Ok I just purchased a 69 442 convertible but it has a later model 455 and I don't kno anything about that engine. In fact I don't know **** about olds engines at all. I grew up on chevys and fords but always loved the Cutlass 442. Now that I have the car I have wanted for years. I need to know where I can learn about the 455. I am not a motor head so I can't dive deep into an engine but I can do just about anything else. Maintenance is what I do. Any websites or books would be great. Thanks.

 

welcome. you found the right place for Oldsmobile info. just ask and someone will help with what you need to know. the first thing to know about maintenance for an Oldsmobile is the distributor spins the other direction compared to a chevy. first time i changed the plug wires on a chevy it didn't run after i was done. i hooked the wires up backwards not knowing the distributor turned the other way.

 

Welcome to CO. The difference in an Oldsmobile is that it is way cooler!

 

Welcome to our site! Congrats on getting your Olds!!! Great choice! My guys here are the best and will help you with questions and problems. Lots of threads to read through that have lots of information in them too! She looks nice from your avatar picture!

 

Welcome!!!

 

Welcome to the site. One thing I've noticed is the Olds motor seems to be more prone to heating than the Ford or chebby motors as a general rule.

 

Think so? From my experiences maybe more so with the 455 but not an issue with the Rocket 350s i've had.

firstcutlass:
Being that in '69, the Cutlass and 442 were separate series, i have to ask: is your car a Cutlass OR a 442?

 

So far as I can tell. I would never have expected a stock 400 with a new 4 row and a 160 t-stat run around 185 without the a/c.

Edit: And it seems there are a number of threads on here about (not drastically built)motors that require some max cooling to stay cool.

 

Red/white 69 'vert - just my style, so post more pics. You say the motor is not original, but did the car start life as Cutlass or 442? VIN will tell you quickly.

 

She is definitely a 442. Ran the vin and id plate prior to purchase.

 

Nothing Beats the Ol 69! Good for you1

 

Hey another newbie here. Name is James I'm 22 Just got my first cutlass, I love old cars and when I saw this car I had to have it, its a 1972 cutlass S that's (what the owner told me any way) but its a 4 door and has electric Windows so I kinda know someone else played with it before me. Now this is the bad part, some one let a firecracker go off inside funny thing is the guy that put it out they took him to jail for being drunk lol, but I have pics and I plan on fixing her up you guys mind helping me out with this one?