I just inhierited a '68 olds 442. I like to know if anyone knows or knows of a website that would give me info on this car. It has the 455 with auto tranny. Info like gear ratio's ,type of rearend, hp etc. Thanks,Exacto

 

Welcome, Exacto!

Your '68 should have a bronze-colored 400 engine in it. 455 was not offered until 1970.

For info, try the FAQ at www.442.com. But PLEASE do not take everything there as gospel. There are a lot of errors scattered throughout, but it's the best on the web IMHO.

I'd like to hear more about your car!

C.J.

 

Hey C.J., Thanks for the info. The reason I say its a 455 is that on the intake manifold says "edelbrock performance 455". Also that's what Dad said.I have found some reciepts on an engine rebuild in '94 but can't make out engine size from them unless I track down part #'s.But who knows I also got a '63 split window vette from him that was supposed to be 100% done but is only 85%.So who knows! Thanks, Exacto

 

The "Performer" intake fits all big blocks (400, 425, 455).

Go to http://www.ucalgary.ca/~csimpson/Tech/Block_ID.jpg
and http://www.ucalgary.ca/~csimpson/Tech/Head_ID.jpg

Then look at your engine and tell me what you read.

C.J.

 

Hey C.J., I think your right. I'm a Ford guy, but with getting this car I'll be needing to learn about the Old's. This car had a complete rebuild in '97 and has 4008 miles since then. So are you a collector or a guy who likes turning a wrench? I just finished a 1940 ford convertable that took 5 years to do. So I know what you mean by being a slave! Thanks for your help,Exacto

 

Exacto,

Been a gearhead forever. This is my first Olds. Had it for 5 years now. It's definately different...and I like it like that!

A 40 Ford! SCHWE_E_E_E_T!

C.J.

 

There were a couple of 455s put into the Hurst equipped 67 442s...but only about 4 they say.

 

Exacto

I too have a 68 442, to find out your engine size just look at the valley behind the water pump between the oil fill and oil pressure unit, you will see the engine casting #'s and if it is a 1968 or 1969 motor the casting will be just like mine wich is (396026 G) if it's a 455 the #'s will be (396021 F) from 1968 to 1976.

Hope this helps.

 

Duck,

If the story comes from one guy in particular (no names here), the story 8 years ago was that he owned two of them...then three...now four. But he won't let anybody get near the "matching" numbers or say exactly how he is the only one in the world that finds these jewels. Dale Smith (now deceased) and Doc Watson can't say for sure that there weren't, but don't remember that there were.


68,

Look at the links I provided above. I thought it was easier than talking someone through finding the numbers.

C.J.

 

If those were 455's in a couple of '67 year model cars, they had to be late and a special deal that wasn't documented. Olds didn't use the 455 engine until '68. the 425 was the big boy in '67.

 

That's what I thought too, but Musclecar Review had an article on it in the Annual 2005 magizine (pg. 68-71) claiming that it's the real deal and the owner's name is DougAlsip of Norwalk, Ohio. And yes, he claims to own 2 of them. I have my suspicions since the car shown is a column shift and the added Sunpro tach mounted in place of the clock delete. The story also says Hurst/Olds made the swaps before delivering them to the dealer, but it also says that the owner's uncle bought it new and had the dealer install the W-30 package...then the salesman told the uncle about the special upgrade from Hurst. Fishy...Huh???

 

Duck,

Eight years ago, he claimed to own a "one of a kind test mule". Late last year, he claimed to have three on hand with an eye on a fourth.

C.J.