IMHO It's all about perception

 

 

You're missing my point. The term is being used as a selling slogan signifying something that is powerful and fast. This example is surely not. It may be a "Rocket!" but it sure isn't a rocket. That's how lame it is.

 

Does it have a four forty two cubic inch engine??? Then why, Gee I dont understand. That one usta twists me bals up in a not! I just say ya sure and move on now. Older and dont have time to waste.

 

Meh, at least if someone describing the engine in my car as a "Rocket 350", its a safe assumption they know it is NOT a "350 Chevy". IMO, the term "Rocket" distinguishes it as an "Oldsmobile engine". And that is fine by me.........as long as they don't turn around and call my car a "Chevelle".

 

You used a 1970 2-bbl 350 as an example. Have you ever driven one? Maybe you and I have different standards, but I consider my first car, a '72 2-bbl 350 Cutlass, as being powerful and fast. Not quite like my '70 W-30, mind you, but fast enough to earn the name "Rocket."

 

My first car was a 69 Chevelle 2 door with a 350, two barrel, and a powerglide. It was a blast to drive. But it probably ran a 16 in the quarter. Not exactly fast. Don't split hairs, you know what I meant. Didn't you? I think the fact listed above your post, "At least the person listing the car knows it has an Olds in it" lends more credence to the argument. Yes, we have different standards. A 4 door 2 barrel, with a powerglide is a "Rocket" in name only. I guess I'm not making myself clear or am the only one tired of this term. Enjoy your "Rockets"! I for one will never call my motor a Rocket 455.

 

350 Bowtie...Poncho...Rocket...

Says it right on the engine and I kinda like it as long as it isn't being misinterpreted as being a special edition super engine. Of course my user name is causing someone's eye to start twitching too. Better than "Gutlass" I guess!

 

If anyone is interested in learning where the term "Rocket " came to be, concerning Oldsmobile, they would do well to go to (topspeed.com) 1949-1960 Oldsmobile Rocket 88,and compare the figures there on the '49-50 to those on '49-'50 Chevrolet,Ford,and Chrysler products. Larry

 

I'm sure the word sold a lot of Olds' back in the day. And to think we still talk about it now.... What a successful marketing term! I personally like it. The one marketing term I never got was Cobra Jet..... A snake wound around a fast airplane?? What??

 

Come to think of it, you're right. That IS weird.

 

When someone ask's what engine i have i just say 350 olds. I dont say 355 because non hardcore car dudes assume im mistaken and mean 455. I have never used the term rocket when referring to my engine. Although I once entered my engine on my tech card at the dragstrip as " recycled 355 olds " .

 

This decal was on the tappet cover when I bought the car.


A lot of the older generation here that are into cars actually know of the 'Rocket' engine, which for Oldsmobile a rare breed of vehicle here, is quite good.


The younger generation....not so much.


I don't know if it is really meant to be there or not, but it looks good and people are happy to chat about it.

 

make a date with a rocket 88

 

The Oldsmobile introduced the "Rocket 88" engine in 1949 with 303 c.in., 135 h.p. And it's competors were Chevrolet with 216 c.in, 90 h.p. ,Ford with 239 Flathead V-8 100h.p.,and Plymouth with 217c.in. I -6 with 97h.p. . The competition understood the term "Rocket 88" .
Larry

 

My valve cover says 442 on it. Its cousin, the Turnpike Cruiser, had the same block with a different carb, intake, and cam, called the Rocket 400, on a valve cover plate that I maintain is more awesome than the 442 plate.

I wish that the 67 442 had the TC's red "Rocket 400" valve cover plate on it with appropriate numbers on the torque and hp columns.

I do believe the E block 400 was called the Rocket 400 engine.

 

5598DownUnder. I don't think the '59 came with this on the valve cover,but it should have a red rectangular decal with black lettering stating OLDSMOBILE ROCKET on the air cleaner. Google 1959 Oldsmobile engine Images to see them . EBay has one that they show being for a '77-'78, but looks like the ones I saw on images of the '59's. Good luck, Larry

 

 

When guys come up and ask if my 76 has the Rocket engine in it. I say booyeah, I've been to Cogneato and back in it many times, the fuel needle it... barely moved.
Nothing on my 76 says "rocket" but I do like the term Rocket Olds
They only thing on my 76 that resembles a rocket is my hood ornament .

 

Thanks Rocketowner,


I'll be checking that out.

 

Just watch the old commercials....it sounds so sporty to hear the announcer say..."push your foot down and hear the power from your Rocket 350"
What would you rather have...a rocket engine or "Fine Carenthian Leather" Yikes

 

Could be worse.

 

The endangered species of the 70's... Good one

 

 

Whether you want it or not, here's my opinion.

Rocket is to Oldsmobile as LS is to Chevrolet.

Also I believe Rocket refers to any Oldsmobile V8 engine, that is just branding. Even the lowly Rocket 307, to differentiate from the inferior Chevy 307.

Olds 307 was GM's last carbureted V8 engine.

 

Exactly. It is an Oldsmobile term. Rocket engines are why we are here. Have you seen the rocket Logo that Oldsmobile used for decades?? Oldsmobile On!!
Rocket Oldsmobile forever!!

 

This thread is pretty old. However, I’d prefer to listen to Bobcat Goldwaith say “350 Rocket!” 1000 times than one person say cutty.

Id prefer to undergo a prostate exam with Captain Hook in an ice cold exam room during an earthquake than heat someone say four forty two.

 

Just gotta love it when a newbie revives am old thread....

 

You are a quote moderator. You should encourage this. Personally I think it is good to have people dig up old threads.

Rocket Oldsmobile is an Oldsmobile term. That's why we love being Oldsmobile people.

 

I'm just happy to see the Nauga again. I need me one of those guys for my work desk.

 

I will always prefer a "Rocket" over a "TRD"! (pronounced turd)

 

Amen to both points. I had never heard someone call a Cutlass a "Cutty" until here.

 

What classic car is a TRD?

 

No one these days will know what a Rocket V8 is, exactly why I run them. Back in the 90's in High School, the Rocket V8 was the Holy Grail. Anyone who brought in a former Diesel 350 square body or an Olds powered car was something cool and different, especially the gold 350's. Beat the **** out of yet another ugly 5L Mustang. It just dawned on me this morning, Ford has doubled the 225 HP those fast cars put out with new 5L Dark Horse with 500 HP! The new technology really performs.

 

Should be the opposite. Ask a guy with a '50-'54 Chevy what motor was in those? A 6 banger is the answer. They called it the Blue Flame to try to make it sound better. The original Rocket engines of the '50s were way ahead of their time. I have a 324 in my '55 and its still going strong after 91K miles.

 

Overhead valves Baby, overhead valves!

 

isn’t it allowed?

ya know without “newbies” this would hobby would die…

here’s something you need to learn.. not everyone is as smart as you,, especially when they were born after you and are just getting in to the hobby

 

yep…worst thing a moderator can do

 

I don't understand the posters that dog on a newbie digging up old threads. If they don't then fools say you should have used the search feature. Obviously there are new members every day. Welcoming new question's can be beneficial to everyone here.
Oldsmobile On!!

 

The word Rocket is used on so many Olds engine air cleaners…I can’t believe the original op can say such a thing..

I hope he regrets saying what he did..what a dumb thing to say