1967
In 1967 the 442's styling and base engine remained the same, but the optional automatic became the three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic, replacing the two-speed Jetaway. Disc brakes were newly optional for the front wheels.
A GM policy decision prohibiting multiple carburetors for all vehicles apart from the Corvette saw the demise of the L69 with its triple carburetors. The W30 remained available, although a new four-barrel Quadrijet carburetor replaced the triple two-barrels. New red plastic inner fender liners became part of the W30 package. 502 factory W30 engines were built to meet NHRA homologation rules, along with an unknown number of dealer-installed packages.
Cars tested a W30 442 with close-ratio four-speed and 4.33 rear axle, reaching a quarter mile reading of 14.1 seconds at 103 mph in completely stock form. 0-60 times were between 6.5 and 6.7 seconds.
Production rallied somewhat from the previous year, rising to 24,833.
1968
The 442 became a separate model from 1968 till 1971. The wheelbase was 112 in, and over 33,000 were sold for 1968. In spite of the engine displacement staying at 400 in³, the stroke was increased and the bore decreased to increase torque and improve emissions. On the other hand, its long stroke affected performance and they were deemed not as fast as the '67s. The basic motor was still rated at 350 hp, but only with the standard 3-speed and optional 4-speed; automatics were rated at 325 hp. W-30s were rated again at 360 hp. All standard 1968 442 engines are painted a bronze/copper color, as with the 1967s, topped with a fire red air cleaner. W-30 option cars were outfitted with Ram Air intake hoses leading from chrome topped dual snorkel black air cleaner to special under bumper air scoops and set off by bright red plastic fender wells. Additionally, a Turnpike Cruiser option was made accessible with a 2bbl. carb; this was beforehand available on the Cutlass Supreme for 1967.
In the year 1968 Oldsmobile first partnered with Hurst Performance Research Corporation to create the Hurst/Olds rather than just adding Hurst shifters as with previous models. The partial regular production run of 515 Hurst/Olds (459 Holiday Coupes/56 Sport Coupes) started out as regular 442s, but were treated to numerous distinct enhancements both cosmetic and mechanical. All cars were painted Peruvian Silver (a Toronado color) with liberal black striping and white pinstripes, exterior and interior H/O badging (unique to '68), and a real walnut wood dash insert. Mechanically, the cars left the factory with 2 drivetrain combinations. Red 455 in³ engines were backed by modified W-30 Turbo 400 automatic transmissions. A/C cars got a W-46 engine with a 3.08:1 rear while non-A/C cars got a W-45 engine with a 3.91:1 rear. While both engines were rated at 390 hp, the W-45 engine received the cylinder heads from the W-30 and the camshaft from the W-31 making it more suitable for higher RPMs.
All cars came with bucket seats and a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter in a mini-console. Also standard were plentiful regular 442 options like disc brakes, heavy duty cooling, and FE2 suspension. They shared the red fender wells and ram air setup with the W-30. Popular, but not standard, additional options included the tic-toc-tach and wood-grained steering wheel.
1969
1969 442s were very equivalent to the 1968. Modifications to the engine and drivetrain were negligible, but the Turnpike Cruiser option was deleted. On the other hand, another hi-power engine was offered. Called the W-32, it came with the Forced Air Induction plumbing originate from the W-30s, but it had a milder cam like the base engine. It was only obtainable with an automatic, and 297 were built, including 25 sport coupes and convertibles each.
More: 1970-1987
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