http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4772766787.html

 

Wrong valve covers, wrong heads (1970).

 

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/4772766787.html


Here is the link so that you do not have to cut & paste. Just click.


The U code cars are 250 hp while the X code cars are 300 hp. The V code engine was rated @ 270 hp but was not available on the HO since the HO only had automatic trans.

So why is it that every person who lists a 1972 HO for sale claims that it has a 270 hp engine?

 

Probably because for every source that lists the horsepower at 250, there's another that lists it at 270. Aside from what was already mentioned as being incorrect on the car on Craigslist, the ad is very cleverly written and the car was carefully photographed to not show the missing vinyl landau top.

 

The VC's are 73/74 with the embossed OLDSMOBILE letters. Can't tell from the pic if they're E (70 442) or F (70 W30). Anyway it's not original to the car so it leads one to wonder what else has been replaced.

Because they don't know or don't do their research.

Only the X code and V code engines were rated other than 250. As Dave mentioned V code (SMT) was 270, which was never offered on 72 H.O.s and X code (W30 option) which was rated at 300. Although there were reportedly on 76 Indy HO pace cars built in 1972, there seems to be well into the hundreds that come up for sale. Anyone else see a pattern here?

 

The photo from the rear of the car clearly shows that the top is not present. You are correct that he makes no mention of the car's obvious faults.


1972 HOs do not command anywhere near the money of the '68 & '69 versions with the exception of the rarely seen X code cars (of which I have only seen 2 for sale in the past 20 years). He wont get $25K for this car but it would be a great buy in the low 20s if it is a numbers matching rust free car.

 

Has a clear pic of roof, correct no vinyl top. Probably a pretty penny to find the correct trim to install it?

I thought for '72 H/O the two engine's were:
W45 option, engine code UB (with A/C) L-75 engine 270hp@4400, 370tq@3200, with G91 3.23 rear
W46 option, engine code UO (non A/C) L-77 engine 300hp@4700, 410tq@3200, with 3.42 rear

Wasn't it in '73-74 they were listed as 250hp?

 

In 1972 the U code optioned Cutlass cars (& vista cruisers) were all rated @ 250 hp. So then why would a U code HO be rated @ 270 hp? V code cars were 270 hp with the 4 speed. Are you saying that the HO came standard with the V code engine? (because if it did it would have a V in the VIN would it not?).


what is the source for your power ratings above?


As for the 73 HO the U code cars are 250 net hp & use J code heads. The V code cars used Ka heads & were rated @ 270 hp. No a/c could be added to a V code HO. If you got a Cutlass, Cutlass S or a 442 you could get a V code engine with a/c & an M-20. The HO was M40 only. I am not an expert on the 74 HO so someone else will have to chime in.

 

I had them notes for friend who had just bought a 72 H/O, but not sure where I got them specs from? I just pulled out a few books to dbl check. I thought you just had a typo-couldn't believe you'd be wrong.

I'll be damn The ID Numbers 1964-91 shows U code 455 is indeed 250hp, X code W30 has 300hp

 

You doubted Dave? Sacrilege. Dave knows his Oldsmobiles and tech info cold.