Hi, I'm a newbie. It appears I may be the proud owner of a 1972 Olds Cutlass 442. My VIN says my car was produced in the Arlington, TX plant as a 350, but I have an Edelbrock Torker 455 engine. Assuming I have a clone? Any help possible would be appreciated. 3G series VIN. Thanks! - Mark

 

The only way to prove a 1972 442 is with the build sheet as it was not it's own model that year, but only an option, thus making 1972 the easiest year to clone.

 

Welcome. As noted above, in 1972 the 442 was demoted to an "appearance and handling package" (Oldsmobile's words) that was available with any engine offered in the Cutlass line. It was possible to order a 442 with a 350 2bbl single exhaust, for example. Many of these cars have had the 350 swapped out for a 455. Unfortunately, without the build sheet, there is nothing on your car that can prove (or disprove) the car is a factory-built 442. Of course, if you happen to remove the front fenders and see evidence that the holes for the Cutlass emblems were welded up, then that's a pretty good indication of a clone.

Good luck with the car.

 

Thanks, guys. That confirms what I read earlier on other forums. Not really concerned that the car is a clone. I plan on owning it for a while and doing some restoration on it. I do have duel exhausts, but as I said, the VIN isn't matching with 455 production info. Obviously, someone has put a 455 in it, though. Thanks again! :>)

 

Its yours !Its cool ! And it is and OLDSMOBILE !!

 

And with all that said, welcome to the site. Post some pics of your new toy when you get a chance.