I know the '62 Dynamic 88 came standard with a high compression 2-bbl 394 and had a low compression 2-bbl as a no cost option. My question is: was the 4-bbl Sky Rocket the only extra-cost engine option, or could you order the Starfire engine, like you could in later year 88's?
So far I have not read anything that shows the Starfire engine was offered in either 88 series for '62, but I don't know much about the pre-65 big cars.

The reason I'm asking is because there is an apparently good condition '62 Dynamic 88 4-dr sedan with a 3-on-the-tree available locally at a fairly reasonable price. Just wondering if Olds offered the top of the line engine in such a run of the mill vehicle. It could make a fun sleeper with a Starfire 394 and a stick shift.

 

Check this link out: http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofeng.htm...949%20-%201964

May help you decide, robski

 

According to one of the '62 Olds Sales Brochures, the Starfire came with a 10.5 to 1 compression ratio, 345 hp "Starfire" engine with "multi-jet" carburetor. The 98 and Super 88 came with a 10.25 to 1 compression ratio, 330 hp "Skyrocket" engine with "multi-jet" carburetor. The Dynamic 88 came with a 10.25 to 1 compression ratio, 280 hp "Rocket" V-8 with "Econ-O-Way" carburetor. All of these engines used premium fuel.

The only substitution shown is that you could have downgraded the Dynamic 88 to a 260 hp, 8.75 to 1, regular fuel, "Rocket" V-8 at no change in cost as you said. There's no mention that the Skyrocket engine could have been had in the Dynamic 88.


There's no indication that the Starfire engine was available in anything but the Starfire and that the Skyrocket was available in anything but the 98 and Super 88. I believe the whole point in offering these various engines in particular cars was to get you to buy those cars! If you wanted a Starfire engine, Olds wanted you to buy a Starfire. If you wanted the Skyrocket, you had to buy a 98 or Super 88. Olds would have potentially undercut its own sales if the higher-power engines could have been purchased in the lower-line cars.

I know this changed somewhat in later years as Olds would let you opt for a higher-power engine in a lower-line car, but, in general, the more powerful engines came in the higher-cost cars.

 

I did some more searching this morning and found this:
http://1962oldsmobile.com/62accessoriesfs.html

It shows the Skyrocket as option W3 for Dynamic 88 at a cost of $37.66. Interestingly, the optional dual exhaust was N/A with the manual trans and manual trans was not available on Starfire.

 

Interesting! So much for my argument about Olds wanting you to move up the ladder if you wanted a more powerful engine. Learn something new every day. Thanks.

 

Thought you guys would get a kick out of this-I Have a 62 brochure and scan a few images.

 

yea and you can cam yours and a electronic ignition,bigger 4 on top...lolI'm wanting to rebuild mine to 425 cubs,400 pluss hp..so good luck..