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Oldsmobile 371 specs: 371 ci (6.1L) 8-cylinder, 4.00 x 3.685 in (101.6 x 93.6 mm) bore and stroke, 9.25:1 compression. Rated 277 hp. OHV.
The Oldsmobile Rocket V8 (371) is oversquare — the 4" bore exceeds the 3.685" stroke by 8.5% — a layout that favors airflow and RPM over leverage at the crank. The 3.685" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,500 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 8 cylinders displaces 46.4 ci (760 cc).
9.25:1 on iron heads is low by modern standards and generally happy on regular pump fuel.
It is one of 4 engines in the Rocket V8 family, sitting between the 303 ci and 394 ci members. Factory fitments include the 88, 98, Super 88 and 3 others.
| Displacement | 371 ci / 6.1 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 4" |
| Stroke | 3.685" |
| Cylinders | 8 |
| Compression ratio | 9.25:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.085 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | cast iron |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 277 hp |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.085 — oversquare — bore exceeds stroke, which favours higher RPM and larger valves |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,685 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 46.4 ci |
| Static compression | 9.25:1 — low by modern standards, generally happy on regular pump fuel |
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