73 442 455/4-speed
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Johnsburg, IL
73 442 455/4-speed
NOT MINE. You don't see U code 73 442's very often, looks pretty beat.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18642429111...mis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/18642429111...mis&media=COPY
Vincit qui se vincit
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 944
From: SE USA
The U in the VIN is listed, however a factory four speed big block would be a V code in 72, not sure about 73.
Actually, not sure about much in 1973, although rust and time sure took its toll on this one.
It’s still a big block four speed Oldsmobile.
Actually, not sure about much in 1973, although rust and time sure took its toll on this one.
It’s still a big block four speed Oldsmobile.
Last edited by vCode442; May 2, 2024 at 06:51 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2019
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Interesting find, thanks for posting.
Just digging into this, Auto Cat is saying yes on a U code and V code stick for 1973... But we are talking a massive falloff in performance due to the chunky weight gain on the 73.
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Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 2,100
Early Malaise is the only other era of Olds I haven't owned that I am curious and tempted by...
This 442 is sorta in my neck of the woods, 2 1/2 hours away ... Condition doesn't really bother me... but driving stick again does. Stopped around 2004 and haven't looked back since.
Seller suggests he can't verify that its a 442 so he has " clone ? " Without heavy digging I think it is real... I see plenty that connects the dots ... Black buckets, red interior ? I'm assuming bench that was swapped out.
P.S. I know as Joe P says rare doesn't necessarily mean valuable. Especially in the case of malaise era. But strictly on rarity status this car must be through the roof. And considering how wacky things are these days, my guess is this 442 is going to jump up in price before its all said and done. The 73 V code stick is on par with my 69 Supremes stock single exhaust performance ... U code is a bit slower ... The 350 4BBL version forget about it. 2 seconds and 10 MPH slower, auto to auto, Car & Driver November 1972. In the end, all the extra hoopla for performance that matches a years prior glorified grocery getter.
Even still, an interesting car to me.
This 442 is sorta in my neck of the woods, 2 1/2 hours away ... Condition doesn't really bother me... but driving stick again does. Stopped around 2004 and haven't looked back since.
Seller suggests he can't verify that its a 442 so he has " clone ? " Without heavy digging I think it is real... I see plenty that connects the dots ... Black buckets, red interior ? I'm assuming bench that was swapped out.
P.S. I know as Joe P says rare doesn't necessarily mean valuable. Especially in the case of malaise era. But strictly on rarity status this car must be through the roof. And considering how wacky things are these days, my guess is this 442 is going to jump up in price before its all said and done. The 73 V code stick is on par with my 69 Supremes stock single exhaust performance ... U code is a bit slower ... The 350 4BBL version forget about it. 2 seconds and 10 MPH slower, auto to auto, Car & Driver November 1972. In the end, all the extra hoopla for performance that matches a years prior glorified grocery getter.
Even still, an interesting car to me.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,855
From: Northern VA
That's not a factory 4spd car. As noted, a real 455/4spd car would have a "V" engine code in the VIN. This one was born with a TH400. The V-code 455 for 1973 was rated at 270 HP net vs 250 HP net for the U-code. Different cam and it got the PCV valve on the intake like earlier 4spd cars. Also a unique air cleaner. I had a friend in college with a V-code 1973. That car was quicker than it should have been. I did not appreciate then how rare it was.
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From: Northern New England
Last edited by HydraMatic; May 3, 2024 at 03:13 AM.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,855
From: Northern VA
Sure did.
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