Nineteen seventy-two was a tough year for performance fans because the government mandated all cars to be able to be run on low-lead or unleaded fuel. This emissions move required the lowering of compression, with 8.5:1 generally being the top ratio for 1972 engines.
The loss of horsepower at Oldsmobile wasn’t very profound because General Motors lowered compression in 1971. However, what was profound was that the 4-4-2 reverted to a package and included a 350 two-barrel as the standard engine. Considering the 4-4-2 had at least 345 horsepower since 1965, the low-performance 350 was quite a fall from grace. Oldsmobile product planners clearly were interested in catering to those who wanted the image without the insurance penalty, but it was depressing.
Luckily, Oldsmobile still had the goods. A step up was the 350 four-barrel—nothing fast, but adequate for many. Next was the 455 four-barrel, which was rated at 250 net horsepower with an automatic; opt for the stick and you’d get 20 more horses, which could run with some of the high-compression cars of yore. The W30 continued to sit at the top, now rated at 300 horsepower. Most of the good stuff continued to be included with the W30 package save the red fender wells.
Robert Belew owns this U-code 1972 4-4-2, which means it’s powered by the 455/automatic combination. He’s made some tweaks to suit himself, such as a change of color, wheels, interior seat, W30 side stripes, and spoiler, but that’s not to say 1972s need any tweaking to make them tolerable—the style is there, as is the potential. Robert let Muscle Car Campy take a spin and absorb its many virtues.
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