Talk:Oldsmobile V8 engine

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[edit] Last Carbureted Engine

I think the claim of the 307 last carburated engine is incorrect. The 1990 Jeep Wrangler with the 258 L-6, and the 1990-1992 Jeep Grand Wagoneers were all carburated.

I did some checking around, and can't find any reference to the 1990-1992 Grand Wagoneers even using the 258. I've only checked carpoint.com and alldata's recalls/TSBs list though, so I don't know how comprehensive they are. Also, this page indicates that the 258 was last used in 1990. You do seem to be right about the 90 Wrangler, however. Also, I've come across reference to some Subaru or other using a carburetor in 1990. Finally, would the Jeeps really be considered "passenger cars"? --King V 17:38, 6 April 2006 (UTC)
The SJ Grand Wagoneers didn't use the 258, they used the AMC 360, which I don't think got fuel injection since Mopar intended to dump it once the SJ was gone.--Sable232 03:01, 7 April 2006 (UTC)
That sounds about right. Still, I think the paragraph in question should remain unchanged, since it explicitly says "passenger cars", noting the exception of the 1994 Mazda truck, and even separately listing the Ford 351 Police Interceptor (which is closer to being a passenger car, except that the engine was a police-only option). --King V 15:41, 7 April 2006 (UTC)
The Isuzu pickup, in 1995, was absolutely the last carbureted vehicle of any kind on the US market. I distinctly remember Motor Trend's "New Truck Issue" in late 1994 stating that fact, but I'll have to dig it out. Also, the Grand Wagoneer only lasted through 1991 - the Grand Cherokee that replaced it was an early '93. Not entirely relevant, but I felt that needed pointing out. Duncan1800 (talk) 07:51, 21 January 2008 (UTC)
Well, while, as you say, it's not entirely relevant, it would still be helpful if you can dig it up and then have a note so that this would be a cited reference. Then it would be a good idea to at least change the bit in the article that refers to the Mazda.--King V (talk) 06:23, 28 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 303

The 303 Rocket was also used in the "98" Olds series, 1949 - 1953

[edit] 307 HO in Cadillacs

The 1990 Cadillac Brougham (maybe other years too), when Armor equipped, came with the high-output (VIN 9) 307. --Sable232 20:21, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

I've also heard that bit that says some Caddys came with the 307HO, but never have come across one. By Armor, do you mean armor-plated or otherwise bulletproofed? If so, that's probably why I've never seen 'em!--King V 00:41, 18 July 2006 (UTC)
I'm not quite sure, I found it in some VIN documentation I came across. --Sable232 01:14, 17 September 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Olds diesels

The text of the Diesel section of this article contradicts that of the Oldsmobile Diesel V6 engine article -- this one claims that the engines were a substantially new design, plagued by teething problems and ignorant service techs, while that one squarely points the finger at these engines' derivation from the Oldsmobile gasoline engine. So, what's the story here? jhf 04:25, 30 May 2007 (UTC)

The story, as I understand it, is this: The Olds diesels were derived from the gas 260 and 350. One problem stems from GM's refusal to follow the engineers' recommendations that more head bolts be used. Not enough head bolts = big problem. The diesel V6 was 2 cylinders lopped off a diesel 350, but this time they used more head bolts.
Being derived from a gas engine is not an inherent problem for any diesel. Filthy and waterlogged diesel in the '80s, plus GM's refusal to use a proper diesel filtration system, compounded the corner-cutting on the engine design.
FWIW, the problems with Olds diesels afflict mostly the early 350s. The diesel V6 was very reliable, and improvements to the later V8s made them so as well. --Sable232 12:43, 1 June 2007 (UTC)
Agreed. The extra head bolts seem to be the big issue, but other items mentioned by Sable232 are correct as well. However, to answer the original question - the Oldsmobile Diesel engines were most certainly NOT a substantially new design. It was based almost entirely on the gasoline engine, and I have no idea why someone in the article had originally said otherwise.--King V 19:57, 25 July 2007 (UTC)


The Olds FAQ is a good start on Oldsmobile lore. I've personally owned/worked on and with several of these engines.
These are not "converted gasoline engines" they are much beefier in many ways than the rocket motors. The only real commonality with the 307-455 olds engines is the exhaust manifold hole/bolt spacing, bellhousing bolt pattern, accessories (alternator etc) and motor mounts... They needed to fit in the engine bay with minimum disruption to assembly line flow.
These were sought after blocks for several years for dragstrip motor buildups as the cylinder bores were much thicker than their gasoline counterparts and were rumored to have higher Nickel content than the gas blocks. Custom built Joe Mondello conversion cylinder heads (the diesel heads are different) custom intake manifolds, offset ground 425 cranks and you can have a 437 to 451 Olds engine that runs with nitrous... and... you need to machine off and cap that injection pump drive that those gas motors didn't get.Hatzie (talk) 09:08, 24 December 2007 (UTC)
I for one am not arguing that they are "converted gasoline engines." However, the claim that they are a substantially new design is patently false. They are based on the existing gasoline engines, but with much beefier structure (solid main webs vs windowed, big-block style main journals, etc). A beefed up block based on existing gasoline engine design. To suggest that it was a substantially new design is ludicrous.--King V (talk) 19:40, 2 January 2008 (UTC)

Could someone explain if this article is the source of http://www.cadillacseville.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=4 , or if http://www.cadillacseville.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=4 is the source of this article ? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 158.169.131.14 (talk) 14:22, August 28, 2007 (UTC)

[edit] 403 over 425 for arguable the best motor.

I dont think the 425 was arguably the best olds motor ever. actually for horsepower to square inch the 403 oldsmobile if spiced up a little bit will outperform any 425 oldsmobile. http://www.mondellotwister.com/ArtUnsungH.htm read some of this and I think it will change your mind about the 425.

This article covers factory production, not modified engines using aftermarket parts. Plus, one can argue one motor being "better" than the other for any number of reasons (hp/ci being but one aspect). It's irrelevant to this article.--King V 01:54, 6 June 2007 (UTC)