Nineteen seventy-two It’s been a tough year for performance enthusiasts as the government mandates that all cars must run on low-lead or unleaded fuel. This emissions move required a reduction in compression ratio, which typically topped out at 8.5:1 in 1972 engines.
Oldsmobile’s horsepower loss wasn’t that severe because GM lowered the compression ratio in 1971. Far-reaching, however, was the return of the 4-4-2 to a package and the inclusion of the 350 two-cylinder as standard engine. Considering the 4-4-2 had at least 345 horsepower since 1965, the low-performance 350 simply fell out of favor. Oldsmobile’s product planners are clearly interested in catering to people who want image without the insurance penalties, but it’s frustrating.
Luckily, Oldsmobile still has them in stock. Upgraded version of the 350 quad-barreled gun – not quite as fast, but more than enough for many. Next up is the 455 four-barrel rated at 250 net horsepower with an automatic transmission; opt for the stick and you get 20 more horses that can run with some of the high-compression cars of the past. The W30 continues to top the list, now rated at 300 horsepower. Most of the goodies continue to be included in the W30 package, except for the red fender wells.
Robert Belew owns this car with a U code 1972 4-4-2, which means it is powered by a 455/automatic combination. He made some tweaks to suit himself, like changes to colour, wheels, interior seats, W30 side stripes and spoilers, but that’s not to say the 1972s needed any tweaking to make them bearable – the style was already there , the potential is already there. Robert gave the Muscle Car Campi a spin and absorbed its many virtues.
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