Anyone own (or owned) a G body 442?

[87gninpa]

As the title states, anyone have (or has had) an 85-87 Olds 442? What are your opinions on the car? This is not to replace the GN, but I found a local, very clean 86 442 in black with the grey interior with 99k on it. Ive always liked the look of these cars, but because of space issues, I would have to sell my 96 Cobra, which I also like (mostly because of the 5 speed). Are these cars anything more than just to look at? I would just hate to sell my Cobra then be stuck with a car that doesnt do much for me. Any opinions appreciated.

 

[TTA197]

I've always loved the look of the G-body 442's. Especially the '87 442's, but keep in mind the 307 V8 that they come with is very slow turd. I would buy one and swap the engine with a LC2, LS2, or LS3. I like the fact they come with a 8.5 rear end...

 

[GNeric]

My wife has an 86. Charcoal over silver with the maroon interior. T-top car. Just built the trans for her about a year ago and installed a 10'' 3200 stall and the car feels like it lost a few hundred lbs. They have the same CB8F code D5 converters that a lot of GN's came with. Flowmasters on this car and it sounds like it is a thumping 455 but just the stock 307. Performance was something like 17.1@79mph or close. The 86-87 have the small port heads with the roller cam. Find a set of 3317 heads from an 83-85 H/O or 442 and swap them on with an intake that fits those heads and the car will wake up some more. Not a stormer by any means but still fun to drive.

 

[Trbo6gn6]

There is no way i'd sell my cobra for a 442. I'd say keep the cobra. It has decent handling/braking and performance. If it were a GN i would say ditch the cobra in a heartbeat.

 

[1987Vader]

There is no way i'd sell my cobra for a 442. I'd say keep the cobra. It has decent handling/braking and performance. If it were a GN i would say ditch the cobra in a heartbeat.

x2 and then some.

 

[GNBRETT]

A couple have transplanted TR motors into them to run easy 10's with a 6776. Stock? I would rather have ur Cobra. But that's just me.

 

[novaderrik]

they are cool cars- and a 455 swaps in pretty easily...

 

[87gninpa]

Thanks for the info guys. The biggest reason I wouldnt do it it because of the Cobra's 5 speed. Hate driving autos. Going to go take another look at it this weekend, but after driving the Cobra in to work today for the first time in a few months I have to say I still have a smile on my face. Cant beat the sound of a 4 cam Cobra with full exhaust!! I'll keep you guys posted on what I decide to do.

 

[charlief1]

Two things I will point out to you. An Olds 350 is pretty much drop in and you can convert it to a stick fairly easily. This way you keep the car looking stock and get the performance you want. It won't be a Cobra but you should be albe to get it into the 13's or 12's fairly easily and still keep all the puter controls if you want to.

 

[kh440]

One of the best cars I ever had was an 86 442, loved it but yes it is a slug.