I have begun reading posts on this forum and really appreciate all the tribal knowledge and words of wisdom. I have also realized how little I know about these cars. One thing that has gotten my interest quickly is that besides trim packages like "S" or Supreme there are performance packages, I assume, like W-30. I have read about the W-30 in car magazines but now I see that there are W-31, W-25 and W-27.

How many different Ws are there and what makes them different?

 

Welcome. Let's backup up a little. GM's RPO (regular production option) codes refer to all the various equipment options available on a model in a given year. The RPO codes were grouped by "subject". For example, "U" codes were typically electronics (radios, tachometer, etc). "J" codes were brakes. "L" codes were engines. "M" codes were transmissions. Oldsmobile used the "W" series primarily for special performance options. Chevy used the "Z" codes for this purpose, which is why you have the Z28, Z06, ZL1, etc.

The W codes used by Olds varied by year. Contrary to popular belief, "W-30" did not refer to the engine, but to the complete performance package that included a special engine. Same thing for the W-31 package on the Cutlass line, the W-33 package on the Delta 88s, and the W-34 package on the Toronado. W-32 was red stripe tires in 1967, a 442 performance package in 1969, and a Cutlass Supreme package in 1970. RPO W25 was the fiberglass outside air induction hood and associated system. W26 was the dual gate shifter. W27 was the aluminum rear axle. W28 was the Turnpike Cruiser package. W29 was the 442 package in years it was an option and not a unique model line. W35 was the rear deck wing. W36 were the now-ubiquitous 1968 fender stripes. W37 was the dual plate clutch. W39 meant the Hurst floor shifted HD three speed in some years and deluxe seat belts in other years. W42 was hood stripes. W45 and W46 were used in various years for the H/O and Rallye 350 packages.

 

When I was looking up the codes, Joe posted the information above. So some of this is repeated.

The W designations were letter-number codes used by Olds to denote (mostly) performance options from 60s onward. There were a dozen or so high-performance W codes used in the span from mid-60s to mid-70s.

You'll see these codes on the

• body tag--metal ID tag riveted to the top of the cowl
• build sheet--information list used by assembly line workers, occasionally left in the car
• window sticker.

The modern-day counterpart that most are familiar with is the Chevrolet LS series of engine designations.

Here's an incomplete list from from a post on AutomotiveMilestones.com

W25 Outside Air Induction hood
W26 Front Compartment Console - Dual Gate Shifter
W27 Aluminum Differential Housing
W29 442 Appearance and Handling Package
W30 High Performance 455 Cu. In. package
W31 High Performance 350 Cu. In. package
W32 455 Cu. In. Engine in Cutlass SX
W33 Police Engine - 455 Cu. In. in full size cars
W34 High Performance Package (Toronado)
W35 Rear Deck Air Spoiler
W37 Heavy Duty Two Plate Clutch
W39 Hurst Shifter - 3-Speed Floor Shift
W45 Rally 350

 

As I noted above, the meanings of the RPO codes varied by year. This list really only covers 70-72.

 

Thank you Joe for the education.

 

Thank Gary,