442
The Oldsmobile 442 first appeared for the 1964 model year as a variant of the Cutlass and F85. “442” stood for 4bbl carburetor, 4-speed trans, and dual exhaust, atleast in the first year. Starting in ’65, the term meant “400 CID, 4bbl carb, and 4-speed trans”. In 1964-1967, the 442 was technically just an option package on the ‘lesser’ midsize models.
For most of the upgraded 1968-1972 generation, the 442 was its own model. However, the 442 once again became ‘just’ an option for 1972.
Come 1973, all GM midsizers received the much anticipated colonnade body style, which, through government legislation, became reality due to the new bumper strength and rolloever protection mandates. For 1976, quad rectangular headlamps found their way onto these cars replacing twin round units.
The new downsized midsizers came to light in 1978. The 442 carried on through 1980 on what was then still called the A-body platform. For 1980, the 442 was offered on the Cutlass hatchback body style only.
1981 saw no 442 model or option. Nor did 1982 through 1984. The 1985-1987 442s returned on essentially the same platform as the 1978-1980 model, though it was now called the G-body platform (as of 1981). Though it not the technical breakdown, some say that the numbers ‘4-4-2’ of this era translate to “4-speed automatic trans, 4 barrel carb, and dual exhaust”. 1987 was the last year for the rear drive 442, and rear wheel drive Cutlass Supreme. The closest returning rear drive variant was now called the Cutlass Classic for 1988. There were no 442s offered for ’88.
A new meaning tor the term “442” happened in 1990-1991 with the return of the 442 nameplate, this time on a front wheel drive Calais body. The meaning translated to “4 cylinders, 4 valves per cyl, and 2 overhead camshafts”.
Available Engines By Year:
1964: 330 4bbl
1965: 400 4bbl
1966: 400 2bbl, 400 4bbl
1967: 400 2bbl, 400 4bbl, 400 Ram-Air
1968: 400 2bbl, 400 4bbl, 400 Ram-Air
1969: 350 4bbl, 400 Ram-Air
1970: 350 4bbl, 455 4 bbl, 455 Ram-Air
1971: 455 4bbl, 455 Ram-Air
1972: 350 2bbl, 350 4bbl
1973: 250 I6, 350 2bbl, 350 4bbl, 455 2bbl, 455 4bbl
1974: 250 I6, 350 4bbl, 455 4bbl
1975: 250 I6, 260 V8, 350 4bbl, 455 4bbl
1976: 250 I6, 260 V8, 350 4bbl, 455 4bbl
1977: 231 V6, 260 V8, 350 4bbl, 403 4bbl
1978: 231 V6, 260 V8, 305 V8
1979: 231 V6, 260 V8, 305 V8
1980: 350 4bbl
1985: 307 4bbl HO
1986: 307 4bbl HO
1987: 307 4bbl HO
1990: 2.3L Quad I4
1991: 2.3L Quad I4
Engines by Sub-Generation:
1964-1965: 330 CID 4bbl V8 (’64), 400 CID 4bbl V8 (’65)
1966-1967: 400 CID 2bbl V8, 400 CID 4bbl V8, 400 CID 4bbl Ram Air V8 (’67)
1968-1972: 350 CID 2bbl V8 (’72), 350 CID 4bbl V8 (’69-’70,’72), 400 CID 2bbl V8 (’68), 400 CID 4bbl V8 (’68), 400 CID 4bbl Ram Air V8 (’68-’69), 455 CID 4bbl V8 (’70-’71), 455 CID 4bbl Ram Air V8 (’70’-71)
1973-1977: 231 CID V6 (’77), 250 CID I6 (’73-’76), 260 CID V8 (’75-’77), 350 CID 2bbl V8 (’73), 350 CID 4bbl V8 (’73-), 403 CID 4bbl V8 (’77), 455 CID 2bbl V8 (’73), 455 CID 4bbl V8 (’73-’76)
1978-1980: 231 CID V6 (’78-’79), 260 CID v8 (’78-’79), 305 CID V8 (’78-’79), 350 4bbl V8 (’80)
1985-1987: 307 CID 4bbl HO V8
1990-1991: 2.3L DOHC I4
