my olds 350
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Joined: Jan 2009
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my olds 350
Im trying to figure out some things about my engine. from what i have read from a few post here and there are you need certain numbers to find out when your engine was made and so forth. So here we go the block id on my engine is 395558 and a big number 2 after that. on the heads by the center exhaust hole the number was 411 928. so with these number and the number on the serial block matching the vin number to my vehicle i have a 1973 olds omega. So its pretty safe to say that this is the original engine that was in the car since it matches the car so i know it is a 350 i just want to know if anyone knows if it is the rocket 350 HO version or not. Thanks
Seasoned beater pilot.
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,468
From: Chicago
The more important number is above the #1 spark plug. On a 73' it should be a big #8
No.
In fact, in an Omega you're lucky to have an Olds motor in it at all. GM put every table scrap they had under those hoods.
Rocket 350, was a marketing term. It didn't make them any faster.
In fact, in an Omega you're lucky to have an Olds motor in it at all. GM put every table scrap they had under those hoods.
Rocket 350, was a marketing term. It didn't make them any faster.
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,724
From: Northern VA
I can tell you without looking at it that it is not, because there is no such thing as a "rocket 350 HO". Contrary to popular belief, the term "Rocket" was a marketing term applied to just about every single V8 engine Olds ever built. This includes the 2bbl single exhaust versions. It has no performance connotations one way or the other.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 82
The more important number is above the #1 spark plug. On a 73' it should be a big #8
No.
In fact, in an Omega you're lucky to have an Olds motor in it at all. GM put every table scrap they had under those hoods.
Rocket 350, was a marketing term. It didn't make them any faster.
No.
In fact, in an Omega you're lucky to have an Olds motor in it at all. GM put every table scrap they had under those hoods.
Rocket 350, was a marketing term. It didn't make them any faster.
Yes there is a big # 8 on both heads in that location. And my omega is in very good condition and the engine ran really well before i took it down to upgrade it with all new performance parts. so i guess i am lucky like you say and i know it is a olds 350 engine.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 82
I can tell you without looking at it that it is not, because there is no such thing as a "rocket 350 HO". Contrary to popular belief, the term "Rocket" was a marketing term applied to just about every single V8 engine Olds ever built. This includes the 2bbl single exhaust versions. It has no performance connotations one way or the other.
Ok that settles that i didnt know if there were two different versions of the olds 350 that were made. I know the rocket term was just a name given and dont add any extra horse power lol.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 511
From what I have read, the name "Rocket" was used in reference to the Old's V-8 engines about the time the U.S. Space program was really starting to take off, and they were building more powerful rockets to send up all the space exploration stuff. America was caught up in all this, so Oldsmobile took opportunity to capitalize on it. The rocket is also seen on various badges of Oldsmobile models. Chumley
Old(s) Fart
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 50,724
From: Northern VA
From what I have read, the name "Rocket" was used in reference to the Old's V-8 engines about the time the U.S. Space program was really starting to take off, and they were building more powerful rockets to send up all the space exploration stuff. America was caught up in all this, so Oldsmobile took opportunity to capitalize on it. The rocket is also seen on various badges of Oldsmobile models. Chumley
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,212
From: Southern CA
http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/GAL100/bellX1.html
Easy to see why Olds chose to use it.
Norm
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