1987 Olds 442 Project Build

[oldsofb]

I've been a member of this site for a while but never really posted much. I troll the site all the time and have gotten quite a few tips and tricks on G-Body modifications. This site has a load of folks with some real skill and knowledge.

I thought it was time I posted my own build thread and shared a little of what I'm doing.

Here's the basic concept:
1987 Olds 442
Black and Silver paint scheme similar to the 83 Hurst Olds (can't stand the Gold)
455 with Dual Quad intake
TH400 Trans
F**D 9 Inch Rear
4 Wheel disc brakes
18x8 Billet Wheels
Mostly Stock interior (Maybe Leather Seats if I can swing it)

Here is how she looked when I picked her up.

The first two pics are not reversed. Whenever it was repainted, someone put the "442" decal on the wrong side. I didn't care since I knew I would be stripping and painting it anyway. It needs quarters and wheel wells, but for $5800 I was very happy with the over all condition. I just wanted a bone stock car to start with.

More to come as I figure out how to resize my pics and have them post smaller than the comp screen :wink:

Hutch

 

[DoubleV]

Thumbs up for keeping an Olds engine in it instead of a damn Chevy but why take a step backward with a TH400 and why a Ford 9"?

 

[L92 OLDS]

Looks like a nice build. I think I've seen some of your YouTube vids....well done. I have to agree with doubleV though regarding the TH400 and Ford 9". The factory overdrive and 8.5 rear can easily handle a 455 build. I like the gold 442 paint scheme on the G body 442's. What are you planning for the 442 decals? Red will look weird IMO.

 

[oldsofb]

Thanks DoubleV. I wanted to keep the Olds "Olds Powered". Nothing wrong with an LS or SB Chevy, it's just not what I want. I'm trying to go old school with the drive train. That's why the 455/TH400. I thought about a modified 200 or 700, even a 4L80E (which I understand to be a 4 speed 400) I just don't trust the 200 and the 700 I've had before and I didn't like the shift points and the 4L80E is about $1000 more to get and install.

The 9 inch, well, either you like it or you don't. I think it's way stronger than the 10 Bolt, and just as strong as the 12 Bolt. I also think it's cheaper and easier to use with it's removable center section. Don't have to buy a C-Clip eliminator kit. What's not to like? That's my thinking anyway.

Here's my 9 inch set up while we're talking about it.

3:50:1 Posi, Strange 31 Spline Axles, Ford Racing's Explorer rear disc setup (redrilled for 4.75 bolt circle), G-Body mounting points 😀 Dead Sexy if you ask me!

More pics later

Hutch

 

[oldsofb]

Sorry guys, but you will never convince me a 2004R/8.5 is as strong and reliable as a good old fashioned TH400/9 Inch. You're beatin a dead horse, I can't hear you la la la la :lol:

 

[DoubleV]

2004r built right is capable of handling any amount of power your setup would be throwing at it. I think your fears in that regard are for naught. The GN guys who are running 10's with them with no issues. I couldn't even imagine running a street car without my beloved overdrive! It would be like going to war with a bolt action rifle while everyone else has modern assualt rifles!

Also, while the 9" is stronger than the 8.5, it's just kinda overkill it seems to me especialy considering you already have the 8.5, but since you already spent the money on it I guess that would be your best choice.

But in the end it boils down to one important thing; you kept it Olds powered!

 

[Dragonist]

Olds POWAAAAA!

 

[oldsofb]

Good point on the 2004R in GN's. If you think it's stock though, guess again. Art Carr will sell you a 2004R that will handle 750+ HP for $2700. I can buy a TCI TH400 rated at 750-1025 for $1560. It's all about math and $$, and isn't hot rodding all about overkill?

The 8.5 and SSIII's were the first things I sold when I took her apart.

 

[oldsofb]

More pics

Poor girl. It's like a wounded animal with it's guts hanging out

After buying her, I drove it for a few days and then blew it apart. I think I have a problem, but I'm never happy unless I'm changing everything.

 

[L92 OLDS]

Your shop floor is almost as clean as mine. I like your attention to detail and the fact that your going with an Olds 455. Just as an FYI on transmissions though, you could have spent $1500 on a Stage 1 200 4R and kept the original trans with a modern overdrive (http://www.extremeautomatics.com/transm ... 2004r.html) I have nothing against Ford 9" rear ends but personally can't justify the cost unless I was making over 800 hp. Hopefully the car will still scream Oldsmobile and resemble a 442 without the SS III rims and factory paint job.