1987 Oldsmobile 442 Specifications
OLDS 442
Specifications, Dimensions & Standard Equipment

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS
Engine Type – 90° V8 Overall Length – 200.0 in.
Displacement – 5.0-liter / 307 cu in. Overall Width –71.6 in.
Net Horsepower – 170 @ 4000 rpm Overall Height – 54.9 in.
Maximum Torque (lbs.-ft.) – 250 @ 2600 rpm Wheelbase – 108.1 in.
Ignition System – High Energy Curb Weight – 3203 lbs.
Fuel Management – 4-barrel carburetor Front Seat – Headroom……38.1 in.
Legroom…………………...36.3 in.
Shoulder Room……………56.7 in.
Bore & Stroke – 3.800 x 3.385 in.
Exhaust System – Dual from catalytic converter rearward Rear Seat – Headroom..……38.3 in.
Legroom…………………….36.3 in.
Shoulder Room………….…56.1 in.

Olds 442 Standard Equipment:

Firm Ride and Handling Suspension
Includes firm ride front and firm ride rear shock absorbers (includes air rear shock absorbers), higher rate front and rear springs, larger diameter front stabilizer and rear stabilizer bar.

Transmission & Axle Ratio
4-speed overdrive automatic transmission with console-mounted shift lever · Axle ratio is 3.73:1

Interior
Contoured front bucket seats with full-foam construction · Four-Season air conditioner · Sports console with shift lever, storage compartment and integrated armrest · 442 emblems on door panels.

Exterior
Special 442 paint scheme with a choice of four primary body colors (Medium Gray Metallic, Black, Dark Teal Blue Metallic, or Burgundy Metallic) with a Silver Metallic secondary lower body color, separated by a Gold Metallic accent stripe · Gold accent stripe over wheel openings · Headlamp bezels are black with bright edges · Color-coordinated Silver Metallic bumpers, front and rear · 442 emblems on doors and front and rear panels · Low-restriction dual outlet exhaust system · Chrome-styled sport wheels with Gold accent · P215/65R15 steel-belted radial-ply white outline performance tires · High capacity cooling system.

Additional Standard Equipment
Quick ratio power steering · Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel · Rallye gauge instrument cluster with tachometer · Regency walnut vinyl instrument panel trim · Power front disc brakes · Four-Season air conditioner · Bumper guards, front and rear · Halogen high-beam headlamps · Door-pull handles · Headlamp-on warning · Front and rear bumper impact strips · Inside day/night mirror · Dual color-coordinated outside mirrors, driver side with remote control · Delco AM radio (may be deleted for credit) · Fixed mast antenna · Wall-to-wall cut-pile carpeting with carpeted lower door panels · Interior-operated hood release · Deluxe safety belts, front and rear.

If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the 442.
The heat is under the hood and emanates from a 5.0-litre, high-output V8 engine with free breathing, 4-barrel carburetor. Add a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, plus a 3.73 rear axle ratio, and 442 gets from 0-60 with impressive dispatch. With the leather-wrapped steering wheel in hand, the driver can lean back in the contoured reclining bucket seat and take in the deep-throated grumbling of the low-restriction dual outlet exhaust system -- music to an enthusiasts ears -- in stereo. With Olds quality, that bold 442 look, a full complement of gages, performance-tuned suspension with air adjustable rear shock absorbers, and wide P215/65R15 white outline performance tires, it's little wonder that the driver looks -- and feels -- like a winner. And who's to argue. Olds 442 is one hot number

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]Mid 80's 442's
For checking whether it's the real thing
First, look in the trunk for the service sticker, and if it has code "W42" in there, then it's a 442.

Next, check the door sticker, if there, and look for 215/65/15 tire placard. 442's/H/O's only had 15 inchers. The Cutlass GT had 14's.

The VIN has a 9 for an engine code (I think it's the 10th digit). If it's a Y, it is not a 442.

All mid 80's 442s had 15" chrome SSIII wheels, with gold inlay paint and gold perimeter pinstripe. H/O's had red pinstripe and argent paint inlay. Also, the 442's had "442" in gold in the center cap instead of the rocket emblem. H/O's had the standard cap.

H/O's and 442's were also void of any bright trim around the trunk, and wheel wells. Also, no lower wide stainless panels were used on these cars. 442s all had the "442" emblem centered on the upper inner door panels.

While under the hood, look for the dual snorkel air cleaner with a chrome lid.

That's down and dirty quick ways to tell what's going on with these cars. Plus, mid-80s 442's ALL came with buckets and console shifters as part of the package. Well, not actually PART of the package, but that's what you got, along with dual sport mirrors, two-tone paint, 442 stripes and stickers, and sport wheel and guage package. The shifter in the 442's were the standard single "toothpick" shifter. Nothing special.

Carbs
The '84 and '85 442 carbs differ by only that one digit, 17084554 vs 17085554 (which usually denotes the year of the carb). In fact, the carb book lists all VIN (9) carbs as "Cutlass-Hurst", from '83 through '87. So see, they even reused the ASCII code for the manuals... ;)

The '86-'87 VIN (9) 442 motors were substantially revised, and the carb number reflects it: 17086009 (at this point, the Q-jet was in its golden years, and they didn't even bother changing the numbers for the years anymore, so there was no "17087009" carb).

The regular VIN (Y) 307 carb # for the '86-'88 Cutlass was 17086008.

The last year for the Q-jet was 1990, on the 307 in the RWD wagons and RWD Cadillacs. Most of these used carb # 17088115 (yes, same carb as used on these since 1988), but there was one exception which will be of interest to Olds 442 experts:

Though the VIN (9) 307 was last installed in the Cutlass in the '87 442 with carb #17086009, the same number carb, and the same VIN (9) 307 was then installed in the '88 "Fleetwood HO" (a Hurst/Olds Fleetwood? ;) and the '89-'90 Cadillac Brougham. So, the 442 motor lived on until the bitter end in the Cadillac. Just something to file away for twenty-years down the road, when those '86-'87 442 restorers are looking for matching-number carbs, they'll also find them in '88-'90 hearses.

[ Thanks to Matthew Mayer, Mike Rothe, Bob Barry for this information ]

1985:
Authentication:

The VIN "9" engine code shows it is a 442.
Look for option code W-42 on the build sheet or the service sticker (in trunk lid).
Sometimes (and I say this because they DIDN'T always put them on) there is a little cowl tag on under the hood. This will also have the W-42 option listed on it. The Arlington assembly plant said that if they had them when the car was built, they put them on, but if not, oh well. That's because they were wanting to go strictly with the trunk lid mounted service sticker.
It better have the dual snorkel intake with a chrome lid.
Also, check the transmission code "OZ"on the passenger side of the tranny.
Carb # was 17085554. Maybe with a 5 stamped over a year date digit of 4.
This item is indigenous ONLY to the 1983 to 1987 Hurst/442. Look for a "kickdown" switch above the gas pedal. This looks like the old Turbo 400 passing gear detent switch with a little slide switch activated at full throttle. This is actually the full throttle A/C compressor clutch cutout switch. It cuts out the A/C clutch when it's mashed to the floor.
Also, check to see if the tire pressure sticker is still on the driver's door, it will list 215/65/15 as the tire size, again, ONLY on the Hurst/442 in those years.
Built on the Cutlass Supreme body style. 3000 were produced. Option code W-42 is for the 1985 to 1987 Olds 442 model.

I called Oldsmobile in July 1985. They said they made the 442 in limited production runs, a few hundred at a time. In other words, several short "batch" runs of the cars. The line had to be altered a little to provide the parts bins for the cars, that's why they made them that way. Total production figures for 442 of the 1985 year was 3,000 for the public, but they said there were probably a few more "PR" cars made and were running around the proving grounds. Exact number of those were not disclosed.

Mine was built Feb 5, 1985. I ordered it the end of Sept. 84. There were about 3,300 Olds dealerships at the time, so the 300 lowest selling dealerships were not slated to receive any. The remaining dealerships were supposed to be allotted 1 each, however, some dealerships waived their allotment, and the bigger dealers snapped them up. I believe James Oldsmobile in Charleston, SC, (not James anymore) got 2. One bare bones job in Oct., and mine, which I ordered. As far as talking with the Gen. Manager there, every 442 in 85 was sold just about as fast as they were received. The first one I test drove was white with blue interior, no power anything or options. Very rare color. List base price? Somewhere around 10K. Mine tallied to around 16,200. I got the t-tops, which were an OPTION, for those on the list that are confused about Salon t-tops. The W-42 option was $1275, but required the 600+ dollar air conditioning. Later they packaged that together. In Dec. 84, they had a price increase across the board on all the cars. Luckily I had my order sealed at the lower price.

Case in point, the 85 442 was originally supposed to be a follow through year with the H/O also, but because of whatever tiff (I heard back then that Olds wasn't going to pay Hurst a bunch of money to use the name), the 442 got replanned in the final hours, and was scheduled for "442" production. It the more sedate look, but with somewhat similar paint scheming. The drive train was exactly the same as the 84 H/O, with the 5500 rpm WOT shift-point OZ trans, and "hi-lift" flat-tappet camshaft (not roller like the "Y" engine). Heck, I bought mine new and it even has a "5" stamped over the "4" on the carb year!!! So they didn't run out of H/O carbs in 84!

Engine Specs:

5.0-liter V-8, 4-bbl. Carburetor H.O. (LG8) with Dual Outlet Exhaust System
Transmissions:

Rear Axles:

Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to Mike Rothe for this information ]

1986:
Authentication:

The VIN "9" engine code shows it is a 442.
The VIN should have the form _ G 3 A K 4 7 9 _ _ M.
Look for option code W-42 on the build sheet or the service sticker (in trunk lid).
Sometimes (and I say this because they DIDN'T always put them on) there is a little cowl tag on under the hood. This will also have the W-42 option listed on it. The Arlington assembly plant said that if they had them when the car was built, they put them on, but if not, oh well. That's because they were wanting to go strictly with the trunk lid mounted service sticker.
It better have the dual snorkel intake with a chrome lid.
Also, check the transmission code "OZ"on the passenger side of the tranny.
This item is indigenous ONLY to the 1983 to 1987 Hurst/442. Look for a "kickdown" switch above the gas pedal. This looks like the old Turbo 400 passing gear detent switch with a little slide switch activated at full throttle. This is actually the full throttle A/C compressor clutch cutout switch. It cuts out the A/C clutch when it's mashed to the floor.
Also, check to see if the tire pressure sticker is still on the driver's door, it will list 215/65/15 as the tire size, again, ONLY on the Hurst/442 in those years.
Option code W42 is for the 1985 to 1987 Olds 442 model. 4,273 were built. Only differnce between 1986 and 1987 is the front fascia and head lights.

Yes, a 442 is a Cutlass Salon, but much more. The 442 option was only offered on the Cutlass Salon Coupe and it came with a 307 V8, but it was a high output version, with a different camshaft and carburetor. There was no fuel injection. Actually, quite the contrary - the 307 was the last carbureted V8 available. It lasted until 1990. Anyway, the 442 option included the F41 suspension package and console shifter, and the overdrive transmission and 3.73 rear axle. Besides the drivetrain, many of the 442 goodies were available on most Cutlasses, which makes it a cool package. Back then, many of the "performance" packages were merely sticker packages - the Olds 442 was actually a power package (well, relative to the era).

Engine Specs:

5.0-liter V-8, 4-bbl. Carburetor H.O. (LG8) with Dual Outlet Exhaust System
Transmissions:

Rear Axles:

Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to Mike Rothe, Jason Adthingy, Matthew Mayer for this information ]

1987:
Authentication:

The VIN "9" engine code shows it is a 442.
Look for option code W-42 on the build sheet or the service sticker (in trunk lid).
Sometimes (and I say this because they DIDN'T always put them on) there is a little cowl tag on under the hood. This will also have the W-42 option listed on it. The Arlington assembly plant said that if they had them when the car was built, they put them on, but if not, oh well. That's because they were wanting to go strictly with the trunk lid mounted service sticker.
It better have the dual snorkel intake with a chrome lid.
Also, check the transmission code "OZ"on the passenger side of the tranny.
This item is indigenous ONLY to the 1983 to 1987 Hurst/442. Look for a "kickdown" switch above the gas pedal. This looks like the old Turbo 400 passing gear detent switch with a little slide switch activated at full throttle. This is actually the full throttle A/C compressor clutch cutout switch. It cuts out the A/C clutch when it's mashed to the floor.
Also, check to see if the tire pressure sticker is still on the driver's door, it will list 215/65/15 as the tire size, again, ONLY on the Hurst/442 in those years.
Around 4208 were made, and of those, reportedly 1,111 had T-Tops. Built on the Cutlass Supreme body style. Option code W42 is for the 1985 to 1987 Olds 442 model. Only differnce between 1986 and 1987 is the front fascia and head lights.

The option was available on the Supreme (GR) based Cutlass in 87 as far as I know (this was based on discussions with a GM line manager at the assembly plant. NEVER seen one on the GK for 87), however, if any of you fine folks with an 87 442 would check your VINs for us, I'd sure be interested to see if there were any GKs available with that option. I know the one I bought 11 years ago was a Supreme. The 85 442 factory photo/promo says it was available on the Supreme, however, it WAS only offered with the Salon coupe in 1985.

The 442 was an option on the Cutlass Supreme for 1987 only. The 1987 actually cost slightly less than the 1986 because it was not based on the Salon. The biggest differences - no recliners on the front buckets, vinyl on the front section of the upper door panel instead of cloth, thin chrome strip at top of door panel (horizontal section next to glass) instead of full width chrome strip, gray dash inserts instead of woodgrain.

Here's what the '87 Olds SPECS books says about the option W-42 ($2577.00):

W42 Cutlass 442 Package, Features a Special Paint Scheme of 15 Medium Gray Metallic, 19 Black, 31 Dark Teal Blue Metallic or 79 Burgandy Metallic Primary Color with 12 Silver Metallic Secondary Lower Accent Color Separated by Gold Metallic Accent Stripe Decals (D85). Also Gold Metallic Stripe Over the Wheel Openings. Headlamp Bezels are Black with Bright Edges. Amber Park/Turn Lamp Lenses (T88); Front and Rear Bumpers Silver, Color-Coordinated to Match Lower Body Accent. "442" Decals of Front Doors, Front-End Panel, Rear-End Panel and Interior on Doors;

Air Conditioning, Four-Season (C60); Mirrors, Color-Coordinated Outside, Driver Side Remote - Passenger Side Manual (D35); Console with Floor Shifter (D55); Level II Firm Ride and Handling Suspension System (F41) with Air Rear Shock Absorbers;

Steering Wheel, Leather Wrapped Sport (NP5); Wheels, 15", Chrome-Styled with Gold Accent (N83); Tires, P215/65R15 Steel-Belted Radial-Ply, Blackwall (QYZ); Cluster, Instrument Panel Rallye (U21); Cooling Equipment, High Capacity (V08) and Guards, Bumper Front and Rear (V30). (Available only on R47 with the Following Exterior Primary and Secondary Paint Colors and Interior Trim Combinations: 15-12 or 19-12 with Trim W4, 31-12 with Trim W3 and 79-12 with Trim W5. D68 Available - N.A. with BX2, B85, C04, DR5, D84, D88, D90, LD5, LV2, N66, N78, N91, QHW, QHY, QJR, QMW or QMX)

Engine Specs:

5.0-liter V-8, 4-bbl. Carburetor H.O. (LG8) with Dual Outlet Exhaust System
Transmissions:

Transmission, 4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive (MX0)
Rear Axles:

Axle, 3.73 ratio (GT4)
Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to Mike Rothe, Mark Tupper, Steve Ochs for this information ]

1988:
442's weren't offered in 1988. Now, I do think Cutlass GT's were made in 88, and they might have shifters on the column (most had consoles, though). It might be a Cutlass GT. From the outside, the GT and the 442 look similar, with two-tone paint, chrome SSIII's, but the 442 has the 9 code engine, whereas the GT came with the Y code engine only.

It seems like 1988 was a cool year for the last rear wheel drive Cutlass, with several different special editions being offered. I'll start off with the two best known options that year and I'll finish up with a third option that I just found out about last summer at the OCA Nationals.

Option 1: The '88 Cutlass GT
More of a localized zone package, than a nationally available option. Looks to be an appearance package, rather than performance. Produced by Top and Trends in NC. Had H/O hood scoop, rear wing, special paint, console, with buckets and a special plaque on the console, also special honeycomb stlye rims. Only @280 produced. Featured in JWO Sept. 1997.

Option 2: The 1988 Hurst/Aero kit
Produced by Action Products in AZ. Since Olds didn't want to pay to have the Hurst name on the car for the 20th anniversary of the H/O, Doc. Watson and Joe Hrudka, (then head of Mr. Gasket) put together this special kit. The kit included a ground effects package with a special rear trunk lip/wing and decal striping. It was available as a dealer option for around $500. This kit will fit on any '81-'88 RWD Cutlass and was also available as a separate kit. If installed on an '88 it was a 20th anniversary H/O, if installed on any previous model it was a H/O Aero commemorative. No known production numbers exist. I personally have seen, or heard of about 24 kits in the past two years. There is definately under 500 of these made, most likely in the 200 range.

Option 3: The LV2 Sport Coupe
250 Produced by Oldsmobile to use up some of the remaining H/O and 442 inventory. H/O spoiler that was ~not~ color keyed with the rest of the car. It was left black. It had the H.O. 307 that produced 180 HP. 200-4R trans w/3.08 rear gears and limited slip. Other items include handling and appearance packages, heavy duty cooling system, Olds Chrome rims(14") with 205/70 tires, and the rallye pac. Looks to be based on the salon trim level.

Authentication:

Engine Specs:

Transmissions:

Transmission, 4-Speed Automatic with Overdrive (MX0)
Rear Axles:

Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to Jason Adthingy, Bill Reilly for this information ]

1990 (Quad 4 442):
Authentication:

Built on Cutlass Calais S body. FWD. Available as option called "Sport performance package". 14" gold lined aluminum wheels standard. Rear body colored three piece wing. Leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift and emergency brake. FE3 handling package. Gold Quad442 decals and bodyside stripes with all blacked out trim features. Full gages include tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, and voltage indicator. Otherwise, interior is identical to Calais S.

Engine Specs:

180hp 2.3L Quad4 (code LG0) with multipoint F.I. and dual overhead cams only engine available. Single exhaust with dual outlets both on one side of rear.
Transmissions:

Paired to Getrag 5 speed manual trans, also only choice.
Trans Axles:

Final drive 3.61:1.
Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to John McMenamin for this information ]

1991 (Quad 4 442):
Authentication:

Built on Cutlass Calais S body. FWD. Available as option called "Sport performance package". 15" aluminum wheels standard. Rear body colored three piece wing. Leather wrapped steering wheel, gear shift and emergency brake. FE3 handling package. Gold Quad442 decals and bodyside stripes with all blacked out trim features. Full gages include tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, and voltage indicator. Otherwise, interior is identical to Calais S.

Last year on Calais platform. A W-30 version was offered as well.

Engine Specs:

180hp 2.3L Quad4 (code LG0) with multipoint F.I. and dual overhead cams only engine available. Single exhaust with dual outlets both on one side of rear.
Transmissions:

Paired to Getrag 5 speed manual trans, also only choice. First gear is slightly lower than 1990.
Rear Axles:

Performance Data:

No data.
[ Thanks to John McMenamin for this information ]
[ Thanks to Bob Handren, Jeff Hunter, Jason Labay, Rob Malland, Mark Prince, Greg Pruett, Joe Padavano, Jeff Easton, Jon Wessel, Kurt Heinrich, Frank Gonzalez, Mike Evans, John Schumacher, Paul Hartlieb, Bill Culp, Jim Chermack, Doug Ahern, Bill Reilly, Brad Otto for this information ]

Miscellaneous
Chrome Trumpets

NAPA has the correct tail pipes and exhaust trumpets available. They will have to look them up in the parts book with the regular exhaust parts for the 4-4-2. These are not to be confused with their accessory tips in another catalog. Their exhaust catalog also lists the correct replacement hangers. NAPA's exhaust products are made by "Walker" and should be available at any parts store or speed shop that sells "Walker" or "Dynomax" products. The part number for the Walker tips is 35614.
The tailpipes, chrome trumpets, and hangers are dead ringers for the originals. The trumpets still look good after 12 years. BTW, I used clamps to hold the trumpets onto the pipes so I did not have to weld them and screw up the chrome. I pointed the threaded part of the clamps toward the trunk floor so they would not show. A little unhandy to tighten up, but worth it.

If you want the best tip available, buy the tips Brothers Auto (1-800-442-PART) sells. They are made of an alloy called Inconel, commonly used in helicopter and airplane exhaust. Inconel has a very high nickel content so it takes chrome beautifully. The Inconel tips will last forever. I have a pair with slightly over 40,000 miles and they still look like new. Brothers only charges $49 a set for these.

2009 Concept Olds 442


1970 Indy Pace Car
Option code Y-74. If it's a real Y-74, the cowl tag would be stamped Y74.

One book says the 1970 pace car came standard with the 455 and that "some Cutlass Pace Cars have the 350 4bbl". The ACTUAL pace cars were 442s that used W-30 heads and distributor. The rest of the cars used at Indy (49 of 'em) were Cutlass versions, all having the 455.

However, a copy of a memo from the Olds Division that states that the W-30 option was not available with Y74.

1972 Indy Pace Car

1974 Indy Pace Car

1985 Indy Pace Car
The Pace Car Replica car had special aluminum wheels, spoiler, Calais 500 emblems, and a special silver leather interior. It was otherwise a stock Calais, with either the Pontiac Iron Duke 151 CID 4 cyl or the optional Buick V-6 (I think in 3.0 liter size. The Indy Pace Car decals were optional.

[ Thanks to Wes Fujii, Jon Wessel, Joe Padavano for this information ]
Quad 442 Performance Parts

Try Olds MotorSports. They have a catalog on high performance items for the Quad 4, such as cams, +/- degree cam sprockets, beefier CV shafts and such. The catalogs are availible from any Oldsmobile Dealership.
From talking to the guys at Mantapart, a Quad 4 racing speed shop, there are many modifications that will increase performance. Intake, exhaust, cams, chips, port & polish etc. Expen$ive. The W-41s have different cams, exhaust, tranny gears, and a 3.94 differential. I believe that is what makes most of the difference.

Mantapart Performance Products
New Springfld, OH 44443
Phone: (330)549-3188

[ Thanks to Mark Prince, Jeff V. for this information ]
Striping

GM Part Numbers for 1985 to 1987 442 Exterior Stripes. You should be able to get the "442"'s from your dealer. Otherwise, try a search on the part number at www.partsvoice.com.

                               Black     Gray      Dk Blue   Dk Red    White
Part Description               1985-87   1985-87   1986-87   1986-87   1985
Stripe: F/Bpr Rub Strip - RH   22528704  same      same      same      same
Stripe: F/Bpr Rub Strip - LH   22528705  same      same      same      same
Decal: F/Bpr Fascia "442"      25528697  same      same      same      same
Decal: F/Fascia "442" (1987)   25530186  same      same      same      same
Stripe: F/FDR-RH               22528698  22528736  25529168  25529174  22528722
Stripe: F/FDR-LH               22528699  22528737  25529169  25529175  22528723
Decal: Door Letters "442"      22528708  same      same      same      same
Door: Stripe                   22528700  22528738  25529172  25529173  22528724
Stripe: R/QTR-RH               22528702  22528740  25529170  25529176  22528726
Stripe: R/QTR-LH               22528703  22528741  25529171  25529177  22528727
Stripe: R/BPR Rub Strip-RH     22528706  same      same      same      same
Stripe: R/BPR Rub Strip-LH     22528707  same      same      same      same
Trunk "442" (Gold)             22528697  same      same      same      same
Emblem: Trunk "Oldsmobile"     20000969  same      same      same      same

The parts that are color specific are listed. If "same" is listed, that means it is just gold stripes w/o a color backing as a seperator for the top and bottom colors.

442 striping kits are somewhat rare. Some aftermarket companies are starting to make repro kits (like Lauren Eng.). Stencils & Stripes (1108 S. Crescent, Park Ridge, IL 60068, (847) 692-6893, Fax (847) 692-6895) has them!

However, for that paltry sum of money, there's no reason not to get the whole kit, unless you've already matched the stripes for original gold shading. I say this only because there are already 85-87 "442" front and rear and door stickers out there already. Although they look ok as far as shape/size, the gold is a little too light and not metallic enough as the GM ones. So if you need that ELUSIVE quarter panel section, buying ONE side stripe may look odd on the car if the shading isn't correct. You can avoid this dilemma of course, by buying the whole kit, or by asking for a "sample" of the gold for matching. Then, a color difference, if any, is only apparent when you are parked next to a car with original stripes. Ask any 69 Hurst owner about his/her gold stripes and THAT situation. Of course, like the Hursts, about the only time that would even happen is at a car show.

Here's a tidbit of info on the side stripe placement, however.... I obtained this information back in '86 from the Plant Manager at the Arlington plant, where my 85 was built.

The body panels at the factory were taped off and painted without much regard to where the lower silver and the upper colors met, just as long as they were in the "coverage" zone of the stripe. The side stripes had 3 thin gold stripes on a UPPER body color wider stripe. The body color "appeared" to go about 1/4" below the lowest gold stripe, however, it was the decal covering up the silver. Made for a neat finish.

Keep in mind that the "clear" ones will need to have body color PAINTED to approximately 1/4" lower than the lower gold stripe. This paint line must be absoulutely straight for the stripes to go on properly and look original. Simply removing the old side stripes on the original paint more than likely won't get you there. As with any cumbersome project, either get some help, or if you don't feel comfortable about this, then farm out the project to a compentent professional.

I've also seen where a 442 was re-painted and painted stripes were added in PLACE of the original decals. On a black car, and this was when all the stripes were still available. The owner didn't want to shell out 600 bucks for new ones, so instead paid 350 to get the stripes stenciled on. Not a bad looking stripe job at all. Until you got up close you would think it had the factory decals. Best of all, there's no worry of getting wax buildup around the edge of the decal, or a little spot chipped away which looks obvious. Now if they would only gear up and start reproing the inside door panel emblems....

[ Thanks to Brad Nicholson, Mike Rothe for this information ]
1980's 442 Wheels

Part Numbers
The 15 x 7 GM Chrome Oldsmobile wheels that came on the 442 and Hurst in the 1980's is GM part #22528518, about $300. I don't have the center cap number.

The 442 and Hurst wheels are different. The 442 wheels are painted gold on the inside around the lug-nuts. The Hurst wheels are painted "Argent", which looks darn close to chrome to me. Other than the paint, they're the same.

Paint
The gold painted areas on my 442 wheels always looked sort of weak since I bought it new. After 10 years it needed some touch up. I used the Dupli-Color paint and the wheels look better than new. I have found a perfect match in a standard spray can so that you don't have to buy a quart from the auto parts store. The paint code is GM-294 (Dupli-Color) Camel Metallic. It comes in the standard small spray can

1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst & 442
The 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst was a late-'80s revival of the mid-size muscle Olds developed by Hurst Performance Products. Issued on the 15th anniversary of the original Hurst/Olds, the series was marketed by Lansing as an adjunct to the standard Cutlass line.

The 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst was based on the downsized 1978-vintage A-body Cutlass notchback coupe and featured the expected suspension upgrades plus a black-over-silver exterior with red accent stripes, spoilers front and rear, buckets-and-console interior with extra gauges, and tuned four-barrel 307 Olds V-8 driving a four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission.

A novelty was Hurst's "Lightning Rod" transmission selector with no fewer than three sticks: a stubby main lever and one auxiliary wand each for first and second gears. The latter allowed "slam" upshifts for maximum acceleration (recalling Hurst's "Slap Shifter" of the '60s).

That acceleration was pretty good -- about eight seconds 0-60 -- but the arrangement confused customers and was discarded for an orthodox single stick when Olds repackaged Hurst's concept as a new 4-4-2 for 1985. This was similar to the H/O but could be had with a less flashy monotone exterior and most all the luxury extras available on top-line Supreme coupes.

Canceled with the advent of a new front-drive Cutlass Supreme for 1988, and production was deliberately limited, but the H/Os and 4-4-2s are a respectable reminder of the good old big-inch days.

Pluses of the 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst and 4-4-2:

Muscle-car looks
Tire-smoking getaways
Scarce
Parts/service backup still good
Not costly
Minuses of the 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst and 4-4-2:

Many examples have been trashed
So-so detail workmanship
Awful velour interior trim
Eclipsed in all-out performance by some other modern muscle cars
Production of the 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst and 4-4-2:

1983 Hurst: 3,000
1984 Hurst: 3,500
1985 Salon 4-4-2: 3,500
1986: 3,000 (estimated)
1987 Supreme 4-4-2: 4,210
Specifications of the 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst and 4-4-2:
Wheelbase, inches: 108.1
Length, inches: 200.0
Weight, pounds: approximately 3,350
Price, new: $12,070-14,700

Engines for the 1983-1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Hurst and 4-4-2:

Type Size  Horsepower  Years 
ohv V-8 307 cid 170/180 1983-1987