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So I got my old High school car out from my folks place as they moved and was going to start the rebuild process on it. Its been sitting for 30+ years, I had the engine torn down and have had it stored partially together, going to bring it back to the shop that machined it and have them put it back together a good reputable race engine shop, the 4 speed is cleaned up waiting for the motor, so I can at least get it running and moving around on its own power. Then start on the body the trunk and quarters are a little rusty. The hood was restored when I took the motor out as the paint was falling off from it so it is just in primer now. I found this sheet in the back seat wish it was in better condition. Hopefully will try and update as progress is gained. I just found this site and thought it would be great for information that I might need or to ask questions.
Last edited by Catdaddy1971; April 21st, 2022 at 11:11 AM.
you have come to the right place! Nice ride hopefully you post your progression here I would love to follow! What a car to have in high school love it! Looks pretty good for sitting 30+ years and especially if those are Minnesota plates I see, Welcome!
That broadcast card you found is pretty significant. Does the body number on the card match your trim tag located on the cowl just behind the driver side hood hinge?
Very cool. 👍 Hard to tell. Is that dark green or black? Finding that build card is awesome. Love seeing a true W car that has been sitting. I definitely look forward to seeing your work.
No difference between W-30 and and non W-30 carbs in 1971. Automatic and manual transmission carbs are different.
Some of the factory literature for 71 have the incorrect numbers listed. It took a while for me to find out what was correct for my 4 speed. There is not a lot of information out there for the 71s compared to 70s.
The motor is almost done had a cracked exhaust manifold so found a good one to replace it. Should be going to the dyno soon. Been a slow process but a good friend has been doing the motor work.
Last edited by Catdaddy1971; January 3rd, 2024 at 03:33 PM.
The steering wheel is really sticky anyway to clean this up or restore it?
This is another one of those questions where asking 20 people will get you 30 answers. I've always used auto paint pre-cleaner (wax and grease remover). Prep-All is one such brand. Be sure to get the old, solvent-based cleaner, not the new water-based stuff. Just understand that the rubber in the wheel will continue to outgas over its lifetime and you'll have to wipe it down every couple of months or so.
The motor is almost done had a cracked exhaust manifold so found a good one to replace it. Should be going to the dyno soon. Been a slow process but a good friend has been doing the motor work.
What was the difference in the 70 w30 and 442 carbs?
Originally Posted by Loaded68W34
I believe the 70 W30 carb does not have metering rods while the regular 442 carb does. Someone can correct me if I am wrong.
I believe it also has 2 barrel jets in the primaries. Supposedly, the 70 W30 455 manual made very poor vacuum and could not haul those rods up reliably, so they did a workaround, removed the rods, and changed the jets. I do not know what cam changes were made to it to go to 71. It did, like they all did, have less compression in 71. Since the power piston and rod assembly was back in 71, I suppose it made enough vacuum to run it in that config.
I believe it also has 2 barrel jets in the primaries. Supposedly, the 70 W30 455 manual made very poor vacuum and could not haul those rods up reliably, so they did a workaround, removed the rods, and changed the jets. I do not know what cam changes were made to it to go to 71. It did, like they all did, have less compression in 71. Since the power piston and rod assembly was back in 71, I suppose it made enough vacuum to run it in that config.
1. They didn't use "2 barrel jets"......they used a jet size in the SMT carbs that were the right size for a Quadrajet primary bore.
2. The "vacuum" actually holds the primary metering rods down against the power piston spring pressure. Low vacuum allowed the power piston to lift and the smaller end of the metering rods to enrich the A/F mixture.
3. SMT W-30's didn't need the precise A/F as much as the W-30 Auto transmission equipped cars. The "softer" (different vacuum range) power pistons were available through the Oldsmobile dealer parts counter from Rochester. Cliff Ruggles and a few others market similar springs now.
What an awesome high school car, and you had the fore thought to keep it..Very cool, keep showing the progress..I have a 70, I actually like the nose and grill on the 71 better..Kewl ride my friend
April 21st, 2022, 11:01 AM
Nice W car should be awesome when done
