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I'm going to look at a 1969 442 (34487 VIN) this week that is supposed to have a 400c.i. motor. Is this considered a Big Block? What should I look for on the Block that will tell me that it's a 400 and not a 350 or 455? Thank you
Note the big G at the end of that series of numbers.
And from your other threads you know how to find VIN derivatives on the block and trans, right?
Just so we're clear on which car we're talking about. This is a 1969 Oldsmobile 442. The other car I had posted questions on, a 1971 442, I decided not to purchase. Yes, this 1969 Olds 442 has all the same number series along with the big G at the end. It is a numbers matching car from the information gathered thus far with VIN derivatives on the Block & Transmission. Thank you
Just so we're clear on which car we're talking about. This is a 1969 Oldsmobile 442. The other car I had posted questions on, a 1971 442, I decided not to purchase. Yes, this 1969 Olds 442 has all the same number series along with the big G at the end. It is a numbers matching car from the information gathered thus far with VIN derivatives on the Block & Transmission. Thank you
No, I'm following you. The 'G' signifies the long-stroke 400 in '68-9, and that's the reason the engine is informally referred to as a "G-block".
No, I'm following you. The 'G' signifies the long-stroke 400 in '68-9, and that's the reason the engine is informally referred to as a "G-block".
Sounds like a nice car.
Thank you for the information. I'm leaving in the A.M. and will see the car on Thursday with check in hand. Hopefully she will be home shortly after that. I'm also to understand that this car should have C heads? I watched a YouTube Video, a guy with a notebook full of info and codes, numbers ect. His book shows it should have D heads so clarification would be helpful if you have any info. Also, can you recommend a good U.S. based Transporter company to ship with? Thanks again.
Thank you for the information. I'm leaving in the A.M. and will see the car on Thursday with check in hand. Hopefully she will be home shortly after that. I'm also to understand that this car should have C heads? I watched a YouTube Video, a guy with a notebook full of info and codes, numbers ect. His book shows it should have D heads so clarification would be helpful if you have any info. Also, can you recommend a good U.S. based Transporter company to ship with? Thanks again.
Adam answered your question about the D heads accurately. I'll just add that all other 4-4-2 400 engines would have C heads, including the one you're looking at.
For transport, there is a CO member based in Dallas who evidently does a good job:
Congratulations on your new toy! Looks Awesome! Interesting side note: From the pics, as shown on my PC screen, the engine looks to have been painted "350 Gold" instead of "400 Bronze." No big deal if you are certain it checked out as a 400. My own '68 4-4-2's engine has Bronze heads, intake and valve covers, but the block is gold. Both the gold lower and bronze upper appear to have been that way for quite some time, though I doubt it came from the factory that way. I'm guessing mine was rebuilt at some point by a PO. Perhaps yours was, also.
Congratulations on your new toy! Looks Awesome! Interesting side note: From the pics, as shown on my PC screen, the engine looks to have been painted "350 Gold" instead of "400 Bronze." No big deal if you are certain it checked out as a 400. My own '68 4-4-2's engine has Bronze heads, intake and valve covers, but the block is gold. Both the gold lower and bronze upper appear to have been that way for quite some time, though I doubt it came from the factory that way. I'm guessing mine was rebuilt at some point by a PO. Perhaps yours was, also.
I'm disposed to look kindly on this faux pas as the same thing happened to me. The engine builder swore up and down that he painted my 400-G Bronze (from Fusick) but it sure looks gold to me.
Like you, I've chosen to believe it's no big deal.
the engine looks to have been painted "350 Gold" instead of "400 Bronze." No big deal if you are certain it checked out as a 400.
Originally Posted by BangScreech4-4-2
Like you, I've chosen to believe it's no big deal.
you guys are going to give 442b some last minute heebie-jeebies.
I would chalk it up to it is what it is as well. After all Olds gets generalized a lot. Casuals think all their V8s that are housed in an aggressive looking body are gold "four forty two" cid engines... And if its not a rocket its not real...
Going by the air cleaner housing fitment 442b is looking good.
His 442
Vs Streetsides 69 Supreme.
350s just don't show as much intake manifold as a big block from that angle.
you guys are going to give 442b some last minute heebie-jeebies.
I would chalk it up to it is what it is as well. After all Olds gets generalized a lot. Casuals think all their V8s that are housed in an aggressive looking body are gold "four forty two" cid engines... And if its not a rocket its not real...
Going by the air cleaner housing fitment 442b is looking good.
Not sure exactly what your words add up to, but I will agree that 442b does not have a problem. Although he may want to retrofit a correct master cylinder at some point.
Correct for the 69 442's, nice. Right under that C, underneath that little bracket attached to the exhaust manifold will (should be) On the block, a partial VIN that matches the car.
Not sure exactly what your words add up to, but I will agree that 442b does not have a problem.
Yes we are on the same page. Wasn't implying that you and BackInTheGame were wrong. I was saying the engine being the possible wrong shade is par for the course. As the casual fan and people that work on these cars often misconstrue aspects pertaining to them. You guys are clearly above casual fans.
Originally Posted by 442b
She has C heads and is now home.
As she should, and awesome.
Originally Posted by tru-blue 442
Correct for the 69 442's, nice. Right under that C, underneath that little bracket attached to the exhaust manifold will (should be) On the block, a partial VIN that matches the car.
Ahh yes going for the grand slam. When I first looked at my Supreme I was so taken with it. I didn't really verify anything till I owned it. Just gave her the usual look see prior to purchase. Opened the hood saw the 350 and she ran, drove, and looked as I had hoped plus the previous owner just felt so right, gut wise. And he was and everything checked out, and its just an incredible car. 442b is 2 levels up Cutlass wise, Something tells me he is going to be a happy camper.
Thank you, guys, for the kind words, suggestions and especially the correct information. Yes, I am very happy with my new purchase. A real 1969 numbers matching 442 in immaculate condition. It's going to be my last Oldsmobile. In my lifetime, I've owned many Oldsmobile's. My last was a 1972 W-30 X code car that I was kicking myself for selling back in 2020 to an unappreciative new owner. I wish I chose her new owner better, but as the saying goes, hindsight is 2020. Well, I have a new beautiful girl to give all my automotive attention going forward.
On another note: I have the Original Stock Rally 14" Wheels that came with the car. I'm leaning heavily on having those painted and buy new tires and putting those on. The PO bought new Cragar's and B.F. Goodrich tires (mounted with white letters inside) that are on the car now. He put 7x15's in the front and 8x15's on the rear, I'm just not feeling them. They don't feel right. I'd rather have the Rally's. Thoughts?
I have the Original Stock Rally 14" Wheels that came with the car. I'm leaning heavily on having those painted and buy new tires and putting those on. The PO bought new Cragar's and B.F. Goodrich tires (mounted with white letters inside) that are on the car now. He put 7x15's in the front and 8x15's on the rear, I'm just not feeling them. They don't feel right. I'd rather have the Rally's. Thoughts?
Are the brakes upgraded ? Sometimes the conversion requires larger rims, as my car did.
Any chance for a profile pic, can't really see the rims. Although the stance and staggered tire width looks great !
With regards to blackwall I agree with the look as 64-72 speak for themselves and don't really need the extra look at me. But RWL works well on 68-72.
Are the brakes upgraded ? Sometimes the conversion requires larger rims, as my car did.
Any chance for a profile pic, can't really see the rims. Although the stance and staggered tire width looks great !
With regards to blackwall I agree with the look as 64-72 speak for themselves and don't really need the extra look at me. But RWL works well on 68-72.
Yes, the front brakes have been upgraded to GM Factory Disks. Unfortunately, I don't have receipts for those parts or know when they were upgraded. I will get a better profile picture as soon as I take her out of the garage. It's been too cold the past couple of days but with some luck, the weekend looks good.
I think I like the look of SS I's best. The chrome ones, as is correct for '69, not the ones with trim rings. Probably best to go with re-pops (I got mine @ Wheel Vintiques some time ago and have been pretty happy with them) because if you go for OEM you'll need to be careful about date codes to make sure they're compatible with your disc setup in the 14" size.I believe they made a running change in '69 for just that reason.
you guys are going to give 442b some last minute heebie-jeebies.
