I'm looking at buying a 77 442 for restoration.
From what I gathered from the VIN # ( thanks to all the people who put up the VIN decoder links ),
it is a 1977 Cutlass S, 403 4bl, Doraville plant. It has the 442 front end, but other than that, how do you tell?
Honestly, it looks like someone put a 442 front end on the car, painted it white with some black stripes( you can tell original color was blue), and put in a cheap custom interior ( it has 442 stitched on the headrest of both front seats).
The car is pretty rough, but is also pretty cheap.
If it is a true 442, I heard that the productions numbers were pretty low for the 403 engine. Which may influence whether or not I purchase it.
If it is just a Cutlass S, it wouldn't be worth fixing up in my opinion.
Thank you all for your help!!!

 

If you don't get a reply, send a message to 442much he's more familiar with this vintage than most of us on this site. John

 

Thanks John

In 1977 a 442 will have the sloped front end but that is easily added if you can find the headder. The only way to tell for sure is to send the VIN to the GM History Centre and have them check the options that came with the car (unless you can find the build sheet). If you find the build sheet and you see W29, then it is a 442. Unlike the 1968-71 442's these cars were actually Cutlasses with the 442 option. Inside the car there was no 442 identification. Those seats were added.

There were 11,649 442's built in 1977. Of that, 350 had the 403 engine. This is the body style NACSAR used from 1977-81. Richard Petty won the 1979 Daytona in an Oldsmobile and Buddy Baker set the fastest 500 mile race on his way to winning the Daytona in 1980.

Depending on what the owner is asking it might be a good buy. You have to ask yourself, how bad do you want it. A lot of parts are beginning to become available as the 68-72 442's are getting out of reach. These cars are starting to become popular because you just don't see them that often. You'll have to decide if it's worth it for you. If you get it, lots of info can be had at the 73-77 Olds forum.