1980 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W-30

[Rktpwrd]

And can anyone tell me the difference with the side light markers? the ones on this model are larger than other 442 models I've seen on the net.

The larger side light markers you have on the car are a cornering light option available that year. They go hand in hand with the fibre optic turn signal indicators you have mounted on the tops of the front fenders.

Your 442 must have been built on the Calais trim model as I have the same market lights on a 1980 Calais I picked up earlier this year.

I saw this same car listed on Kijiji, I'm glad one of our members picked it up. You mention you're in Alberta, whereabouts? I'm in Calgary. Nice to see another Albertan on here.

And just FYI, I currently have two 1980 Cutlass Calais' (one stock, and one heavily modified ProTouring) and also had a 1980 Supreme for a short while, so I know my way around these cars pretty good. If you have any questions, just hit me up.

Cheers
Donovan

 

[GP403]

nice catch. hope it all works out. IIRC all the 442's and H/O's were based on the Calais, simply because that trim level had buckets/console/gauges by default. I think.

protip: tell your "mechanic" that Olds engines have the displacement cast in big numbers on the block. Just crawl under and have a look.

 

[Rokztarz]

Thanks for the info, I'm learning more and more about this car every day. I thought at first you were joking about the fibre optic indicators but to my surprise, another part to check to see if they functioning properly. The funny thing about this whole situation is that I purchased the car to be a daily driver for school, and now has slowly turned into a project. I did recieve the documentation from the gm archives, and the car checks out. Cutlass Calais with the W-30 package. Doesn't say anything about 442 though. At any rate, I'm more excited about this purchase, and hope to have things up and running smoothly in time. If anyone know's a good body/paint person in the Calgary area, please let me know, as this car does need some work.

 

[Rokztarz]

I Live just north of Calgary. Your car looks mean Donovan

 

[88hurstolds]

Good score, only 886 were built so it's quite rare.
I think most wound up in Canada for some reason too...
I've been looking for one with a black vinyl interior and T-tops myself.

 

[Rokztarz]

Just got the car back together after replacing the timing chain, water pump, and removing the emissions junk, pulled the oil plug to change the oil......and.......steel......so that's great news. I guess the motor is going to have to rebuilt.

 

[Blake442]

That's just the junk from your timing set...
Pull the oil pan and make sure the pickup screen isn't blocked with junk.
Then just change the filter and run it. It's probably fine.

 

[Rokztarz]

when you start the motor it sounds fine, but once you start to get some revs up there is some bad engine knocking. if I pull the oil pan and check the screen and change the filter, will that change the knocking?? I'm scared to do more damage to this motor at this point, I don't want to destroy the block.

 

[Blake442]

Bummer.
Throw a 455 in it!

 

[Rokztarz]

What are some advanteges/disadvantages about replacing the current 350 considering it is the original factory engine, and I just replaced the timing, water pump, new distributor cap, ignition, starter, alternator, and oil pump. My intensions were't to build a big street machine. Just a nice fun car to drive that turns some heads.