Oldsmobile 4-4-2
lagt in af Cougar-Kim
History
1964-1973
Introduction: There are those who claim that it
was Oldsmobile that created the first muscle car
when it stuffed its hot new fullsize Rocket V8
into its midsize model to create the Olds 88 and
Super 88 series back in 1949. But it wasn't
until 1964 that Oldsmobile would return to the
concept, encouraged by the success of the
Pontiac GTO. Oldsmobile was the first GM
division to follow Pontiac's lead, and began to
offer fullsize muscle in its midsize Cutlass
model. The package included the top engine
available from Oldsmobile, a 330 cid V8 with the
police package. It was named the 4-4-2 package,
originally signifying the engine's 4 barrel carb,
4 speed manual transmission, and dual (2)
exhausts. Although the specifications would
change through the years, the name stuck.
Although never the fastest or the best seller of
the GM A-bodies, the 4-4-2 was known for its
balanced performance, exceptional handling and
the "W" and Hurst editions that would come out
in later years.
1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: Oldsmobile was the first to respond to
Pontiac's GTO by taking the best engine they
had, a 330 cid V8 modified with all available
police issue equipment including a dual-snorkel
air cleaner and premium quality rod and main
bearings. The package included a 4 barrel
carburetor, 4 speed manual transmission, and
dual exhausts, which gave it the name of 4-4-2.
The package also included heavy-duty shocks,
springs, and a rear stabilizer bar. The 4-4-2
package was technically available on all
Oldsmobile midsize cars, including the cheaper
F-85 and more luxurious Cutlass, except station
wagons (it was therefore possible to have a four
door 4-4-2). Due to a late introduction and a
confusing promotion campaign, only 2,999 4-4-2's
were sold in 1964. This would soon change.
Production:
Holiday 2D Hardtop: 2,999
Engines:
330 V8 310bhp @ 5200 rpm, 355 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
330/310: 0-60 in 7.4 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.6 sec @
89 mph.
1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: Oldsmobile finally got the 4-4-2
package right for 1965. They eliminated four
door models and made it optional on all two door
F-85s and Cutlass models. The previous engine
was replaced with a new 400 cid engine,
generating 345bhp and 440lb-ft. The name now
signified the 400 cid engine, 4 barrel carb, and
dual exhausts. The package included heavy duty
issue shock absorbers and springs, battery,
clutch, front and rear stabilizer bars, fat
tires, and 4-4-2 badges. Marketing was much more
youthful and organized, and sales improved to
25,003. Critics pronounced the 4-4-2 as one of
the best handling of the intermediate muscle
cars and an all around balanced performer.
Production:
Holiday 2D Hardtop: 21,535
Convertible: 3,468
Engines:
400 V8 345 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
400/345: 0-60 in 5.5 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.0 sec @
98 mph.
1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: 1966 saw new sheetmetal for the
Oldsmobile midsize line, and a new option under
the hood. The F-85 and Cutlass models had a
pronounced hump over the rear windows and large
C-pillars that extended beyond the rear
windshield. The base engine was tuned to
generate an extra 5 bhp, but the big news was
the introduction of Oldsmobile's first tri-carb
option since the late 1950s. This boosted output
to 360 bhp and the transition between the carbs
was smooth. A long list of options were
available including five transmissions and eight
axle ratios. Handling remained top-notch due to
suspension upgrades and critics again proclaimed
the 4-4-2 as the most balanced muscle car.
Oldsmobile also quietly made available a new
performance option only for the triple carb
engine that consisted of an air-induction
system, front bumper openings and internal
engine modifications. The option was known as
W-30.
Production:
2D Coupe: 1,430
2D Sport Coupe: 3,937
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 10,053
Hardtop Coupe: 3,827
Convertible: 2,750
Engines:
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(3x2 bbl) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @
3600 rpm.
Performance:
400/350: 0-60 in 7.1 sec, 1/4 mile in 15.5 sec @
91 mph.
1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: No sooner had Oldsmobile released its
tri-carb setup, GM banned such setups for all of
its divisions. Undaunted, Oldsmobile introduced
two new engine options for its 4-4-2. The first
was option L66, the "Turnpike Cruising package"
which included a detuned 400 cid engine with a
two barrel carb. Of greater interest to
enthusiasts was the return of the W-30 package.
This "forced air induction system" included
special air ducts, fan shroud, camshaft, heavy
duty springs, and chrome valve covers and an air
induction air cleaner that had huge hoses
connecting it to special air induction slots
above and below the parking lights. The 4-4-2
package was now only available on the higher
price Cutlass models, which combined comfort and
performance.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 5,215
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 16,514
Convertible: 3,104
Engines:
(L66) 400 V8 300 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @
2600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440lb-ft @
3600 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 400/360: 0-60 in 6.7 sec, 1/4 mile in
14.98 sec @ 95mph.
1968 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1968 would prove to be a dramatic year
for the 4-4-2. For the first time, the 4-4-2
became its own model, still based on the
Oldsmobile A-body midsize platform. For 1968,
all GM A-body two doors lost three inches of
wheelbase and gained shapely new sheetmetal.
Although both the standard and Force Air
induction engines sported an increased stroke
and decreased bore (the opposite of general
practice), their displacement and power ratings
remained the same. The Force Air engine now had
air intakes positioned under the bumpers while
the Turnpike Cruiser engine was detuned slightly.
The big news for enthusiasts was the
introduction of the Hurst/Olds. The prototype
had been designed as a one-off by Jack "Doc"
Watson for his boss George Hurst, the designer
of the Jaws of Life and the most respected name
in transmissions. Watson took a 4-4-2 and
dropped in the 455 cid V8 from the Oldsmobile
Toronado. Encouraged by the success of the
transplant, Jack Watson was able to convince
Oldsmobile executives to authorize a limited run
of Hurst/Olds. All Hurst/Olds featured Force Air
systems and Turbo Hydromatics with Hurst
Dual-Gate shifters and came in only one color
combination, Peruvian Silver with Black accent
stripes and rear-deck panel. Only 515 were
produced for 1968, and they are highly prized
today.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 4,282
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 24,183
Convertible: 5,142
Engines:
(L66) 400 V8 290 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 425 lb-ft @
2600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(Manual transmission)
400 V8 325 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
(Automatic transmission)
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440lb-ft @
3600 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 390 bhp @ 5000rpm, 500 lb-ft
@ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
(Hurst/Olds) 455/390: 0-60 in 5.4 sec, 1/4 mile
in 13.9 sec @ 103 mph.
1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1969 saw the introduction of several
"W" options on the 4-4-2 which sported a new
grill design. The W-30 option returned with its
Force Air induction, and below bumper intakes. A
new W32 option replaced the "Turnpike Cruiser"
option and incorporated a detuned Force Air
induction engine. This was joined by the W-31,
which was available on several F-85 and Cutlass
models. This package incorporated a 350 cid
small block with a special carb, valves, and
camshaft. The Hurst/Olds returned, with a new
regal gold and white color scheme, outrageous
hood scopes and the 455 cid V8 that was detuned
slightly from 1968.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 2,475
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 24,193
Convertible: 2,933
Engines:
(W-31) 350 V8 325 bhp @ 5600 rpm, 360 lb-ft @
3600 bhp.
400 V8 350 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(Manual transmission)
400 V8 325 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 440 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm.
(Automatic transmission)
(W-32) 400 V8 350 bhp @ 4800 rpm, 440 lb-ft @
3200 rpm.
(W-30) 400 V8 360 bhp @ 5400 rpm, 440lb-ft @
3600 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 380 bhp @ 5000rpm, 500 lb-ft
@ 3200 rpm.
Performance:
(Hurst/Olds) 455/380: 0-60 in 5.9 sec, 1/4 mile
in 14.03 sec @ 101 mph.
1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1970 saw the lifting of GM's ban on
engines greater than 400 cid installed in
midsize cars. Although Oldsmobile had gotten
around that rule in 1968 and 1969 through the
Hurst/Olds, this now enabled Oldsmobile to offer
its 455 cid V8 in all 4-4-2s. The Hurst/Olds was
dropped from the lineup and wouldn't reappear
until 1972. The W-30 hit its performance peak
and included a balanced and blueprinted 455 V8
with a hotter cam, performance carb,
low-restriction exhausts and the Force Air
induction system which utilized two prominent
scoops on the hood. The W-30 package also
included a lightweight fiberglass hood, plastic
inner fenders, aluminum diferential carrier and
cover, and less sound insulation in an attempt
to cut weight and improve performance. The W-30
option was offered only on Cutlass models, but a
new option, the Rallye 350, was offered. Powered
by a 350 cid engine, the smallest displacement
Oldsmobile muscle car sported the most
outrageous exterior, which was only painted in a
very bright yellow. Even the bumpers and wheels
were painted yellow. This would be only a one
year option as the performance market would
collapse after 1970.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 1,688
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 14,709
Convertible: 2,933
Engines:
(Rallye 350) 350 V8 310 bhp @ 4200rpm, 490 lb-ft
@ 2400 rpm.
455 V8 365 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 370 bhp @ 5200 rpm, 500 lb-ft @
3600 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 455/370: 0-60 in 5.7 sec, 1/4 mile in
14.2 sec @ 100mph.
1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
Comments: 1971 saw the beginning of the end for
all muscle cars, and the 4-4-2 was no exception.
To comply with a GM decree that all engines must
be able to run on unleaded fuel, all engines saw
a drop in compresion and a corresponding drop in
power ratings. This was further compounded by
the move to rate engines with all accessories
attached (the "net rating") which lead to some
drastic changes over the previous "gross"
ratings. The standard 455 dropped to 270bhp net
(340bhp gross) while the W-30 dropped to 300bhp
net (350bhp gross). The W-31 and Rallye 350 were
dropped, and the Hurst/Olds was still
unavailable, but the W-30 was still available
for the enthusiasts, and sported the familiar
Force Air induction system and the 1970 hotter
cam.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 6,285
Convertible: 1,304
Engines: (SAE Net)
455 V8 270 bhp @ 4600 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 410 lb-ft @
3200 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 455/300: 0-60 in 6.5 sec, 1/4 mile in
14.8 sec @ 98 mph.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: The 4-4-2 reverted back to an option
on the Cutlass models for 1972 as the market
turned away from gas guzzling, high insurance
cost muscle cars. The 4-4-2 package became just
a handling and appearance package available on
any V8 Cutlass and included a heavy-duty
suspension, wheels, and appearance items. For
those who still craved performance, the W-30
option was still available, with its Force Air
induction 455 V8 and enthusiasts cheered the
return of the Hurst/Olds, although it was
nothing like the 1968-1969 models. The Hurst/Olds
was only available in Cameo White with black and
gold accents and could be order with numerous
luxury options.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: ?
Convertible: ?
Engines: (SAE Net)
350 V8 160 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
350 V8 180 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
455 V8 250 bhp @ 4200 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 370
lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 300 bhp @ 4700 rpm, 410 lb-ft @
3200 rpm.
Performance:
NA
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2
Comments: 1973 saw a drastic change to the shape
of the Cutlass as it gained all new sheetmetal
and a new euro look. The 4-4-2 package was now
labeled as the W-29 option and was only
available on the Cutlass and Cutlass S coupes.
The package included the same handling and
appearance items as the year before. The W-30
option was dropped from from the lineup leaving
only the Hurst/Olds to carry the performance
banner. The Hurst/Olds came in Cameo White or
Ebony Black with gold stripes and a white vinyl
roof. But the fancy trim couldn't hide the loss
of 50bhp as the 455 was further detuned to meet
increasingly tough emission standards. Hurst/Olds
models would be built in 1974, 1975, 1979, 1983,
and 1984. But none of the successors could match
the power of the originals. Oldsmobile withdrew
from the performance market after 1973, and
although the 4-4-2 name would later resurface on
numerous models in the next two decades, none of
them could match the sheer brute strength of the
true muscle car models of the sixties and early
seventies.
Production:
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: ?
Convertible: ?
Engines: (SAE Net)
350 V8 180 bhp @ 3800 rpm, 275 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm.
455 V8 250 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 370 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm.
(Hurst/Olds) 455 V8 250 bhp @ 4000 rpm, 370
lb-ft @ 2100 rpm.
Performance:
NA
