engine casting info

[Atownsend]

I am new member on to the site here. I have a 76 Olds Cutlass 442. I am looking into building a 455 olds for the car. I am unfamiliar with all the letter designations to the heads. As I search ebay alot. Car has a 350 built up to a w-30, but am wanting to go further with the 455.

What do the various letter designations mean? Models they were used on, potency or compression, or valve sizes?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

[ragz442]

Letters on the corner of the heads are big block, #'s are small block. The lower the # or letter the earlier the head. A 76 455 would have J heads from the factory. Check the FAQ section on 442.com, all the info you need is in print there.

FWIW W30 was a designation for a big block 442 package, except on the '79 H/O, which meant it had a 350 Olds motor [I believe].

Welcome to the site.

[Atownsend]

Letters on the corner of the heads are big block, #'s are small block. The lower the # or letter the earlier the head. A 76 455 would have J heads from the factory. Check the FAQ section on 442.com, all the info you need is in print there.

FWIW W30 was a designation for a big block 442 package, except on the '79 H/O, which meant it had a 350 Olds motor [I believe].

Welcome to the site.
Thanks Todd! Will check out that info. Nice car on your profile!

[ragz442]

Thanks Todd! Will check out that info. Nice car on your profile!

Checked your car out on the registry......back at ya ;).

[442MUCH]

Welcome to the forum. Just to add to Todd's info, W30 in the 73-75 Hurst/Olds meant 455 V8 while W25 meant a small block 350 car :)

[damaged442]

W-30 meant quite a few different things over the years, so it's hard to tell. I agree with Todd. 442.com has all the head info spelled out. I learned a LOT from that site.