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I just called on a 1972 442 W30 car for sale, and I was informed that it doesn't have the original engine in the car. The dealer (yes, unfortunately it's listed by a dealer), says it's an era correct engine, but when I asked him for the year, he couldn't tell me until he looked it up, and he wasn't where he could do that right then, blah, blah, blah. Anyway, what are you not getting in a replacement engine that the original W30 engine would have had for 1972 W30? Is is more than the cam? I noticed that the original intake manifold is now an Edelbrock. I've asked for a slew of photos, so we'll see whether those show up or not. I'm aware of that the VIN# should have an "X" in it, that it should have boxed rear LCAs, that it should have sway bars front and rear, that the transmission tag should read "OW", and that the only surefire way to tell if it's a real W30 is original forms of paperwork. I've requested lots of stuff, but we'll see if any of it is provided or not. I'm sure it's entirely possible the the motor was replaced for some reason, and that it's a real W30, but I'm totally aware that it could be a fake W30 with add on parts to make it look like one, as well. The price is certainly not indicative of a real W30, but maybe without the original engine, that would be enough to kill the price. Don't worry, as much as I would like to find my first 442, I'm not going to assume anything. Included below is the link to the car at the dealer in Nevada. This one would certainly be easier for me to look at since I'm next door in CA. Thanks to comments on this site relative to a previous 442 I was interested in at a dealer in MA which pointed out all the inconsistencies in that car, I advised that dealer that I wouldn't be buying that car. So, I'm starting over again. I haven't been able to find a quality car her in CA that is for sale by owner that has a known history or hasn't been messed up up in some way. Thanks for any of your forthcoming comments. https://www.nvclassics.com/vehicles/...30-sport-coupe
Oh, really. I thought a 1972 W30 would normally have come from the factory with Ga heads. I thought the "H" heads were for 1971 W30, only, and only that year.
Last edited by dsp52; Jun 24, 2025 at 02:42 PM.
Reason: Wanted to add more informatiion.
The mistakes in the description have to make you wonder what else they're wrong about. Listed as Saturn Gold (sure doesn't look Saturn Gold to me?) and a 7.5" ring gear???
The "X" in the VIN obviously means the car is a real W30. Unfortunately the whole point of the W30 package was the engine, so without the original engine, value goes down a lot. Koda is correct about pricing.
Incorrect alternator, intake, and even brake combo valve (and location).
Stevie Wonder-applied stripes speaks volumes about the quality of the "restoration". Run, don't walk, away.
I want to learn as much as I can about these cars, and have learned a lot from reading posts from from so many, but I'm not up on the stripes as to what is wrong with them. Would you please elaborate, Joe? And by intake being incorrect, are you meaning the intake manifold? I know that's an Edelbrock and not the original manifold. And, what the heck, Joe. I see your post is time stamped at 2:38 AM. Insomnia? Sorry, not trying to pry.
I'm not up on the stripes as to what is wrong with them.
Incorrect
Look at the W30 emblems location relative to the stripe. Look at the upturn of the stripe as it approaches the front bumper. Look at the gap between the corner light marker and the stripe. (There is a reason why the driver side photos are so grainy and distant. Although the passenger side is only marginally better.)
Notice the 442 emblem sits on the stripe on the gold version... It's not supposed to. (Once you see it you cant unsee it...)
This is of course only cosmetic. But if the stripes were applied with so little regard to correctness what else may have been overlooked... In the effort to get it out the door quickly and sold for maximum dollar...
And maximum dollar for a real W30 without its original engine... From 1966-1972 the engine is everything on a W30. Still a nice car but without that key piece it should be priced accordingly.
Last edited by 69CSHC; Jun 25, 2025 at 06:22 PM.
Reason: spelling
Thank you, 69CSHC, for explaining how the stripes should look. I can see the differences. And, my apologies to Joe if my comment about his posting time was inappropriate. I won't pursue this car any further due to the discrepancies that have been pointed out. I'm really not wanting to buy from a dealer, actually.
I want to learn as much as I can about these cars, and have learned a lot from reading posts from from so many, but I'm not up on the stripes as to what is wrong with them. Would you please elaborate, Joe? And by intake being incorrect, are you meaning the intake manifold? I know that's an Edelbrock and not the original manifold. And, what the heck, Joe. I see your post is time stamped at 2:38 AM. Insomnia? Sorry, not trying to pry.
the seller is saying it was sold new in Canada. If you are serious, get the GM heritage info package which will tell you everything the car was optioned with when new.
^^^ Cost $100 last time I did it and worth every penny. You get all the info generated by the original dealer order, including options, model info, engine and drivetrain:
^^^ Cost $100 last time I did it and worth every penny. You get all the info generated by the original dealer order, including options, model info, engine and drivetrain:
As for the engine, I think in '72 only the W30 and the Toronado where they only 455s to get the big valves in the Ga heads. That along with the different cam and OW trans would be mandatory for pricing...
As for the engine, I think in '72 only the W30 and the Toronado where they only 455s to get the big valves in the Ga heads. That along with the different cam and OW trans would be mandatory for pricing...
Per the Chassis Service Manual, only MT 442s (V-code engines) and W30s (X-code engines) got big valves for 1972. Even Toro motors were small valve.
Per the Chassis Service Manual, only MT 442s (V-code engines) and W30s (X-code engines) got big valves for 1972. Even Toro motors were small valve.
Opps, forgot the V codes (and the neat dual snorkel air cleaner). Silly as I've been planning to bump my U code up to V code specs, or so, when I pull the heads for a refresh and do the timing chain and swap the cam. I was 50-50 on the '72 Toro still having the big valves.
