What engine was in the 1956 Oldsmobile?
The 1956 Oldsmobile was powered by Oldsmobile’s 324 cubic-inch Rocket V8 engine, the mainstay powerplant for the year’s lineup.
That engine was part of GM's Rocket V8 family and was used across most 1956 Oldsmobile models. It came in a standard 2-barrel carburetor configuration, with a higher-output 4-barrel option available on higher-trim models, delivering solid performance for mid-1950s American full‑size cars.
Engine specifications at a glance
Key specs and features that defined the 1956 Oldsmobile powerplant are listed below.
- Displacement: 324 cubic inches (5.3 liters)
- Configuration: V8 with overhead valves (OHV)
- Induction: 2-barrel carburetor standard; 4-barrel high-output option available
- Family: Rocket V8 lineage (introduced by Oldsmobile in the late 1940s)
- Usage: Standard engine across most 1956 Oldsmobile passenger cars
The 324 cu in Rocket V8 was the backbone of Oldsmobile’s 1956 lineup, balancing reliability with performance for the era.
Context and legacy
The Rocket V8 lineage
The Rocket V8 family, developed by Oldsmobile and shared across GM brands, was a hallmark of postwar American engineering. The 324 cubic-inch variant used in 1956 embodied the era’s move toward overhead-valve V8 power, offering smooth operation and adequate torque for large cars of the day.
Impact on 1956 Oldsmobile models
In 1956, the 324 cu in Rocket V8 powered most Oldsmobile passenger cars, supporting comfortable highway cruising and improved performance for the period. The engine’s availability in both 2-barrel and 4-barrel configurations allowed buyers to tailor power and refinement to their trim level and price point.
Summary
The 1956 Oldsmobile’s engine was the 324 cubic-inch Rocket V8, a core element of the era’s GM powertrain lineup. With standard 2-barrel carburation and an optional 4-barrel high-output version, this V8 provided the characteristic blend of smoothness and mid-range power that defined Oldsmobile’s big-car experience in the mid-1950s.
What is the Oldsmobile V8 engine also called?
The Oldsmobile V8, also referred to as the Rocket, is a series of engines that was produced by Oldsmobile from 1949 until 1990. The Rocket, along with the 1949 Cadillac V8, were the first post-war OHV crossflow cylinder head V8 engines produced by General Motors.
What engine is in a 1956 Oldsmobile 88?
For the Rocket 88, Oldsmobile came up with a 303 cubic inch V8 capable of a maximum 135 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque. The overhead valve engine concept offered both power and efficiency, with an improvement in fuel economy (estimated at about 10 percent better than prior engine designs).
How much horsepower did the Oldsmobile have in 1956?
In 1956, styling highlights included a new split grille, revised taillights and deck, and revised side chrome. Horsepower for the 324 Rocket V8 increased to 230 for 88s and 240 for Super 88s.
How much is a 1956 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $16,560 for a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88? The highest selling price of a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 at auction over the last three years was $41,800.
