BUILD THREAD theoldsone 442 build

[olds307 and 403]

Funny how 30 HP and a lot better gearing make a big difference. Too bad Olds didn't add the ram air, shorty headers, Y pipe and better cat from the FE3X prototype for another 30 HP, even 200 HP in the 442. That and the 5 SPD manual as option out of that car would have helped the 307's dog slow reputation a lot.

 

[theoldsone]

Took the free time to play with the 442 today. I bought a 6ft long 5/32 vacuum hose and re did most of the shot rubber hoses that ran to the carb. It immediately stopped all the vac. leaks. Went out my way to buy some non-ethonal 91 gasoline from a local SUNOCO. Man, that stuff is pricey! I know for a fact that E-Gas is thrash for carbs and can lower power. Our old cars where never designed to run on Gov. Corn garbage. Most of the time it's "E10" or "E15" but we all know it's somewhere around "E20". Anyway that's a whole other story.

There she is. I have yet to adjust the timing and install the Ignition module I ordered. I've read the best timing is around 20*-24* with 91. I've been reading up on some info pages and there's not much more that can make this engine feel like she's in her 20's again. Hopefully we can get this at a modest 500hp. Sorry typo 180hp. Again Simple tweaks so I can monkey around until the body is ready to receive a frame transplant.

 

[olds307 and 403]

Try a couple of degrees extra for timing, 20 is the spec. Get some dryer hose and run it from under the bumper to both snorkels. Make sure the air filter is clean and the fuel filter as well. You only have 170 HP unfortunately, lower compression, smaller cam and awful swirl port heads. I would gut or replace the cat, depending on emission laws. Does it have the big pellet converter?

 

[theoldsone]

Try a couple of degrees extra for timing, 20 is the spec. Get some dryer hose and run it from under the bumper to both snorkels. Make sure the air filter is clean and the fuel filter as well. You only have 170 HP unfortunately, lower compression, smaller cam and awful swirl port heads. I would gut or replace the cat, depending on emission laws. Does it have the big pellet converter?

I thought the 86 442's came with 170hp. My guess 10hp wouldn't be that hard. How would I know it's a big pellet converter? The whole drivetrain is stock. 86 442. Don't tempt me to slap a Cam in it!

 

[olds307 and 403]

This style is very restrictive and plug up after some miles. That air pump is also an unnecessary drag and can actually make it run worse. Early 80's Canadian 307's came with plugs in the heads, at least my 81 Delta 88 and 82 parts car did. I did say 170, you said 180.

 

[theoldsone]

Yes I agree. I know for a fact that the cat on my car is junk. I don't have that style though. My 87 cutlass almost caught on fire because the cat was so restrictive. I've seen on Craigslist a cat delete pipe for g body.

Guy says that Hooker makes these. He's asking $35. Too bad its 2hrs away. I can't find what they cost brand new either. But I bet some pipe and clamps can do the same job. Emissions, what emissions? Lol

 

[Texas82GP]

Yes I agree. I know for a fact that the cat on my car is junk. I don't have that style though. My 87 cutlass almost caught on fire because the cat was so restrictive. I've seen on Craigslist a cat delete pipe for g body. View attachment 52950
Guy says that Hooker makes these. He's asking $35. Too bad its 2hrs away. I can't find what they cost brand new either. But I bet some pipe and clamps can do the same job. Emissions, what emissions? Lol

For $35 just ship it and call it a day.

 

[theoldsone]

For $35 just ship it and call it a day.

I just found the part online for $40. I'll pass lol. Hooker actually doesn't make them its Pypes that makes this product. It's easy to go crazy and start buying a ton of parts that you don't really need. Like so

Oh man, I can't wait to put these puppies on lol. I'll take a video once installed.

 

[Canon_Mutant]

Hey, BTW, I am still looking for my chrome well trim but you probably won't want it on this car will you?

I know I have them somewhere but, man, moving sucks. I am still looking for actual stuff I do need much less where an extra set of well trim that I decided not to use are?

Nice find, BTW. Looking forward to see it come back to life . . .

EDIT: Just because I have been through it, I would recommend you save your time and money trying to do anything to the 307 and just save it all up for the 350 build . . . or perhaps a big block maybe? Only slightly more important [to me] to keep the 442 "All Oldsmobile" if possible.

 

[theoldsone]

Hey, BTW, I am still looking for my chrome well trim but you probably won't want it on this car will you?

I know I have them somewhere but, man, moving sucks. I am still looking for actual stuff I do need much less where an extra set of well trim that I decided not to use are?

Nice find, BTW. Looking forward to see it come back to life . . .

EDIT: Just because I have been through it, I would recommend you save your time and money trying to do anything to the 307 and just save it all up for the 350 build . . . or perhaps a big block maybe? Only slightly more important [to me] to keep the 442 "All Oldsmobile" if possible.

Its ok if you cant find it no big deal. I wont be putting any new exterior parts on until paint.