1966 Oldsmobile 442 Factory W30 car #36

The 1966 442 had two new optional engines: the L69, with three two-barrel Carter carburetors on a progressive linkage, rated at 360 hp (268 kW) and 440 lb·ft (597 N·m) of torque, and the rare W30.

The W30 engine added an outside-air induction system (admitting cool air to the carburetors via tubing from the front bumper) and a hotter cam, rated -- or, more likely, underrated -- the same as the L69. The battery was relocated to the trunk to make room for the air hoses, which prevented the package from being ordered on convertible models. Only 54 W30s were built by the factory, although an additional 97 were produced for dealer installation.

Car Life tested an L69 442 with four-speed transmission and obtained a 0-60 time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 14.8 seconds at 97 mph (156 km/h). Motor Trend's similar test car ran 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 15.2 seconds at 96.6 mph.

Click on any of the lower photos for a more detailed picture.

If there are any questions you would like answered you can e-mail us you can e-mail here

Call 949-631-7456

If you would like to view our current inventory Wholesale California