I have a 74 Olds 442 that has an earlier 455 in it. It is stamped with 396021F near the water pump housing. The heads have a F near the front driver side. I was told this is a 68-71 block.

I was told by the previous owner that the original owner did the motor and he got a special manifold for it. It is aluminum embossed with the snowflake (I guess this is from winters foundry) and Olds W-455 near the front of the manifold. It also has a number on the passenger side near the carb. I will get that number tomorrow. Also, the engine has chrome valve covers with Oldsmobile stamped on them.

That ebay auction of the "experimental manifold" piqued my curiosity on manifolds. I wonder what the story with mine is.

Does anyone have information on it?

 

By your description, it sounds like the enigne is a base, late model year (or crate) 1970 W-30 motor. "F" heads were stock for just the 1970 W-30. That engine came with 2 slightly different appearing aluminum intake manifolds. The earlier one said Oldsmobile W-455 while the later one said Olds W-455. I don't recall exactly, but I think those 2 have different part numbers. The 71-2 aluminum manifold had a different part number as well and I think I remember them all just saying "Olds", but had a different size hole for the coolant return. Is there a partial VIN stamped on the flat pad next to the #1 cylinder hole?

The 70-2 W-30 motors did not get valve covers with Oldsmobile stamped on them. Those are a little bit newer. I don't think the factory ever chrome plated those for what that is worth.

While there is not a lot of physical difference in W-30 heads (beyond the crossover only being connected to 1 port instead of 2, the price difference is pretty substantial. "F" heads can go for quite a bit of money to collectors and the intakes are not cheap either. Both are available (or supposedly will be soon) as reproduction parts. Not sure about the quality of those, but the originals will probably always worth more (at least in decent condition).

 

Here are pics of the intake, block, valve covers and the car. I misspoke on the block #. It is 396021FA, which would make it a 72-76 block.

The heads have the F code and the 404 438 ID making them 1970 W30 heads according to what has been posted.

The intake is more confusing. It has the later Olds W-455 cast in but the earlier id # 406115 This is a mixed combo of early and late according to what someone has posted.

Enjoy the pics and thank you everyone for all the information. I hope the pics help clarify things and I welcome any additional help.
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And Finally the whole car.

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my 442b.jpg

 

406115 came in two versions...first came the "OLDSMOBILE W-455" version and then for some reason Olds started casting them with "OLDS W-455". Either are correct for the 70 W30 motor and both very desirable. Good find!

 

nice ride, always wanted one of those. I had a colonnade, and never fell in love with the roofline like the fastback. had a 77 442 as well but was never impressed with the performance.