Oldsmobile's factory took a cue from the Hurst/Olds and gave all 4-4-2s a 455-cubic-inch V-8 as standard equipment for 1970. The engine was complemented by a facelift that shelved the 4-4-2's blackout grille in favor of a series of bright vertical bars. Also, the taillamps now numbered four instead of two and were moved to within the rear bumper unit.
This was a high-water mark in 4-4-2 specification. The four-barrel 455 was rated at 365 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 500 pounds/feet of torque at 3200. Compression was 10.50:1, dual exhausts were again standard, as was a special handling package with front and rear stabilizer bars and G70x14 glass-belted tires.
This 1970 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 W-30 has the factory-blueprinted 370-bhp 455 and fiberglass hood with functional scoops. |
The W-30 option upped horsepower to 370 via air-induction and other performance goodies, including an aluminum intake manifold and a low-restriction air cleaner. The fiberglass hood with its functional air scoops, plus a rear-deck spoiler, were part of the W-30 package and were also available as free-standing options on other 4-4-2s. Front disc brakes also were available, and the W-32 returned as a detuned, more streetable version of the W-30.
The Hurst camp had proposed something different for the 1970 edition of the H/O. Instead of the previous big-cube, high-roller 4-4-2s, it wanted to create a budget hot rod based on the F-85 coupe body.
The car would use the 325-horsepower 350-cubic-inch V-8 that was part of the W-31 option available on the Cutlass S and on the F-85 two-door sedan. Olds didn’t accept the idea, so there was no Hurst/Olds in 1970.
Olds did, however, apply the concept to the Cutlass and F-85 line as the W-45 option package. Better known as the Rallye 350, these cars were painted Sebring yellow — even the bumpers and wheels were body color — and had orange and black striping, hood scoops, and trunk-lid spoilers. Just 3547 Rallye 350s were built in this, their only year.
The 4-4-2, meanwhile, saw production fall to just 19,330. That included 14,709 of the $3376 hardtops; 2933 of the $3567 convertibles, and 1688 of the $3312 pillared Sports Coupes.
| Engine Type |
V-8/Oldsmobile |
| Displacement (cid) |
455 |
| Horsepower @ rpm: |
365 @ 5000 (1970) 370 @ 5200 (1970) 340 @ 4600 (1971) 270 @ 4400 (1972)* 300 @ 4700 (1972)* |
| Torque (pounds/feet) @ rpm |
500 @ 3200 (1970) |
| Compression Ratio |
10.5:1/8.5:1** |
| Bore (inches) |
4.12 |
| Stroke (inches) |
4.25 |
| Valve Lifters |
Hydraulic |
| Availability |
1970-72 |
*Net ratings
**1971-72
Times*:
| 0-60 mph (sec) |
5.8 (est) |
| 0-100 mph (sec) |
10.5 (est) |
| 1/4-mile (sec) |
12.97 @ 108.17 mph |
| Top speed (mph) |
N/A |
| Axle ratio |
3.91:1 |
| Engine type |
455/390** |
| Model year | 1968 Hurst/Olds |
*Source: Car Craft
**Hand assembled engine
Times*:
| 0-60 mph (sec) |
6.3 (est) |
| 0-100 mph (sec) |
11.5 (est) |
| 1/4-mile (sec) |
13.33 @ 103.56 mph |
| Top speed (mph) |
N/A |
| Axle ratio |
3.91:1 |
| Engine type |
400/360 |
| Model year | 1968 W-30 4-4-2 |