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In running my VIN # on my 442 (1972) I found that the 5th digit (letter in this case) is an "M" which designates the motor is the "350 4bbl V8 200 HP dual exhaust" Just curious that some VIN decoders on the web don't even show the "M" motor, instead they show the "K" motor. So most assume that a 350 in a 1972 - 442 is the K motor which is a "350 4bbl V8 180 HP" with single exhaust.
In conclusion, when I read writings or talk to others about the 442 of 1972 most look at the 350 motor as the lessor 180 HP engine. The 200 HP in mine isn't ever mentioned.
Just a fun fact I wanted to get others here opinions on.
20 extra HP and the dual exhaust system mean a lot more than one would think.
Any feedback? Thanks!
Once again demonstrating the risk of relying on third party info on the web. Always start with factory documents. Yeah, even the factory documents have typos or revised information, but it is by far a better place to start. FYI, the VIN decoding info is in the very first section of the Chassis Service Manual.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Originally Posted by 1972-442-350
In running my VIN # on my 442 (1972) I found that the 5th digit (letter in this case) is an "M" which designates the motor is the "350 4bbl V8 200 HP dual exhaust" Just curious that some VIN decoders on the web don't even show the "M" motor, instead they show the "K" motor. So most assume that a 350 in a 1972 - 442 is the K motor which is a "350 4bbl V8 180 HP" with single exhaust.
In conclusion, when I read writings or talk to others about the 442 of 1972 most look at the 350 motor as the lessor 180 HP engine. The 200 HP in mine isn't ever mentioned.
Just a fun fact I wanted to get others here opinions on.
20 extra HP and the dual exhaust system mean a lot more than one would think.
Any feedback? Thanks!
Well first I have to say congratulations on having a 72 fastback 442 that didn't come with the 2 bbl 2GC 350. I don't know where you got that information about your engine having 200 hp, because according to factory docs, the stock hp ratings for 2 bbls and 4 bbls were 160 and 180. The 350 depended on what their configuration - H,J, K or M as they all shared the same cams and heads.
Well then, that would explain why the 200 HP in mine isn't ever mentioned. But I did find the "M" coded 200 HP on a few different VIN decoder sites. Thanks!
It's interesting that the above breakdowns weren't published for the 1971 350 engine, which was exactly the same, nor was it published for the 68-70 engines.
Last edited by Fun71; December 20th, 2019 at 01:53 PM.
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
And this is the chart from the 1972 AMA specs for Oldsmobile issued 8/71 which Kenneth is quoting from. I don't believe it is a factory document. I know the one I posted was from the Olds SPECS for 1972. Which one you believe is up to you.
And this is the chart from the 1972 AMA specs for Oldsmobile issued 8/71 which Kenneth is quoting from. I don't believe it is a factory document. I know the one I posted was from the Olds SPECS for 1972. Which one you believe is up to you.
Actually, that AMA document exactly mirrors the info in the 1971 SPECS booklet. The 1972 version didn't list the HP ratings, but the 1971 and 72 engines are virtually identical. Note that the 71 booklet listed SAE Gross and Net HP ratings, so you can see how much of the HP decline was due to emissions controls and how much was just a different test process. And yes, the RPO numbers for the 350 motors were different in 71 and 72, but the engines are the same.
December 20th, 2019, 06:23 AM
