Difference: 88 - Super 88 1957
#3
I'm not shure about 1957, but on 1955 the difference is a 4bbl and trim badging. I have never seen a non super that had a 4bb carb but most any rule could be broken when you could special order any thing you wanted on your car.
#4
First off, calling it simply "88" is not correct. According to "Setting the Pace," there were two 88 series in 1957, the lower-end "Golden Rocket 88" and the higher-end "Super 88." The book doesn't get specific on the differences, so I would assume that it was basically trim and standard equipment. Both could have been had in the same seven body styles (2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 4-door coupe, 2- and 4-door station wagons-the Fiesta, and convertible).
The price differences between the two series was about $250 across body styles. For example, the lowest-cost Golden Rocket 88, the 2-door sedan, cost $2,713. The lowest-cost Super 88, also the 2-door sedan, cost $2,948, a difference of $235. The highest cost in each series, the convertible, differed in price by $265 ($3,162 vs. $3,427).
As far as engines, it didn't matter at all. Any Golden Rocket 88, Super 88, or 98 could have been had with one of two versions of the 371 cubic-inch V-8, which was new for that year. The "standard" version was 277 HP, and the "J-2" version (three 2-bbl carburetors), introduced mid-way through the '57 model year, was 300 HP (and it was, apparently, a near constant effort to keep the tri-carb system functioning properly).
The price differences between the two series was about $250 across body styles. For example, the lowest-cost Golden Rocket 88, the 2-door sedan, cost $2,713. The lowest-cost Super 88, also the 2-door sedan, cost $2,948, a difference of $235. The highest cost in each series, the convertible, differed in price by $265 ($3,162 vs. $3,427).
As far as engines, it didn't matter at all. Any Golden Rocket 88, Super 88, or 98 could have been had with one of two versions of the 371 cubic-inch V-8, which was new for that year. The "standard" version was 277 HP, and the "J-2" version (three 2-bbl carburetors), introduced mid-way through the '57 model year, was 300 HP (and it was, apparently, a near constant effort to keep the tri-carb system functioning properly).
#5
This is probably not complete but here are the differences I'm aware of between the Super 88 and Golden Rocket 88:
-Chrome drip rails vs. painted
-"Flippers" above the doors on 2 door hardtops
-Chrome panels between the taillights and bumper vs. painted with 88 emblems
-Different taillight lenses including fancier chrome with bullet
-Super 88 emblem on the front fenders
-Color accent is different, extending further forward along the base of the window to the back edge of the windshield
-More padding and fancier seat upholstery (leather in the convertible)
-Exposed headliner chrome bows on hardtops
-Fancier door panels with integral armrests
-Additional standard equipment, including: padded dash, emergency brake warning light, and dual exhaust
-Chrome drip rails vs. painted
-"Flippers" above the doors on 2 door hardtops
-Chrome panels between the taillights and bumper vs. painted with 88 emblems
-Different taillight lenses including fancier chrome with bullet
-Super 88 emblem on the front fenders
-Color accent is different, extending further forward along the base of the window to the back edge of the windshield
-More padding and fancier seat upholstery (leather in the convertible)
-Exposed headliner chrome bows on hardtops
-Fancier door panels with integral armrests
-Additional standard equipment, including: padded dash, emergency brake warning light, and dual exhaust
Last edited by NMCarNut; November 22nd, 2009 at 05:35 PM. Reason: removed bogus oil filter difference
#6
I am a bit confused about the last thing on your list. In 1957, an oil filter did not come standard on all engines?
#7
Sorry, brain fart, too many cars in my mental database - all 57 Oldsmobiles had an oil filter. I fixed the list.
Cheers
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