Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim's rare 80
Maybe state 350 but neglect to say it is a Chevy not an Olds 350
That's odd?  My 80 came with an Olds 350. Any G-body Hurst, or 442 I've seen came with an Olds engine. |
ARTICLE:
1977-85 88's
There were now two body styles of the 88 on the GM B platform - the town sedan and the coupe - both pillared bodystyles. The 1977-1979 Custom Cruiser wagon was a Chevrolet Caprice clone.
The Royale name was removed from the trunk to become a simple interior trim option, the Royale Brougham in 1979. The next year, this became the high-line model of the 88, a position it occupied through 1983.
During these years, fuel economy mandates resulted in the use of smaller engines than before. Beginning in 1977, the standard engine was now a Buick 231 cubic-inch V6 with optional engines including Oldsmobile-built 260, 350 and 403 cubic-inch Rocket V8s through 1979. A few '77 Delta 88s, however, slipped off the assembly lines with "Chevrolet"-built 350 cubic-inch V8s, leading many angry customers to file lawsuits against General Motors alleging "fraud" because they had bought (and paid a higher price - compared to a similar Chevrolet) for Oldsmobiles on the premise they would be powered by Rocket V8s.
This situation was well publicized as the "Chevymobile Affair" and GM ultimately settled with affected Oldsmobile owners by offering "extended" warranties for the "Chevy-powered" Oldsmobiles, or the option of returning those cars in exchange for a "real" Olds with a Rocket V8 - however, the latter option was not often exercised due to the fact the owner had to pay GM back money based on the number of miles his or her "Chevymobile" was driven, which could become a very expensive proposition.
By 1980, the "Rocket" terminology was removed from Olds V8s although the basic engine design would continue through 1990 and advertisements for Oldsmobiles (and other GM divisions' cars and trucks) would include the disclaimer that "Oldsmobiles (or other divisions') are equipped with engines manufactured by various GM divisions, subsidaries and worldwide affiliates."