Who Else is Tired of the Term "Rocket Engine?
February 15th, 2016, 11:22 AM
#43
Senior Moment Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,921
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.
February 15th, 2016, 01:31 PM
#44
CH3NO2 LEARN IT BURN IT
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Land of Taxes
Posts: 5,014
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.
February 15th, 2016, 02:18 PM
#45
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
Posts: 1,295
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".
February 15th, 2016, 03:01 PM
#46
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 1,587
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."
February 15th, 2016, 03:21 PM
#47
Senior Moment Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,921
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.
Last edited by z11375ss; February 15th, 2016 at 03:26 PM.
February 15th, 2016, 03:31 PM
#48
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 1,566
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!
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!
February 15th, 2016, 05:31 PM
#49
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,393
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
Last edited by Rocketowner; February 15th, 2016 at 05:31 PM. Reason: Add
February 15th, 2016, 06:12 PM
#50
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Harrison, Michigan
Posts: 4,816
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??
February 15th, 2016, 06:36 PM
#52
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 " .
February 15th, 2016, 08:52 PM
#53
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 518
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.
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.
February 16th, 2016, 06:41 AM
#55
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,393
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
Larry
Last edited by Rocketowner; February 16th, 2016 at 10:11 AM.
February 16th, 2016, 11:08 AM
#56
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 10,962
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.
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.
February 17th, 2016, 06:27 AM
#57
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,393
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
Last edited by Rocketowner; February 17th, 2016 at 08:02 AM. Reason: Correction
February 17th, 2016, 01:10 PM
#59
Hookers under Hood
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 3,543
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 .
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 .
Last edited by 76olds; February 17th, 2016 at 01:14 PM. Reason: hood ornament
February 17th, 2016, 01:49 PM
#60
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 518
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
Thanks Rocketowner,
I'll be checking that out.
February 17th, 2016, 06:32 PM
#61
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Big Lake,MN..Spent most of my life in Boston
Posts: 714
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
What would you rather have...a rocket engine or "Fine Carenthian Leather" Yikes
July 8th, 2023, 12:48 PM
#64
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2023
Posts: 1
Actually, from everything that I have read, the Oldsmobile "rocket 350 and 455" was better than a regular chevy 350 and 454. Something about Olds put more nickel in their blocks which made the engines last longer and operate better under high temps. That is why racers loved 'em back in the '60's and early '70s.
July 8th, 2023, 04:13 PM
#65
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 109
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.
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.
July 8th, 2023, 04:41 PM
#66
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,267
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.
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.
Rocket Oldsmobile forever!!
July 8th, 2023, 06:52 PM
#67
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,402
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.
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.
July 8th, 2023, 08:44 PM
#69
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,267
July 9th, 2023, 08:58 AM
#72
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,267
This thread is pretty old. However, I’d prefer to listen to Bobcat Goldwaith say “350 Rocket!” 1000 times than one person say cutty.
I'd prefer to undergo a prostate exam with Captain Hook in an ice cold exam room during an earthquake than hear someone say four forty two.
I'd prefer to undergo a prostate exam with Captain Hook in an ice cold exam room during an earthquake than hear someone say four forty two.
July 10th, 2023, 07:42 AM
#74
Out of Line, Everytime😉
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Melville, Saskatchewan
Posts: 9,143
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.
July 10th, 2023, 01:28 PM
#75
madmax442.com
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 411
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.
July 10th, 2023, 05:16 PM
#77
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,141
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
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
July 10th, 2023, 05:17 PM
#78
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,141
July 10th, 2023, 05:21 PM
#79
Banned
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 6,267
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!!
Oldsmobile On!!
