1980 Oldsmobile 442

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4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
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I sold around a year and a half ago a 1979 Hurst Olds, original paint 48,000 mile vehicle. I was nauseous when it drove away as I knew how rare these were and it really ran good.
Around 4 months ago I got a call from a customer who told me there was a 1980 black/gold 442 15 miles away for sale. I said your blanking me for this reason. There is another one sitting behind a transmission shop for 25 years that I'd been trying to buy for around 10. It's in tough tough shape but complete. So the chances of 2 1980 442's in same area is quite unlikely since 886 were built.
The one I bought is original paint - original interior and the previous owner who had owned it for 3 decades had intentions of restoring. A year ago he had gathered up interior parts etc. Installed a brand new windshield - rebuilt 350 rocket from a 70 Cutlass - rebuilt transmission - brakes - tires - radiator - fuel pump - carburetor etc. etc. This runs awesome. I couldn't buy it fast enough to say the least and GOT REALLY LUCKY to come across one after selling my Hurst Olds. So here it is.
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Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
A nice car. It looks like a rear bumper and acceptable dent and rust repair on the body. What all was done to my favorite motor, the Olds 350?
 

4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
18
The original motor obviously was shot, so the previous owner rebuilt a rocket 350. This is the only downside to this vehicle is the motor and trans is not numbers matching. However this 350 certainly has more horsepower than the 1980 350 for sure. It's topping out at around 225 HP
 
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Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
That sounds like a nice mild cruiser. I assume it was rebuilt with low compression pistons. If so, run 38 to 40, base and mechanical and as much vacuum advance off manifold vacuum as possible. The stock distributor with one light and one medium spring from a curve kit should be perfect.
 
Last edited:
Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
Does it have dual exhaust? The stock crossover amd single is a huge power robber, especially with the stock catalytic converter.
 

4oldsmobiles64

Not-quite-so-new-guy
Jan 21, 2020
35
73
18
Yeah brand new true dual exhaust - no Y shape - no catalytic converters. It sounds quite rumbly.
 
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Oct 14, 2008
8,806
7,746
113
Melville,Saskatchewan
The Olds 350 has a great sound, just enjoy that great V8.
 

LeftLaneOnly

Master Mechanic
Mar 20, 2020
293
486
63
Nice find gutta love the black and gold here's my 79

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see2xu

Apprentice
Nov 30, 2008
60
108
33
Greensboro NC
Wow! Lightning strikes. Back in the day, we lived next door to a WWII veteran of the Canadian armed forces - the first one injured in the disastrous raid on Dieppe in '42 - and he had a 442 identical to yours. We had my '79 Salon Brougham 442 4-speed; I can't imagine there has ever been two of these pretty rare and unusual examples living in close proximity then, nor since. Lovely score, congratulations!
 
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