billrob71

Hello all

I’m looking at 2 cars both same color inside and out. One car is a 70 442 4 speed car with original 455 E head car with 12 bolt 3.91 posi car

Second is a 71 real w30 car with original w30 automatic trans ,10 bolt 3.42 posi but the original motor is gone but is a 71 455 motor with G heads .

Both cars are about are decently priced 71 is couple thousand more then the 70 but it had a frame off resto few years ago. Both look to be rust free

Having a coin flip on which one to pull the trigger on. Not looking for a answer just feedback on everyone’s thoughts

Thanks for your input

2blu442

What's your goals for the car? A fun driver in the summer time or something to take to car shows but not put a lot of miles on? The 1970 with a 3.91 would be a kick to drive around town, but long trips on the highway wouldn't be as fun. The W30 will turn more heads at car shows and the 3.42 with an automatic would still be fun. But... that said I really like 4 speed cars. There's just something about running through the gears which I really enjoy. I do have a buddy with a 4 speed car that he's thinking of converting to an automatic due to his knees getting old and grumpy. I can understand his point. I think either one would be fun, but it would be good to evaluate your goals for the car... and how old and grumpy your knees might be

RetroRanger

If it was my choice the 71 for sure

More and easier to source parts like fenders, rear end stuff, bumpers
Inherently more valuable
No need to worry about blowing up the original engine just build a 455 and go.

Pros for the 70
4 speed

billrob71

Thanks guys , LOL my knees are not that old but man there grumpy in the morning
I’m looking for a car that can go to the shows and show well but still gonna drive it around also. I did have some thoughts about the higher gears on the 70 but not really worried about them either , not looking to get a trailer Queen concourse car but neither one is price like one either. Both are ram air cars but the 70s original hood is not there

I’m kinda leaning twards the 71, has more of the original parts but mainly cause that’s the year I emerged LOL
My first one was a 72 but that was long ago but these are least the same color on the outside

oldcutlass

I think the 70 is the better choice, the 4 speed is like an anti theft device now a days. The 70 is setup as a 442 should be.

OLDSter Ralph

The 70 should noticeably be faster. Gas mileage might be about 12-13 mpg if you baby it. The 71 will be a little better on gas mileage, but slower. You aren't as likely to break things if you "test its limits".
This scenario is based on "correct for the year" internal parts (pistons and camshaft).
Drive them both, and then decide.

dragline

Sometimes getting behind the wheel will make up your mind. A nice long test drive will give you the best answer. Of course dropping the hammer should make your day. There are plenty of 442 choices out there, don't be afraid to walk away, trust your gut.

GoodOldsGuyDougie

pictures would be great.

billrob71

1970



1971

dinanm3atl

70. 4speed. No brainer IMO.

scottv442

1970 because it IS original. and 4spd.

Big value drop with 1971 engine swap.

Koda

What was said above. In my opinion, once the original engine is gone on a performance package, a w-30 body with a built 455 is just like a 442 with a built 455 and is just like a Cutlass with a built 455. H heads, which are the most rare heads and only for 71 442 w-30s, are not present, so the car would be forever wrong unless you fixed it for big simoleons.



Buy the 70 and have fun. It's original. Treat it right, but use it, and you'll be good for 20 years.

billrob71

Thanks a lot for all the input , both cars are under 400 miles away from me the 70 is the furthest of the 2. I’m about a week or so from being able to do anything. Still trying to find a Sherwood green one with white Interrior but , Viking Blue was my first and still love that color also . But don’t have 60K for a play toy

dc2x4drvr

Buy the car in the best overall condition. But I do like 3 pedals

truckman5000

That w30 is close to me.
was looking at the pics on craigslist. Somethings to me don't look rite

billrob71

What did you see that doesn’t look rite?

anthonyP

Does the '71 have the broadcast card to verify true W30? What are the Craigslist links?

billrob71

https://nh.craigslist.org/cto/d/olds/6568657333.html

https://southcoast.craigslist.org/ct...593642436.html

GoodOldsGuyDougie

Go for that 70.

rand5204

The 70 is a really cool car with the 4 speed but what catches my attention most is the color. Viking Blue was "not available" on anything but the Toronado in 1970. That would make it a special order paint color. If memory serves the option code was Y62 and the cost was something like $30. Check the cowl tag for paint code 26 to know for sure. You might also find the number 26 in crayon on the cowl although it will be really hard to see.

classicmuscle442

Like the '70, like the front and rear lights better than '71.

Mr Shifty Sidney

I like the blue one!

Don W

billrob71

Been a while didn’t get either blue one but did get a black 70 really liked this one better. I hopefully should have it here within a week or so.
There are few things I do wanna change and not sure about those wheels think I wanna go with the 15 inch SS1 wheels ,like those better

Allan R

Beautiful car; love the color combination.
something happening with the seat cover in the rear right though. I like the wheels.

billrob71

Thank you
When I get it home I’ll start tinkering with it

GoodOldsGuyDougie

ughhh that's a No on the wheels. Car looks great.

friesjh

I do like the colors!

Ditch the wheels, SS1 would be sweet on it.

billrob71

SS1 wheels are coming for sure , not sure about the rear tires either a N50 or a L60
Still not sure on the tire size yet