71 442 W30 - Two Plate Clutch? Interesting...

**csx289** · #1 06-12-2005, 09:29 PM

I just bought a 71 442 W30, incredibly original 20k mile car, from the second owner. It is an M-22 4 speed car, and on the original window sticker an option listed is "Clutch, Heavy Duty Two Plate" .

The car has the original clutch and has never been apart, so I am wondering what to expect? They made 247 W30 4 speeds in 71, has anybody seen this option on one before, or any other Oldsmobiles for that matter? I can't recall Pontiac offering a dual disc clutch, but I could have missed that as well.

I know Chevy had a similar option (code KE?) ,and had seen the option listed in Olds books but never on a car.

Anybody have any history or coments on it? Curious to hear from the Olds guys!

Thanks,
Colin

Keith Tedford · #2 06-13-2005, 04:30 AM

When we were first pricing our COPO Chevelles, the dual disc clutch was about a $95 option. Never saw a car with one though. It should be just the ticket for launching one of those big torque engines with slicks.

**Lynn** · #3 06-13-2005, 05:54 AM

I agree: Two of those units recently sold on ebay, one used and one NOS, both by the same seller.

Lynn

**TimG** · #4 06-13-2005, 06:01 AM

I'm not familiar with the option for Oldsmobile. Will pictures of the car be on your website? I'm an Olds fan.

**csx289** · #5 06-13-2005, 06:45 AM

Hey Tim,
I will eventually get some pictures up on my site - need to post some cars that are for sale before I post the ones that aren't!

One of my first cars was a 71 W30 convert, my buddy still owns it and it is stored in my building. The car I just bought is not a convert, but really cool - I love it! Black with white stripes, unrestored, grease pencil marks still on the valve covers... I'll let you know when I get some pictures. Feels good to have a W Machine again!

Colin

442w30 · #6 06-13-2005, 06:52 AM

I think the only cars to have this option was the Olds and the Vette. It's a very desireable option.

**csx289** · #7 06-13-2005, 06:57 AM

Have you ever seen another? Any factory literature on it out there? The Olds guys I know have never even heard of it.

442w30 · #8 06-13-2005, 08:00 AM

The Olds guys should know better. Check out some old road tests or 1971 intro features and you'll find it there.

**olredalert** · #9 06-13-2005, 08:21 AM

------Having had a couple of dual-disc clutch Corvettes and driven others as well, I can tell you that they are pretty much bullet-proof. Oh yes,,,, I have abused them. Easy pedal too. I have always thought they were just about the perfect clutch, at least for me, anyway!...........Bill S

retengw31 · #10 06-13-2005, 04:16 PM

I'm thinking that dual disc option was only available on Olds in 1970 and 1971. Lots of clutch warranty back then. The 1968 W31's used a 11 inch Scheiffer unit (with a GM part number assigned)that took a leg like a Sumo wrestler to drive in traffic. I think the only other GM production application for that clutch was the big 427 Vette (L88?) around then (1968). Needed it for the high RPM uses. It was not used on the W30's or any other Olds back then. Not sure if 1969 and 1970 W31's also used that Scheiffer unit. Don't think the dual disc option was ever used on the W31.

The dual disc was a sweet one to drive as the pedal pressure was low like a standard clutch, but would hold up. Remember seeing cars built with it, but have no facts or figures.

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