Overview:
1970 saw the lifting of GM's ban on
engines greater than 400 cid installed in midsize cars. Although Oldsmobile had
gotten around that rule in 1968 and 1969 through the Hurst/Olds, this now
enabled Oldsmobile to offer its 455 cid V8 in all 4-4-2's. The Hurst/Olds was
dropped from the lineup and wouldn't reappear until 1972. The W-30 hit its
performance peak and included a balanced and blueprinted 455 V8 with a hotter
cam, performance carb, low-restriction exhausts and the Force Air induction
system (Oldsmobile called this Outside
Air
Induction) which utilized two prominent scoops on the hood. The W-30 package also
included a lightweight fiberglass hood, plastic inner fenders, aluminum
differential carrier and cover, and less sound insulation in an attempt to cut
weight and improve performance. The W-30 option was offered only on Cutlass
models, but a new option, the Rallye 350, was offered. Powered by a 350 cid
engine, the smallest displacement Oldsmobile muscle car sported the most
outrageous exterior, which was only painted in a very bright yellow. Even the
bumpers and wheels were painted yellow. This would be only a one year option as
the performance market would collapse after 1970.
Production:
2D Sport Coupe: 1,688
Holiday Hardtop Coupe: 14,709
Convertible: 2,933
Engines:
(Rallye 350) 350 V8 310 bhp @ 4200rpm, 490 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm.
455 V8 365 bhp @ 5000 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm.
(W-30) 455 V8 370 bhp @ 5200 rpm, 500 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm.
Performance:
(W-30) 455/370: 0-60 in 5.7 sec, 1/4 mile in 14.2 sec @ 100mph.