Best mild cam for a stock olds 403...
- Thread starter brian_wms
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Just get a cheapo generic 204/214 cam/lifter set. More power over stock while keeping the power band easily within the limits of a stock 403. Not sure what 'mixed reviews' youv'e heard, but all an RV cam is is a generic term meaning 'a little bigger than stock' and they're perfect for very mild street builds. An 'RV' is really about the biggest cam you'd want to go with on a 7.8 CR engine anyway.
If you're removing the heads; I don't remember if Olds used the thin steel shimmed head gaskets on 403's or not, but if they did and you replace them with thicker Felpros, your CR is going to be even lower and that's no good at all.
If you're removing the heads; I don't remember if Olds used the thin steel shimmed head gaskets on 403's or not, but if they did and you replace them with thicker Felpros, your CR is going to be even lower and that's no good at all.
Yes you can shave the heads, deck the block, get thin head gaskets or any combination of the three. What gasket was stock? Was it a thin steel one or a thicker composite one? Cometic sells a good .028 one.
Remember, if you screw with the factory height in any way, you will have to deal with valve train geometry issues. This is why going to an adjustable rocker setup is better. No one said this stuff was going to be easy or cheap!
Remember, if you screw with the factory height in any way, you will have to deal with valve train geometry issues. This is why going to an adjustable rocker setup is better. No one said this stuff was going to be easy or cheap!
DoubleV nailed it. Take that to the bank. To add, finding inexpensive smaller chamber 350 heads may be the single best power upgrade as it provides better compression which allows you to take advantage of even better cams without downsides. Last in his signature you can see what he spent his money on in his low compression small block Olds.
Is this a good engine kit? Also is this a good price? http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5335822911&icep_item=170656076638
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That kit looks not bad for the price. I would mill the heads. 010"-.030" or deck the block a similar amount. Use the factory style "turkey tray" intake gasket. All the cast replacement dish pistons are short on height, supposedly as much as. 040" in the hole. If they sit that far in, 78cc chambers will be needed for 8 to 1. They may not be that far down. I had a factory piston rebuilt 403 with that cam and the thinner Detroit, now Corteco .028" gaskets. I had tons of low end torque, even with 8 to 1 compression. Good part is those pistons will work great with 350 heads, if the power isn't enough.
The replacement pistons have a shorter compression height than stock. They allow room for decking a warped block or head surface. Problem is, without decking or milling, it lowers the compression ratio. You may have as low as 7.6 to 1, depending on head cc and how far down the pistons sit in the block. They will work but your compression will be low without milling and or thinner head gaskets.
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