442 W-30 Documentation

[442w30]

Despite my name, I'm no Olds expert. I'll try to tell you the best I can, however.

First off, why an Olds after a Mopar? And what's the deal with the one you're looking at? Colors? Tranny? Options? Bodystyle?

All W-30 were built in Lansing. However, non-W-30s were built there too, so it's a rule of thumb and nothing more.

Auto trannies had their own tranny code, which I think was OW. It was different from lesser 442s. Sticks? I think it was M21 only, which could have been shared with lesser 442s. Highest gear with TH400 was 3.23, stick 3.42.

I know stick cars had too much vacuum, so no AC for these cars, unlike TH400 cars. I also recall no power brakes, perhaps? That doesn't mean you can't have front discs - in fact, discs may have been standard with the W-30.

These things may not be a 100% solution, but they will help you figure it out. Of course, these things will be followed closely by those who want to commit fraud as well, but not everyone is smart enough for this.

I think your best bet is to go to v8buick.com and visit the Pure Stock and related rooms. There are people there who have been involved with this stuff for years. I know a few knowledgable people on the 442.com site (and realoldspower.com) but often there tends to be people who don't know what they're talking about. If you really want to play it safe, find a car with docs or get a '72 which has the engine in the VIN.