Oldsmobile V8 engine

An Oldsmobile Rocket V8 303 c.i. (5L) gasoline engine

The 303-cubic-inch (5.0 L) engine had hydraulic lifters, an oversquare bore:stroke ratio, a counterweighted forged crankshaft, aluminum pistons, floating wristpins, and a dual-plane intake manifold. The 303 was produced from 1949-1953. Bore was 3.75 in (95 mm) and stroke was 3.4375 in (87.31 mm). Cadillac used a distantly related engine which appeared in three different sizes through to the 1962 model year; though the Oldsmobile and Cadillac motors were not physically related, many lessons learned by one division were incorporated into the other's design, and the result were two engines known for their excellent power-to-weight ratio, fuel economy, and smooth, strong, reliable running.

The original Oldsmobile V8 was to have been marketed as "Kettering Power" after chief engineer Charles Kettering, but company policy prohibited the use of his name. Instead, influenced by the Space Race between the United States and the USSR, the legendary Rocket was born, available in Oldsmobile's 88, Super 88, and 98 models. The engine proved so popular, the division's 88 models were popularly called Rocket 88s.

The 303 was available from 1949 through 1953. In 1949 through 1951 the 2-barrel carburetor 303 produced 135 hp (101 kW) and 253 lb⋅ft (343 N⋅m), over 33% more power than the extremely popular and widely produced 100 hp (75 kW) 1949 Ford Flathead V8. 1952 88 and Super 88 V8s used a 4-barrel carburetor for 160 hp (120 kW) and 265 lb⋅ft (359 N⋅m), while 4-barrel 1953 versions upped the compression from 7.5:1 to 8.0:1 for 165 hp (123 kW) and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m).

Applications:

• 1949–1953 Oldsmobile 88
• 1949–1953 Oldsmobile 98
• 1952–1953 Oldsmobile Super 88

324 ci V8 (1954-1956)

The 324 cu in (5.3 L) version was produced from 1954 until 1956. Bore was increased to 3.875 in (98.4 mm) (same as the later 283 Chevy) and stroke remained the same at 3.4375 in (87.31 mm). Two-barrel carburetion was standard; all high performance 324s came with four-barrel carburetors. The 324 was shared with GMC trucks.

The 1954 88 and Super 88 V8s used an 8.25:1 compression ratio for 170 and 185 hp (127 and 138 kW) and 295 and 300 lb⋅ft (400 and 407 N⋅m), respectively.

The 1955 model upped the compression to 8.5:1 for 185 hp (138 kW) and 320 lb⋅ft (430 N⋅m) in the 88 and 202 hp (151 kW) and 332 lb⋅ft (450 N⋅m) in the Super 88 and 98. For engines built during the first part of 1955, the 324 skirted pistons had a reputation for failing due to the cast aluminum skirt separating from its steel interior brace. This problem did not appear until the engine had over 50,000 miles (80,000 km) on it. By late 1956, many Olds dealers learned about the problem. Compression was up again in 1956 for 230 hp (170 kW) and 340 lb⋅ft (460 N⋅m) in the 88 and 240 hp (180 kW) and 350 lb⋅ft (470 N⋅m) in the Super 88 and 98.

Applications:

• 1954–1956 Oldsmobile 88
• 1954–1956 Oldsmobile Super 88
• 1954–1956 Oldsmobile 98

371 ci V8 (1957-1960)

Making its debut in 1957 as standard equipment on all Olds models,[2] the 371 was produced through 1960. Bore was now 4.0 in (100 mm) and stroke was increased to 3.6875 in (93.66 mm) for 371 cu in (6.1 L). 1959 and 1960 371s used green painted valve covers. 4-barrel models used 9.25:1 compression in 1957 and 10:1 in 1958 for 277 hp (207 kW) and 400 lb⋅ft (540 N⋅m) and 305 hp (227 kW) and 410 lb⋅ft (560 N⋅m) respectively. A 1958 2-barrel version produced an impressive 265 hp (198 kW) and 390 lb⋅ft (530 N⋅m), but had problems with early camshaft failures due to the high preload valve spring forces. Following the Automobile Manufacturer Association ban on factory supported racing, power ratings went down for the 1959 and 1960 88 models: 270 hp (200 kW) and 390 lb⋅ft (530 N⋅m) for 1959 and 240 hp (180 kW) and 375 lb⋅ft (508 N⋅m) for 1960. It was no longer available in cars in 1961.[3]

This engine was used in GMC heavy trucks as the "370" of 232 gross HP at 4200 RPM and torque 355 gross lbs-ft at 2600 RPM from 1957 to 1959.It had hardened valve seats and other features for heavy duty usage.

Applications:

• 1957–1960 Oldsmobile 88
• 1957–1958 Oldsmobile Super 88
• 1957–1958 Oldsmobile 98

Introduced in the middle of the 1957 model year,[4] the 1957 and 1958 J-2 Golden Rocket had three two-barrel (twin choke) carburetors with a vacuum-operated linkage. Only the center carburetor was mechanically connected to the throttle pedal, and it was the only one equipped with a choke. When the center carburetor was opened to 60° or more engine vacuum drawn from the windshield wiper pump would simultaneously open the front and rear carburetors. These carburetors did not open progressively; they were either open or closed. The J-2 engine also had a slightly thinner head gasket, raising compression to 10.0:1. It was advertised with gross power and torque ratings of 312 hp (233 kW) at 4600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) at 2800 rpm. Oldsmobile charged $83 for the J-2 option with the three-speed manual (or in the 98),[5] $314 dollars with the automatic.[6]

In practice, owners who did not regularly drive hard enough to engage the front and rear carburetors experienced problems with the linkage and carburetor throats becoming clogged, and some J-2-equipped cars had the front and rear carburetors removed and blocked off. Moreover, correct tuning was a continual headache. The package was expensive to produce, and Oldsmobile discontinued it after 1958.

Bore was up to 4.125 in (104.8 mm) for the largest first-generation Rocket, the 394 cu in (6.5 L). 394s were produced from 1959–1964 and were available on many Olds models. Most 394s used 2-barrel carburetors. Power was up to 315 hp (235 kW), even though compression was down a quarter point, to 9.75:1.[7]

The 394 replaced the 371 in Super 88 and 98 cars for 1959 and 1960 and a detuned version was used in the 88 for 1961 and the Dynamic 88 for 1962-1964.

Applications:

• 1959–1960 Oldsmobile Super 88, 315 hp (235 kW) and 435 lb⋅ft (590 N⋅m)
• 1959–1960 Oldsmobile 98, 315 hp (235 kW) and 435 lb⋅ft (590 N⋅m)
• 1961 Oldsmobile 88, 250 hp (190 kW) and 405 lb⋅ft (549 N⋅m)
• 1962–1964 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88, 280 hp (210 kW) and 430 lb⋅ft (580 N⋅m)
• 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar I, 345 hp (257 kW) and 440 lb⋅ft (600 N⋅m)

The 1961 through 1963 Sky Rocket (and 1964 Rocket) was a high-compression, four-barrel 394 cu in (6.5 L) engine. The 10:1 compression 1961 model produced 325 hp (242 kW) and 435 lb⋅ft (590 N⋅m), while the 10.25:1 1962-1964 version upped power to 330 hp (250 kW) and 440 lb⋅ft (600 N⋅m). A special 1963 10.5:1 version was also produced with 345 hp (257 kW).

Applications:

• 1961–1963 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 (option)
• 1961–1964 Oldsmobile Super 88 (standard)
• 1961–1964 Oldsmobile 98 (standard)

The high-compression four-barrel 394 cu. in. 1964 Starfire produced 345 hp (257 kW) and 440 lb⋅ft (600 N⋅m) for the 1963-4 Starfire and 98 Custom-Sports Coupe. It was optional on 1964 98s and Super 88s.

Oldsmobile Turbo-Rocket V8 in a 1962 Jetfire. The turbocharger, painted red, is clearly visible.

In 1962 and 1963 Oldsmobile built a turbocharged version of the 215, designated Turbo-Rocket. The turbocharger fitted to the V8 engine was a small-diameter Garrett T5 model with integral wastegate, manufactured by Garrett AiResearch, and produced a maximum of 5 psi (34 kPa) boost at 2200 rpm. The engine had 10.25:1 compression and a single-barrel carburetor. It was rated at 215 hp (160 kW) at 4600 rpm and 300 lb⋅ft (410 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm. In development, the high compression ratio combined with the charged load created problems with spark knock on hard throttle applications, which led Olds to develop and utilize a novel water-injection system that sprayed metered amounts of distilled water and methyl alcohol (dubbed "Turbo-Rocket Fluid") into the intake manifold air-stream to cool the intake charge. If the fluid reservoir was empty, a complex double-float and valve assembly in the Turbo-Rocket Fluid path would set a second butterfly (positioned between the throttle butterfly and the turbocharger) into the closed position, limiting the amount of boost pressure. Unfortunately, many customers did not keep the reservoir filled, or had mechanical problems with the turbocharger system which resulted in many of the turbo-charger installations being removed and a conventional 4 barrel carburetor and manifold installed in its place.

The Turbo-Rocket V8 was offered exclusively on the Oldsmobile Jetfire, a special version of the Cutlass compact hardtop coupe, which is noteworthy as it one of the world's first (in fact the second) turbocharged passenger car ever offered for public sale. The Chevrolet Corvair Spyder Turbo, likewise a forced induction i.e turbo-powered car, predated the Oldsmobile Jetfire Turbo, however by only a few weeks, thus being the world's very first turbocharged commercially sold vehicle.

The first second-generation Oldmobile V8 330 cu in (5.4 L) "Jetfire Rocket" introduced in 1964 and produced through 1967. It was released one year earlier than the tall deck 425, and debuted the standard 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke; bore was 3.938 in (100.0 mm). 330s were painted gold and had forged steel crankshafts. The 4 barrel versions had a larger diameter harmonic damper, the 2 barrel only a balancer hub without the rubberized outer ring.

The 400 cu in (6.6 L) version was the second tall-deck "big-block" Olds. Two distinct versions of the 400 CID engine were made:

• 1965-1967 "Early" 400s used a slightly oversquare 4.000 in (101.6 mm) bore and 3.975 in (101.0 mm) stroke for an overall displacement of 399.6 cubic inches (6,549 cc). All the pre-1968 engines used a forged steel crankshaft.

A 1969 "Ram Rod 400" with the W-30 package

• 1968 and 1969 400s shared the Olds big-block standard 4.25 in (108 mm) stroke with the 455 but used a very undersquare 3.87 in (98 mm) bore to comply with GM's displacement restrictions in the A-body cars while also reducing tooling costs. Displacement is very close to the earlier engine, at 399.9 cubic inches (6,554 cc). This "later" 400 is considered less desirable by many enthusiasts, because of the power band characteristics induced by this exceedingly undersquare format, although the actual change in power was due to the mild 250/264 duration cam used in this engine (previous 400s used a 278/282 cam) and the fact that the crankshafts were now made of less durable high nodular iron material.

"Early 400s" used the same forged steel crankshaft as the 425, while "later 400s" used the same cast iron crankshaft of the 455, with rare exceptions; some 1968 and later Olds 400/455s were produced with forged steel crankshafts. These rare cranks can be readily spotted by the "J" shaped notch in the OD of the rear flange; cast iron cranks have a "C" shaped notch. All 1965-1969 Olds 400s were painted bronze.

The 1967 400 engine was a short stroke 1966-1967 only engine. It featured B and C cast large valve cylinder heads and hydraulic lifters are larger in diameter and push rods are different length and diameter than the standard Olds Rocket V8 it was rated at 350 horsepower and 440 lb/ft of torque with a Rochester 4 barrel and 360 hp with the L69 tri 2 barrel option in 1966 and 360 hp in 1967 it was equipped with a W30 camshaft and outside air induction, 502 factory examples of this engine were produced. They were all painted Bronze and had V and G stamped on the cylinder heads.400 cu in (6.6 L) V8.

The 425 cu in (7.0 L) big-block was the first tall-deck "big block," produced from 1965 through 1967. It is arguably the best engine Olds made in the muscle car era, although it never made it into a "muscle car". It used a 4.126 in (104.8 mm) bore and 3.975 in (101.0 mm) stroke. Most 425s were painted red, though the 1966 and 1967 Toronado units were light blue. All 425 engines were fitted with forged steel crankshafts with harmonic balancers.

The standard 1965-1967 425 cu in (7.0 L) was called the Super Rocket, and was the most powerful engine option for the Oldsmobile 88 and 98 of 1965-1967. Compression ratios of 9.0:1 at 310 hp (230 kW) or 10.25:1 at 360 hp (270 kW) were available in the U.S.

A special 1965-1967 425 cu in (7.0 L) V8 was the Starfire engine. The main distinguishing features of this engine were a slightly different camshaft profile from the standard ultra high compression engine and factory dual exhaust. This engine was only available in the Oldsmobile Starfire and a performance economy model called the Jetstar I. It shared the same compression ratio of the Toronado Rocket at 10.5:1. It also used the .921 in lifter bore size of the Toronado Rocket.

The 1966 Toronado's 425 V8, the first post-war front-wheel drive V8 application.

An Ultra High Compression Toronado Rocket version of the 425 cu in (7.0 L) V8 was made for the 1966 Toronado. It had the same 0.921 in (23.4 mm)-diameter lifters of the first-generation Oldsmobile engines, rather than the standard 0.842 in (21.4 mm), which let engineers increase the camshaft's ramp speed for more power, 385 hp (287 kW), without sacrificing idle or reliability. Unlike all other 425s, this version was painted slate blue metallic.

An early (1968) red-painted Rocket 455 in a Delmont 88

The 425's stroke was lengthened to 4.25 in (108 mm) to achieve a 455 cu in (7.5 L) to create the Rocket 455 for 1968. It kept the retired 425's 4.126 in (104.8 mm) bore to produce between 275 and 400 hp (205 and 298 kW; 279 and 406 PS). Initially the paint was red, except for metallic blue in the Toronado applications; 1970-1976 versions were metallic blue at first, then nonmetallic blue. The "Rocket" name disappeared from the air cleaner identification decal after 1974. Although production of the 455 ended in 1976, a small number were produced through 1978 for power equipment use, such as motorhomes, boats and irrigation equipment.[13]

Applications:

• Oldsmobile Cutlass
• Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (1970–76)
• Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
• Oldsmobile 4-4-2
• Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds, 390 hp (291 kW)[14][15]
• Oldsmobile Delta 88
• Oldsmobile 98
• 1968–1970 Oldsmobile Toronado, 375 hp (280 kW)
• 1968–1970 Oldsmobile Toronado GT (W34), 400 hp (300 kW)
• 1973–1976 GMC Motorhome

Produced from 1968–1980, the Rocket 350 was entirely different from the other GM divisions' 350s. It used a 4.057 in (103.0 mm) bore and Oldsmobile small-block standard 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke for 350 cu in (5.7 L). Output ranged from 160-325 hp (119-242 kW). 1968-1974 350s were painted gold; 1975-1976 350s were metallic blue like the 455; 1977-1980 models were painted GM Corporate Blue. The "Rocket" name disappeared from the air cleaner decal in 1975, the same year that the catalytic converter was added to the emissions control system.

The Oldsmobile 350s made from 1968-1976 have heavy castings, beefier crankshafts, and better flowing heads. The 1977-1980 350s have lighter castings, including a thinner block with large "windows" in the main bearing bulkheads, and have crack-prone cylinder head castings manufactured by Pontiac Motor Division (castings are marked "PMD"; these heads were also used on the 260), and a lightened crankshaft. Some later versions of this 350 were produced with an analog electronic port fuel injection system, introduced in the Cadillac Seville of 1976.

Applications:

• 1976-1979 Cadillac Seville
• 1979 Cadillac Eldorado
• 1968-1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass
• 1968–1977 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
• 1973-1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
• 1968-1980 Oldsmobile Delta 88
• 1977-1980 Oldsmobile 98
• 1979-1981 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1973-1979 Oldsmobile Omega

Oldsmobile's own L34 350-cubic-inch (5.7 L) V8 was used in the 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass "S", 1979 Hurst/Olds models and 1980 "4-4-2". The L34 used a 4-barrel carburetor and produced 160–170 hp (120–130 kW) and 275 ft⋅lbf (373 N⋅m).

The 455 big block Olds V8 was replaced in 1977 with the 403 cu in (6.6 L) small block, which used a 4.351 in (110.5 mm) bore, the largest ever used in a small-block V8, with the Olds small-block standard deck and 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke. The bore was so wide that the cylinder walls were siamesed, as in the Chevrolet 400 V8, with no space for coolant to flow between the cylinders. This sometimes led to overheating problems. Some very early 403s were painted metallic blue like the 455, but most were painted GM Corporate Blue.

The Olds 403 was used by Buick and Pontiac in addition to Oldsmobile until its discontinuation after 1979. Output was 185 hp (138 kW) and 320 lb⋅ft (430 N⋅m). Uniquely in the 1977 Toronado, the 403 engine was fitted with a crank triggered ignition system. Parts peculiar to this system include a toothed disc between the harmonic balancer and the crank pulley, the "adjacent sensor" (an early form of crankshaft position sensor), a special distributor, an engine temperature sensor, and a rudimentary computer mounted inside the car, under the dashboard.

Applications:

• 1977 Buick Century Estate
• 1977–1978 Buick Riviera
• 1977–1979 Buick Electra
• 1977–1979 Buick Estate Wagon
• 1977–1979 Buick LeSabre
• 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass
• 1977 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
• 1977 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
• 1977–1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88
• 1977–1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1977–1979 Oldsmobile 98
• 1977–1979 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
• 1977 Pontiac Bonneville
• 1977-1979 Pontiac Catalina Safari
• 1977–1979 Pontiac Trans Am
• 1977–1979 Pontiac Firebird Formula 6.6L
• 1977 Pontiac Grand Prix available with California Emissions Only
• 1977–1978 GMC Motorhome

A smaller 260 cu in (4.3 L) V8 was created for the new Oldsmobile Omega in 1975 by decreasing the bore to 3.5 in (89 mm).[16] It produced 110 hp (82 kW) net and 205 lb⋅ft (278 N⋅m). SAE gross power was 150 hp.[17] The 260 V8 received VIN code "F" and had a sales code of LV8.[17] This was the first engine to use the smaller Rochester Dualjet two-barrel carburetor, the only carburetor used on the 260. Production of the 260 V8 ended in 1982 when the 307 became the only gasoline V8 in Oldsmobile's line. The 260 was designed for economy, and was the first engine option above the 3.8 L Buick V6, which was standard fitment in many Oldsmobile models by the late 1970s. While the 260s were not very powerful compared to the larger 350 and 403 V8s, fuel economy was almost as good as the base V6. Compared to the V6, the 260 was also smoother-running, and far more durable. Most 260s were coupled to the Turbo Hydramatic 200 transmission, but a 5-speed manual transmission was also available in some vehicles.

Applications:

• 1975–1977 Pontiac Ventura
• 1975-1977 Pontiac LeMans
• 1975–1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass
• 1975-1977 Oldsmobile Omega
• 1975-1977 Buick Skylark
• 1977-1982 Oldsmobile 88

A slightly larger 307 cu in (5.0 L) version was introduced in 1980. It uses a 3.8 in (97 mm) bore (in common with the Buick 231 V6 and 350 V8) with a 3.385 in (86.0 mm) stroke. Some early 307s were painted GM Corporate blue, but most were painted satin black. It was used in most Oldsmobile models, as well as those from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Pontiac. Every 307 used a four-barrel carburetor, which was a variant of the Rochester Quadrajet, usually the CCC (Computer Command Control) Quadrajet.

The output of the 307 cu in (5.0 L) wasn't particularly high in terms of horsepower. For example, the stock (non-high-output, VIN "Y") 307 cu in (5.0 L) in the 1983 Oldsmobile 98 was a mere 140 hp (100 kW), although in that year a high-output model (VIN "9") was available producing a nominal 180 hp (130 kW), at approximately 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m) torque. The final 1990 configuration was rated at 140 hp (100 kW) at 3200 rpm and 255 lb⋅ft (346 N⋅m) of torque at 2000 rpm. The combination of good low-RPM torque, the Quadrajet four-barrel carburetor, and the THM-200-4R three speed plus overdrive automatic transmission having a lockup torque converter allowed for fairly good performance, and fuel economy considered reasonable for the era, even in the larger and heavier model cars. The engine is also known for its reliability, smoothness and quietness.

Applications:

• 1980–1985 Oldsmobile 88
• 1980–1984 Oldsmobile 98
• 1980–1985 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1980–1990 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
• 1980–1985 Buick Lesabre
• 1980–1984 Buick Electra
• 1980–1985 Buick Riviera
• 1980–1990 Buick Estate Wagon
• 1986–1987 Buick Regal
• 1986–1990 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon
• 1986–1987 Cadillac Brougham VIN "9" (Includes Early Model 1988 Broughams made in 1987)
• 1981 Pontiac Bonneville
• 1986 Pontiac Parisienne The 307 was fitted in some late model 1986 Parisienne's while others had the Chevy 305

Oldsmobile used the popular LV2, a 307-cubic-inch (5.0 L) engine, commonly known by the VIN code "Y", from 1980-1990. It was used by every domestic GM automobile marque except for GMC and Saturn. In 1985, roller lifters, floating piston wrist pins, and swirl port intake runners were added. The 307 "Y" produced 148 hp (110 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) in 1980-1984 models and 140 hp (100 kW) and 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) in 1985-1990s. All LV2s feature a 4-barrel carburetor.

Y-version applications:

• 1980–1985 Buick Lesabre
• 1980–1985 Buick Riviera
• 1986–1987 Buick Regal
• 1986–1990 Chevrolet Caprice
• 1980–1985 Oldsmobile 88
• 1980–1984 Oldsmobile 98
• 1980–1985 Oldsmobile Toronado
• 1980–1990 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
• 1980–1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass
• 1982–1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Classic
• 1982–1986 Pontiac Parisienne VIN "Y"
• 1988–1990 Cadillac Brougham VIN "Y"

The LG8 was a modern 307 cu in (5.0 L) High-Output derivative of the LV2 produced from 1983 to 1987. Performance modifications included a "hot" camshaft (in reality, just a camshaft used in various applications during the '70s with .440"/.440" lift and 196°/208° duration at .050"), stiffer valve springs, a larger vibration damper (same as all '73-'79 350s, 403s, and 455s), a Y-pipe dual-outlet exhaust system, and richer secondary metering rods in the carburetor. It was offered in the Hurst/Olds version of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais and in the 4-4-2 version of the Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon. Output for 1983-1985 was 180 hp (130 kW) and 245 lb⋅ft (332 N⋅m). Revisions to the engine for 1986 included roller lifters with a slightly smaller camshaft (.435"/.438" lift and 194°/210° duration at .050"), new heads with smaller, swirl-port intake runners, floating piston pins, and larger piston dishes for lower compression (8.0:1 v. 8.4:1). These changes increased torque to 250 lb⋅ft (340 N⋅m) but lowered power to 170 hp (130 kW), while lowering the RPM at which peak power and torque was achieved.

Applications:

• 1983–1984 Hurst/Olds
• 1985–1987 Oldsmobile 4-4-2
• 1985–1988 Cadillac Brougham VIN "9"