always says it's around the 16 to 20 range.
He has restored it and It is a convertible.
Please help!