Muscle Car Performance Hurst / W-30 Oldsmobile

Oldsmobile 442

Manufacturer Oldsmobile
Parent company General Motors
Production 1964–1987
Predecessor Oldsmobile F-85
Class Muscle car
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
2-door convertible
Layout FR layout

The Oldsmobile 442 (pronounced four-four-two) was a muscle car produced by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors. It was introduced as an option package for F-85 and Cutlass models sold in the United States beginning with the 1964 model year. It became a model in its own right from 1968 to 1971, then reverted to an option through the mid-1970s. Oldsmobile revived the name in the 1980s on the rear-wheel drive Cutlass Supreme and early 1990s as an option package for the new front-wheel drive Cutlass.




History
First generation Production 1964-1967
Assembly Lansing, Michigan
Framingham, Massachusetts
Fremont, California
Platform A-body
Engine(s) 330 CID V8
400 CID V8
Transmission(s) 4-speed manual
3-speed manual
2-speed special duty Jet-Away
3-speed Turbo Hydramatic

1964
The 442 was born out of the competition between Pontiac Division and Oldsmobile. It began as a hasty response to the Pontiac Tempest GTO, which had proved to be an unexpected success midway through the 1964 model year. It was created by performance enthusiast and Oldsmobile engineer John Beltz (also responsible for the Toronado), aided by Dale Smith and Olds Chief Engineer Bob Dorshimer.

Because of its late introduction (some three-fourths of the way through the model year) and the ambiguous nature of the GTO — which was technically a violation of GM policy limiting intermediate models to 330 CID (5.4 L) — the Olds offering was a conservative package. Technically the "B09 Police Apprehender" option, it used the four-barrel carbureted 330 CID (5.4 L) V8 with heavy-duty valve gear, posi trac, and a hotter camshaft, raising rated (SAE gross) output to 310 hp (231.3 kW) at 5200 rpm. Torque remained 355 lb·ft (481 N·m), although the torque peak rose from 2800 rpm to 3600 rpm. The package also included a stiffened frame, boxed rear suspension control arms, a heavy duty clutch and four-speed manual transmission, a heavy duty driveshaft, oversized brakes and the heavy-duty police-package suspension, with heavy duty wheels, higher-rate coil springs front and rear, heavy-duty shock absorbers, a larger front anti-roll bar, and an additional rear anti-roll bar.

The package was dubbed 4-4-2 based on its combination of four-barrel carburetor, four-speed transmission, and two exhausts. Priced at $285.14, it was available on any F-85 or Cutlass model except the station wagon, although most were Cutlass hardtop coupés (Oldsmobile archives indicate that approximately 10 four-door sedans were built with the B09 option).

Motor Trend tested an early 4-4-2 and found that the 3,440-lb (1,560 kg) car would run 0-60 mph (0–96 km/h) in 7.5 seconds, the standing quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 90 mph (140 km/h), and reached a top speed of 116 mph (185.6 km/h). A total of 2,999 were sold.

1965
With the GTO receiving GM corporate sanction, Oldsmobile followed suit with a big-engine 442. The B09 option was renamed 442 and the price was lowered to $190.45 for F-85s and $156.02 for Cutlasses. The new 400 CID (6.6 L) engine became standard, and the definition of "442" was restated as 400 cubic inches, 4 barrel carburator (a 515 cfm Rochester 4-Jet),[2] 2 exhausts. Output for the big engine rose to 345 hp (257 kW) and 440 lb·ft (597 N·m). The standard transmission became a three-speed manual with the four-speed as an option, and Oldsmobile's two-speed Jetaway automatic transmission was added as an alternative. The '65 was the first 442 to use a Hurst shifter, which was included when the HD 3 speed manual transmission was ordered. The heavy duty 3 speed was a mid year introduction and used a floor shifter, unlike the early 3 speed that used a column shifter.

Other touches added to the '65 were chrome body side scoops adorned with 442 badging, chambered dual exhaust pipes, chrome single snout air cleaner, and 442 badging on the dash. Late in the year option N98 was added, which were chrome reversed 14 × 6 in (360 × 150 mm) wheels. It also offered standard bucket seats[3] and a 6,000 rpm tachometer, mounted in the console, more as decoration than for usefulness.[4] Console was optional, which made the tach optional.

Modern Rod tested a 1965 F85 442 with the four-speed manual, slicks, and headers and obtained a quarter mile acceleration of 13.78 seconds at 102.73 mph (165 km/h); Car Life's automatic '65 ran the quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 89 mph (143 km/h), with a 0 to 60 time of 7.8 seconds. Offered in four body styles, sales rose to 25,003, including 3,468 convertibles.

1966
The 1966 442 shared a modest facelift with other Cutlasses. Its major news was the addition of two new optional engines: the L69, with three two-barrel Rochester 2GC carburetors on a progressive linkage, rated at 360 hp (268 kW) and 440 lb·ft (597 N·m) of torque, which was priced at US$264.54,[5] and the rare W30. The standard engine, now dubbed L78, was rated 350 hp (261 kW)/440 ft·lbf with a single four-barrel carburetor.

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.

Hurst shifters were now standard equipment with floor-mounted manual transmissions including the optional heavy-duty three-speed, M-20 wide-ratio four-speed or M-21 close-ratio four-speed. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual with column shift and the two-speed Jetaway automatic with switch-pitch torque converter was optional.The standard 350-horsepower 400 engine could be ordered with any of the four transmissions, while only manual transmissions could be ordered with the L69 three two-barrel option.

Inside, a revised instrument panel featured two round pods for the speedometer and other instruments, replacing the horizontal sweep speedometer of 1964-65 models, but the rest of the basic dashboard designed was unchanged. F-85 models had base interiors with bench seats and rubber floor mats while the more lavish Cutlass versions came with full carpeting and featured Strato bucket seats of a new design with higher and thinner seat backs, or a no-cost bench seat option.

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 (155.5 km/h).

Production slumped to 21,997. The 442 still constituted only about 10 percent of Cutlass sales, whereas Pontiac's GTO represented nearly a third of all Tempests sold.

1967
For 1967 the 442's styling and base engine remained the same, save for an increase in intake valve size to 2.067 from 1.99. but the automatic three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic with Switch Pitch became available, replacing the two-speed Switch Pitch Jetaway, as was the case with the mid-sized muscle cars from other GM divisions (Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet Chevelle SS396, and Buick GS400). The heavy-duty floor-mounted three-speed manual transmission was now standard with the Muncie M-20 and M-21 four-speeds optional, all with Hurst shifters. Front Disc brakes were a new option this year.

A GM policy decision banning multiple carburetors for all vehicles except the Corvette saw the demise of the L69 with its triple carburetors. The W30 remained available, although the four-barrel Quadrajet carburetor replaced the J-2 triple two-barrel setup. New red plastic inner fender liners became part of the W30 package. 502 factory W30 engines were built to meet NHRA homologation rules, along with an unknown number of dealer-installed packages. 4-way emergency flashers became standard as it did on all new GM models for 1967.

Cars tested a W30 442 with close-ratio four-speed and 4.33 rear axle (a dealer-installed only option),[2] obtaining a quarter mile of 14.1 seconds at 103 mph (166 km/h) in completely stock form. 0-60 times were between 6.5 and 6.7 seconds.

Unlike in previous years which the 4-4-2 option could be ordered on either baseline F-85 or upscale Cutlass models, the 1967 4-4-2 package was based on the top-line Cutlass Supreme series including the sport coupe (with center post), Holiday hardtop coupe and convertible. Standard equipment on all models included Strato bucket seats or no-cost notchback bench seat, full carpeting, expanded Morocceen vinyl upholstery, heavy-duty suspension with rear sway bar, and wide-oval tires.

Production rallied somewhat from the previous year, rising to 24,833.

1968
Second generation
Production 1968–1971
Assembly Lansing, Michigan
Framingham, Massachusetts
Arlington, Texas
Kansas City, Kansas
Fremont, California
Linden, New Jersey
Platform A-body
Engine(s) 455 cu in (7.5 L) V8
400 cu in (6.6 L) V8
Transmission(s) four-speed manual
three-speed manual
three-speed automatic
Wheelbase 112.0 in (2845 mm)
Length 203.2 in (5161 mm)
Width 76.2 in (1935 mm)
Height 52.8 in (1341 mm)
Curb weight 3,713 pounds (1,684 kg)

The 442 became a separate model from 1968 through 1971. The wheelbase was 112 in (2,845 mm), and over 33,000 were sold for 1968. Despite the engine displacement staying at 400 CID, the engine was based on the new 455 cranktrain (4.25 stroke) and the bore decreased (to 3.87). Torque now came at 3000–3200 rpm as opposed to the early 400's 3600 rpm peak, mostly due to a milder base cam grind. Car Life tested a 1968 442 with a 3.42:1 rear axle ratio and Hydramatic and attained 0–60 times of 7.0 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 15.13 seconds at 92 mph (148 km/h). Top speed was reported as 115 mph (185 km/h). The base motor was still rated at 350 hp (261 kW), but only with the standard three-speed and optional four-speed; automatics were rated at 325 hp (242 kW). W-30s were rated again at 360 hp (268 kW). Car Life also tested a four-speed W-30 with 4.33 rearend gears and recorded a 13.3 at 103.30 mph (166.2 km/h), which shows the long stroke did not affect actual performance although long term durability at high (6000 plus) engine speeds might be affected.

All standard 1968 442 engines are painted a bronze–copper color, as with the 1967s, topped with a fire-red air cleaner. W-30 option cars were equipped with Ram Air intake hoses leading from a chrome-topped dual snorkel black air cleaner to special under-bumper air scoops and set off by bright red plastic fender wells. In addition, a Turnpike Cruiser option was made available with a two-barrel carburetor; this was previously available on the Cutlass Supreme for 1967. 1968 was the first year for side marker lights and the last year for vent windows on hardtops. 442s for '68 had unique rear bumpers, with exhaust cutouts and special exhaust tips.

It was in 1968 that Oldsmobile first partnered with Hurst Performance Research Corporation to create the Hurst/Olds rather than just adding Hurst shifters as with earlier models. The limited regular production run of 515 Hurst/Olds (459 Holiday Coupes/56 Sport Coupes) started out as regular 442s, but were treated to numerous distinct enhancements, both cosmetic and mechanical. All cars were painted Peruvian Silver (a Toronado color) with liberal black striping and white pinstripes, exterior and interior H/O badging (unique to '68), and a real walnut wood dash insert. Mechanically, the cars left the factory with two drive train combinations. Red 455 CID engines were backed by modified W-30 Turbo 400 automatic transmissions. A/C cars got a W-46 engine with a 3.08:1 rear while non-A/C cars got a W-45 engine with a 3.91:1 rear. While both engines were rated at 390 hp (291 kW), the W-45 engine received the cylinder heads from the W-30 and the camshaft from the W-31, making it more suitable for higher rpms. All cars came with bucket seats and a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter in a mini-console. Also standard were numerous regular 442 options such as disc brakes, heavy duty cooling, and FE2 suspension. They shared the red fender wells and ram air setup with the W-30. Popular, but not standard, additional options included the tic-toc-tach and wood-grained steering wheel.

Performance for the 1968 Hurst/Olds (390 hp): 0–60 in 5.4 sec, 1/4 mile in 13.9 sec @ 103 mph.

1969
1969 442s were very similar to the 1968 except the tooth in the grill, the tail lights, the place of the ignition, the key, headlight setup, and paint scheme. Changes to the engine and drivetrain were minimal, but the Turnpike Cruiser option was deleted. However, another hi-po engine was offered. Called the W-32, it came with the Forced Air Induction plumbing found on the W-30s, but it had a milder cam like the base engine. It was only available with an automatic, and 297 were built, including 25 sport coupes and convertibles each. The Hurst/Olds returned, with a new regal gold and white color scheme, outrageous hood scopes and the 455 cid V8 that was detuned slightly from 1968.

Performance for the 1969 Hurst/Olds(380 hp): 0-60 in 5.9 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.03 sec @ 101 mph.[6]

1970

1970 Oldsmobile 442 with W-25 ram-air option.File:'71 Oldsmobile 442 (Orange Julep).jpg
1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible1970 saw the introduction of the Olds 455 V8 as the standard 442 engine. Magazine ads using an offbeat mad scientist trumpeted "Dr. Olds introduces as large a V-8 as ever bolted into a special-performance production automobile!" Output was 365 hp (272 kW) and 500 lb·ft (680 N·m), with a 370 hp (276 kW) W30 option available. The 365 and 370 hp (272 and 276 kW) power ratings were conservatively underrated at a lower rpm. Both engines are believed by some to produce 410 to 420 hp (306-313 kW). It was the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 race in 1970, along with the Cutlass Supreme. Motor Trend praised the 442, stating that "it's probably the most identifiable super car in the GM house".

In addition to the standard 442 offerings, W-30s received a W-25 fiberglass OAI (Outside Air Induction) hood to replace the bumper scoops that were on the 68 and 69 W-30s, an aluminum intake manifold, special camshaft, cylinder heads, distributor, and carburetor.

Motor Trend tested a 442 W-30 with a 4-speed manual transmission and 3.91:1 rear gears, clocking a quarter mile time of 14.2 seconds @ 102 mph (164 km/h). However, Motor Trend noted that Oldsmobile engineers had earlier posted a best of 13.7 seconds on the same test car with a fresh tune.

1970 Model Year Spotting Tips: Vertical bars in silver grille, rectangular parking lights in front bumper, vertical tail lights.

1971
The 1971 442 was available in a hardtop coupe and convertible body type. The sport coupe disappeared for the first time since 1964, only to return in 1972. Engine output was down for 1971 due to a lower compression ratio (8.5:1), which affected all of GM's engines. The base 455 was rated at 340 hp, with the W-30 achieving a rating of 350 hp.

Quarter mile performance as reported by Road Test magazine was 15.2 seconds @ 99 mph (159 km/h), and 0-60 in 8.9 seconds, using the TH400 automatic transmission.

1971 Model Year Spotting Tips: Black grille with silver surround, silver headlight bezels, round parking lights in front bumper, horizontal tail lights.

1972
The 442 name reverted to an appearance and handling option package (option code W-29) in 1972 on the Cutlass Holiday coupe, Cutlass S sport coupe and Holiday coupe, and Cutlass Supreme convertible. The W-29 option was not available on Cutlass Supreme notchback hardtops. This package, which carried a sticker price of $29, consisted of the "FE2" suspension upgrades (heavy duty springs & shocks, front and rear sway bars, boxed lower rear control arms, and 14- by 7-in [356- by 178-mm] wheels), side striping, fender and decklid badging, faux hood louvers, and a unique grille. The rear bumper sported cutouts for exhaust tips, but only when paired with the optional L75 455 CID V8 in place of the standard Oldsmobile 350 V8.

442's could be ordered with the additional W30 option, which included the still-potent L77 455 engine, which produced 300 hp (220 kW) and 410 lb·ft (556 N·m)s of torque and incorporated low-restriction dual exhausts. Other notable components included a lightweight aluminum intake manifold, the W25 fiberglass ram-air hood, anti-spin differential with 3.42:1 gears (3.73:1 available), and heavy duty cooling. Due to the low-vacuum at idle, air conditioning was not available, and power brakes were only available with an automatic transmission. Only 113 W30 convertibles and 659 W30 coupes were made in 1972, making this a very rare option.

A special edition Hurst/Olds paced the Indy in 1972.

1972 Model Year Spotting Tips: Silver grille with black surround, black headlight bezels, round parking lights in front bumper, 3-section horizontal tail lights.

1973
Originally expected to debut for the 1972 model year, the introduction of the new "Colonnade" body style was delayed until 1973 due to an auto workers strike in 1972. The body was redesigned to feature massive 5-foot (2 m) long doors and energy absorbing bumpers. The rear windows were fixed and the roof was reinforced in anticipation of roll-over standards being imposed by the government. These cars were a few hundred pounds heavier and slightly larger than the 1972's.

Consistent with 1972, the 4-4-2 option remained a handling and appearance package, code W-29, and was available on the Cutlass and Cutlass "S". It consisted of a faux louvered hood, FE2 suspension, specific grilles, emblems and stripes. Items such as dual exhaust and super stock wheels had to be ordered à la-carte. This was all part of the industry-wide weaning of U.S. consumers from large, powerful cars.

Officially, the W-30 was not available, but the 1972 "V" code 455 was there, but only with the 4-speed wide-ratio M-20 transmission. 1973 was also the last year of the manual transmission in the Olds "A" body. The "V" code produced 270 net HP, the "U" code 455 AT produced 250 hp (186 kW), while the "K" code 350 single exhaust produced 180 hp (134 kW) and the "M" code 350 with duals produced 200 hp (150 kW). Positraction rear ends, axle ratios, gauges, Super Stock wheels, HD cooling and many sport type options were available, but had to be ordered. The "V" code engine was also available in the Hurst/Olds without A/C,code W-46,the W-45 "U" code was standard with A/C. Both versions used the Turbohydramatic 400 transmission.

Engines:

1972 L32 350 CID 2-barrel V8, (160 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [H or J in VIN]
1972 L34 350 CID 4-barrel V8, (180 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [K in VIN]
1972 L34 350 CID 4-barrel V8 w/N10 dual exhaust, (200 hp and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m) in 1972) [M in VIN]
1972 W30 455 CID 4-barrel V8, (300 hp and 410 lb·ft (556 N·m) in 1972) [X in VIN w/ TH400 and M20]
1972 L75 455 CID 4-barrel V8, (250 hp w/ TH400 and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) in 1972) [U in VIN]
1972 L75 455 CID 4-barrel V8, (270 hp w/ M20 and 370 lb·ft (502 N·m) in 1972) [V in VIN] - used 2.07 valves and W30 automatic camshaft
1973-1976 231 CID V6
1973-1976 455 CID V8
1973-1978 350 CID V8
1976-1978 260 CID V8
1977-1978 403 CID V8 (185 hp and 320 lb·ft (434 N·m) in 1977)
[edit] 1978
Another limited-edition 4-4-2 model was offered from 1978 through 1980 on the downsized A-body Cutlass introduced for the 1978 model year. Engines varied from a base 3.8L V6 to a 305 4bbl. There was no 350 available to any 4-4-2 offered in 1978 or 1979. Oldsmobile 350 CID V8. A special-edition Hurst/Olds was also offered in 1979.

The 1978-9 version of the 442 was an option package on the semi-fastback "Aeroback" Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon, which was the lower-trim version of the best-selling Cutlass model range. It was offered with all powertrains available, including the 231 c.i.d., 2V V6, the 260 c.i.d. 2V V8, and 305 c.i.d. 2V (1978) or 4V (1979) V8s. Transmissions offered were 3-spd automatic with all engines, 5 spd manual with the 260 V8 and a 4 spd Saginaw manual with the 305 V8.

Distinctive trim elements included contrasting striping along the rocker panels and lower doors, over both wheel wells, badging on the rear trunk, and interior emblems. All other options offered on the Cutlass Salon were available with the 442 option package.

1979
Oldsmobile issued a limited edition "Hurst/Olds" model, based on the notchback Cutlass Calais and featuring the 350 c.i.d. 4V V8 found in the larger Delta 88 and Ninety-Eight models, coupled with a 3 spd automatic transmission. Available only in gold over white or gold over black paint,with gold cloth or vinyl upholstery, about 2,000 units were produced. Also, only 537 of the 2,000 cars were equipped with T-tops.

1980
The 442 model moved to the notchback Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais to return to its roots as a performance car as it had a larger 350 V8 engine not available on other Cutlass models. It included W-30 badging on the front fenders above the side marker lights, with less dramatic graphics. Otherwise, the cars shared identical powertrain,(minus the Hurst Shifter), with the '79 H/O. Also available only in gold over white or gold over black paint, a total of 886 were built, 540 in Black, and 346 in White. The MSRP price of a Cutlass Calais in 1980 was $6,919.57. Option W-30 4-4-2 Appearance and Handling Package cost $1,255.12. This package consisted of: Gold Accent Paint Scheme (Y71), Painted Grille Face, Applique Pillar Molding, Aluminum Sport Wheels, "W-30" Decals on Front Fender, Tail Lamp Bezel and Rear Window Molding to Match Body Color, "442" Emblem on Sail Panel and Deck Lid, Engine 5.7 Liter (350 CID) V8, 4-bbl (L34), Sport Console (D55), Rallye Suspension Package (FE2), Tires P205/70R14 Steel Belted Radial Ply Blackwall with Raised White Letters (QFV) and Digital Clock (UE8). The W-30 4-4-2 option was not available in California. A sample of included options: Interior color: Camel Tan with both fabric and/or vinyl,as well as White Vinyl,(Black could be ordered for Black/Gold cars), Custom Steering Wheel (NK3), Tilt Column (N33), Gauge cluster, AM/FM 8-Track Radio (UM2), Cruise Control (K30), Delay Winshield Wipers (CD4), Tempmatic Air Conditioning (C65), Dual Remote Mirrors, 442 Door Panel Emblems, Rear Window Defogger, 6-Way Power Left Bucket Seat (AC3). The 350,(Vin "R", engine code tag "AR"), 3A heads, 4-bbl M4MC Rochester Carb, 8.5:1 compression, 170 hp@3800 and 275 torque@2000. Turbo-Hydromatic 350 Transmission (Code "LJ", special W-30 application). Code "AB" non-locking 2.73 rear axle. A cross-flow muffler gives a "factory" dual exhaust appearance.

The 442 option was not available 1981-1984, but the Hurst/Olds returned for 1983 and 1984.

1985-1987

1986 Oldsmobile 442The 442 name was revived in 1985 on the rear-wheel drive G-body Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The name was now defined as referring to the car's 4-speed 200r4 automatic transmission, 4-barrel carburetor, and 2 exhausts. This W42 model replaced the 1983 and 1984 Hurst/Olds model and used the same 5.0 L LG8 V8. The shifter was mounted on the floor in a console between the front seats, and the upgraded F41 suspension package was included. 3,000 were produced in the first year, and all were sold quickly. 4,273 were produced for 1986, and 4,208 were made in 1987.

The 1984 Hurst/Olds and 1985-87 442 were equipped with an 8.5" GM corporate differential usually with a 3:73 ring and pinion gear. Rather than using the weaker 7.5" rear differential found in the Monte Carlo SS, these models used the same stout unit found in the Buick Grand National.

The 1983-84 Hurst/Olds and 1985-87 442's are distinguishable by there being a "9" as the engine code found in the 8th character of their VIN's. These were the only models to get the hotter VIN 9 307 cubic inch engine, and it was the only engine available. From 1983-1985, this engine was flat-tappet valvetrain, and rated at 180 hp/240 ft·lbf torque. In 1986, the 307 engine received a roller-camshaft valvetrain and new swirl-port heads to improve economy and low-end torque. HP dropped to 170, with torque climbing to 250. The 1985 442 used an OZ code THM 200-4R transmission.

1990-1991
The final use of the 442 name was on the Quad 442 front-wheel drive 1990-1991 Cutlass Calais. This model used a 2.3 L LG0 Quad-4 4-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder and 2 camshafts. The engine was tuned with higher output camshafts which produced more top end power at the expense of idle quality. It used a single exhaust with a dual tipped muffler and produced 180 hp (134 kW) with a 5-speed manual transmission.

This version of the 442 also played upon the "W-30" option code used in past versions of the 442, the exception being that this model used the option code "W-40". A low production, late 1991 model year version used the option code "W-41"; the key differences of "W-41" package was a 190 hp (142 kW) engine with a different geared 5 speed transmission.

This 442 model lasted just two years.

Production totals:

1990 "W-40" = 2629

1991 "W-40" = 1160

1991 "W-41" = 204

It is worth mentioning that inside GM literature referred to the 1992 & 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX as a 442, but no GM press literature mentions anything to this effect.

The 1992-1993 Achieva SCX used the exact same 'W41' drive train as the very limited production 1991 442-W41.

The 1993 Achieva SCX was the final production Oldsmobile vehicle that in any way shape or form was affiliated with the '442' moniker.

Origin of the 442 name
A common misconception is that designation "442" referred to the displacement of the engine in cubic inches. The name 4-4-2 came from the attributes of the 1964 model:

1964 (Original meaning)
4: Four Barrel Carburetor
4: Four On the Floor
2: Dual Exhausts

1965 (First year of automatic and three speed manual transmission option on 442)
4: 400 Cubic Inch Displacement
4: Four Barrel Carburetor
2: Dual Exhaust

With the 4-4-2 moniker established, later editions did not officially follow any adherence to features stemming from the numerals "4-4-2". 1965 was the last year Oldsmobile officially defined 442 designation. 1968-71 the 442 was itself a separate model. In the years after '65, any connection between the 442 name and the features were just coincidental.

The 1990-91 model 4-4-2 designation referred to the 4 cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Dual camshafts.