Ok if you have a 442 without the original drivetrain how does a NOM drvetrain affect its value. Do you spend the $$ to make it as period correct as possible (castings/Julian dates/numbers) vs just building a 455 and transmission for it? Are you really going to pull the value back if you made it as correct as possible? In the end it still not original to the car. I want your guys thoughts. We are not talking a W30 or W31 just a plain jane 442.

 

30% is a good start...for a NON W car...wrong motor is a 30% deficit...at least thats what ive seen in collectible type muscle cars...you can stick what every you want in it and it still isnt an original car...finding one with the orig drivetrain is the honey in the honey pot



prob 10% deficit with replacement type motor with documentation that it was replaced under warranty

 

I'm assuming 68 and later. Marx is correct. It's worth a little more than a Cutlass, but not the worth of an original 442. People's opinions vary, and usually the people who don't think it lowers the value own one themselves.

 

Yes this is for my 70 442 4spd post. I have a 70 block/heads/intake to use in it but the casting dates are wrong. I also have a couple of q-jet cores I can use since we all know how expensive that 4spd carb is once found. I have access to a 70 motor that would be as correct as possible without being the original but the expense compared to what I can build using what I have it higher. My thoughts is it doesn't really matter what I stick in as long as its a 455 whether complete stock looking or an aluminum headed monster. ;-)

 

I agree !

 

I don't own a 442 or w car. IMO if I was looking for a car and it came down to a 442 all original and needs work or a cutlass w an aftermarket 5 speed and NOM 455 in good shape for the same price the choice is simple get the best car for my money. Besides even if the engine is original how much chinesium was used on the rest of the car? To me what makes the 442 special ? Nothing sure it's iconic and you get bragging rights but it has the same interior, same seats , similar enough trans, tires, body trim etc .....it's a cutlass. Yeah olds didn't come out and spoil it until 72 but it is what it is. Would I prefer a 442 over a cutlass all things being equal of course, sure there's certain value
And cachet in the rarer versions like a 68 442 vert but as has been said on here many times start w the best car you can rust and completeness wise.


As noted many times the future of these cars is probably dropping in value as the boomers w money who are most interested in these cars are dropping as well.

My offspring prefer my late model truck to the olds not that they dislike the olds it's just what they like better

So to sum it up a NOM engine in a 442 doesn't amount to much more than 10% value change for a nice condition driver. For a concours resto that's likely to cost more than the value of the car probably the previous posters are closer to the value change.

 

455?

Only if you cannot find a 425.

 

I have access to a couple 425 cores in the area as well. ;-)