teamwieland

Just pulled the trigger on a '68 442, which is reported to have the original 455 Rocket motor. I was under the impression the 455 wasn't available until the 1970 model year, other than Hurst models. The seller claims it is the original numbers matching motor, and it has a red block. Looking at the wikipedia page for Oldsmobile 442 it makes it sound like the base 442s all came with 400 c.i. motors. It's not a deal breaker for me as I do want a 455, but can anyone confirm is any 442s in 1968 did come with the red block 455 motor?

1969w3155

You are correct, no 455 in the 442 until 1970. The exception as you noted is the '68-69 H/O. The vin derivative on the pad below the #1 spark plug will tell you if it matches (it won't). Post pics of your new wheels when you get the chance.

svnt442

And double check the casting number behind the water pump.

joe_padavano

The seller is either uninformed or lying. Be afraid, be very afraid. You may find that it really is "numbers matching" - and a G-block 400, not a 455. It also begs the question of what else has the seller incorrectly claimed about the car.

teamwieland

Hmmmm. Thanks for the replies. I will try to confirm those details and get back. I haven't picked the car up yet as it is out of state.

teamwieland

stevengerard

Maybe you will be really lucky and its actually a Hurst

joe_padavano

redoldsman

Yeh, it has probably been repainted and the guy doesn't know what he has. Sure

stevengerard

Just wishful thinking . I'm still hoping to find the build sheet in my 72 Cutlass to prove that someone changed the VIN from an "X" W30 convertible to a "K"Cutlass just to save on insurance costs 45 years ago

teamwieland

OK Fellas, got the car home and have some info. block stamp is a 30M, so looks like a 1970 motor. Has a QJet carb and, Edelbrock Performer Intake, and E stamped heads. While I am glad it is a 455 the car is an absolute dog here at my elevation (6500-7000 ft) in Colorado Springs. It is a TH400 tranny and is just incredibly sluggish. The shop I bought it from said they put a nice cam in it (either Iskey or Edelbrock) and I wonder if that has anything to do with it. I am not joking when I say a Prius would smoke me. Is it possible the carb needs to be completed re-jetted or at least tuned, along with some timing touch up to have some respectable power? I'm trying not to panic yet but this motor is gutless the way it sits. Somebody please talk me off a cliff...

joe_padavano

Is this the same shop that claimed it was the original motor???

You begin to understand my skepticism.

Yes, it's a 1970 motor, and the "E" heads are consistent with that. Unfortunately, you have no idea what, if anything, was done to it. It's entirely possible this came from a 2bbl Delta 88, with small valves and low compression. You also have no idea of the condition of the motor - mileage, wear, etc. Certainly a compression test is in order. What is the carb number? What is the distributor advance curve? What are the exact cam specs? Unfortunately you don't know what you have, and apparently this shop doesn't either.

By the way, yes, you will likely need to rejet the carb for the altitude at a minimum. Are the plugs looking sooty?

teamwieland

Fun71

I would start by checking the distributor: both timing and points condition (if it has them).
If the timing is severely-retarded or the points are shot, then the engine will be way down on power.

joe_padavano

Also need to check cam timing, which unfortunately is a lot more work.

Unfortunately you have no idea what's inside that motor. Unless the shop can provide hard documentation as to what exactly was done to it, you're just guessing. A properly built and running 455 should impress you. Do you know what gears are in the rear end?

billrob71