Which engine/trannie should I use?

[2blu442]

Hey Guys, I've got a 1977 442 project car that's missing the engine and trannie. I've got way too many projects and plan to make this a driver and sell it to someone else to finish. Since it's not numbers matching, which engine/trannie combo do you think would have the most demand? I've got a 350, 403, 425 and a 455 to choose from. I've also got a 4 speed setup (less the console), or a good running TH350. Since it's not numbers matching but still a factory 442 car I hesitate cutting the transmission tunnel. What do you guys think? What sounds like the coolest setup to you? I'm located in Medford Oregon if any of you guys are on the West Coast and would like to come by and check it out. John

[crazy'boutOlds]

My 77 442 had the 403 and TH350. But if you're going to sell it as a driver/fixer upper, I'd drop in a 350/350 combo. Just my .02.

[ragz442]

My 77 442 had the 403 and TH350. But if you're going to sell it as a driver/fixer upper, I'd drop in a 350/350 combo. Just my .02.

I agree. The other engine/combos are a little less common and probably worth more to someone doing a correct resto. IMO

That is, as long as the 77-442 was not an original 403 car. If that's the case, I'd drop the 403/350 in it :D .

[442MUCH]

If it was originally a 350 car, throw in the 350. If it was a 403 then the 403 would be my choice. The reasoning? If you sell it and it has the correct engine for the VIN you can probably ask a little bit more.

To some people it won't matter, however to someone that wants a car to fix up and display it would.

[2blu442]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I've played with Oldsmobiles for a while but I still have a lot to learn about the 1973-77 vintage. Can you tell me how to read the engine application (350 or 403) in the vin? Thanks! John

[texxas8902]

Use the registry at the top of the page. It has a link to an Oldsmobile vin decoder. One of the letters in the vin denotes engine size. I don't know which one it is off the top of my head.:confused:

[442MUCH]

Fifth letter in the VIN will either be R (350) or K (403)

3G37R or 3G37K