403 Thoughts?

[silverfox]

I have a chance to pick up a used 403 tonight. Mileage is unknown, Has aftermarket intake and carb. Been sitting inside storage for 3 years

Plan on using this is my DD not modifying much just want more than the 307 can offer.

Thoughts

 

[88hurstolds]

A lot can be gained by simply swapping out the heads and cam.
Check out a few of the builds on www.realoldspower.com
I currently have one in the works as well:
https://gbodyforum.com/threads/project-white-lightning.27131/page-7

 

[lilbowtie]

If the price is right and it floats your boat - go for it. Lot depends on how it was stored - was it fogged, turned over periodically, covered ?? I'd pull a couple of plugs and see if the walls are rusted and it does bar over.

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I just put one into a fwd Riviera that had a 307. I also had one in and '85 Cutlass years ago with rings so bad that it was blowing oil out of one of the tail pipes, yet it would still light the tires up easily. I like them for DD's. They may be low compression but they make good torque and run on 87 octane with no problems.

 

[403Olds]

I like mine....stock was good, but rebuilt is better. Bumping up the compression helps alot.

 

[truracer20]

I always liked 403's for daily drivers even with stock compression the torque is decent. As long as the engine looks clean inside(get the seller to allow you to remove the oil pan and valve covers at the least) turns over freely, and the price is good then go for it. Olds engines aren't known for piston or cylinder wear, so usually compression issues are caused by rings or valves. So they are usually pretty inexpensive to refresh when a full rebuild isn't in the budget.

 

[silverfox]

motor and turbo 350 trans, don't want the trans but is a package deal. If all is clean what is a package like this worth

It is in

 

[G-Body_Vet]

I see prices all over the place, usually from $250-$700. If I can't hear it run that's more reason to talk them down. I paid $300 for mine but it was a crap shoot. I've lost money on used engines before too.