  1966 marked the beginning of an Oldsmobile icon -- the W-30 package. With three 2-bbls, big cam and an exotic Force Air system, the W-30 meant business. Note the scoops in the bumpers on the right photo. |
 GM’s Rocket division was, like most every other car manufacturer in Detroit, surprised by the release and resulting popularity of Pontiac’s GTO. It didn’t take Oldsmobile long, however, to introduce their version of the performance intermediate. The 442 was introduced in late 1964 with the “police” version of their 330 cubic-inch V8. Although the package was a decent performer, it wouldn’t run with the competition. This changed, however, in 1966.
In order to draw attention to the 442, Olds management decided that a little positive publicity on the drag strips of America would help. Oldsmobile was, after all, no stranger to racing. Their famous three 2-bbl J-2 Rocket engines were very successful in NASCAR racing of the mid-’50s. So the Olds engineers came up with a package that would turn the 400-cube 442 into a bonafide drag-strip demon: the W-30 option.
Starting with a Tri-Carb 400 making a very respectible 360 horsepower, Olds doctors treated the engine to a unique Force-Air system that directed cold air to the triple carbs via large scoops mounted under the bumper. The first W-30 also got a revised camshaft with more lift and duration, along with heftier valve springs to control float at high rpm. These potent engines were dropped in “stripper” bodies that featured a minimum of extra equipment. Almost all the cars had no radios, and many didn’t include heaters. The batteries were trunk-mounted for better weight distribution, and as a result, traction. 4-speed transmissions and 4.33:1 rear gears were the only driveline choices. Only 54 W-30-equipped cars were factory assembled in 1966, with another few dozen being converted by dealers along the way. All this tweaking did its job, however, since W-30 442s won the NHRA’s C/Stock title in 1966.
1970 saw the W-30 option applied to Oldsmobile’s big 455-cube engine. Along with the extra displacement, W-30 455s breathed fresh air through a new air cleaner housing with a unique flapper door that mated to a special fiberglass hood with functional scoops. A revised camshaft (for manual-trans cars) featuring .474” lift and 328° duration (both intake and exhaust), stronger valve springs and a new aluminum intake manifold made for a package producing a stout 370 horsepower and a tremendous 500 lbs-ft. of torque. While Olds’ 442s became muscle car icons, they were known as being the best all-around package of handling, image and comfort. But make no mistake, the W-30 Oldsmobiles were as fast as anybody. |
