Go Figure

[3XBrownCutty]

A friend if my buddy was going to help weld up some motor mounts for the olds 350 going into his '89 supra, but he couldn't, so we went over to his house just to razz him and shoot the sh*t.

On the way, we passed a flatbed trailer with a couple engines and a transmission for sale, we figured to stop by on the way back. There was a buick v6, chevy th350, and the zinger...an olds 403!!!! Its a '77 403 and has absolutely everything except a carb, $175!! My buddy paid 3 somethin' for his 350, and now he wants to sell it and get the 403 for the supra.

I told him if he didn't buy the 403, I would. Go figure, after I spent a bunch of dough to get my 350 ready to swap in, this 403 shows up... Damn

Anybody in the PA area want to buy a olds 350?? (My buddies)

 

[kingcolbert83]

I would still get it if I were you even though you have the 350. Never know when you may come across that motor again.

 

[dan2286]

If he doesn't buy the 403, you should buy it if it is a good deal. Use your 350 and take some time to build up the 403 whenever you get money. Once that is done, swap out the 350 for the 403.

 

[Blake442]

Save your money and keep your build going as planned.

It's easy to get side tracked during a project, but changing directions mid-stream will lead to lots of extra expense.

I'd rather have an Olds 350 than an Olds 403 anyday...

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I agree. You have limited resources to deal with, so the wise money is spent finishing what you have. You do not know if the 403 is good, or if it is good for nothing more than a boat anchor. Finish what you have first, then worry about building something else.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

My buddy is going to buy it, because he invested no $ in his 350. He just wants to get what he paid for the 350, then buy the 403.

I really wish I could buy it, but like you guys said it hurts the bank and the progress on the 350 swap.

Blake, Why a 350 over a 403??

 

[Blake442]

I'd rather not deal with the windowed mains that the 403's have... not as strong. There's fixes like bottom end girdles, and I'm sure everybody with a 403 is gonna flame me now, but I wouldn't want to run the risk personally... They're also pretty poochy in stock form.

If I were building a SBO, I'd start with a diesel 350 block.

 

[3XBrownCutty]

Oh. My block has widowed mains.

A quick question: The 350 my buddy got has the same casting # as mine (395558 2) That is a 73-74 bock right??

The guy he bought it from told him that its a rocket 350. Could it possibly be a rocket engine??

 

[Blake442]

They're all "Rocket" V8s...

That was just a marketing term, and means absolutely nothing.

As far as the windowed mains, they're fine for a street motor, but if I were to build up a SBO, I'd probably be going for something a little more rowdy than you've got planned, so take what I say with a big grain of salt...

 

[dan2286]

Oh. My block has widowed mains.

A quick question: The 350 my buddy got has the same casting # as mine (395558 2) That is a 73-74 bock right??

The guy he bought it from told him that its a rocket 350. Could it possibly be a rocket engine??

Windowed mains are not as bad as everyone thinks. If you are just using it as a street motor and not revving it to 7000 rpms, you will be fine. They can still take a good amount of power. 403s also make very good street engines. They make very good torque. They can't be too bad if they were used in motor homes and bigger cars. I think the key is to make sure the rotating assembly is balanced and keep the rpms below 5500.

If that is your block number, I am pretty sure it should have solid mains. What heads came on yours?

Rocket was just a marketing term used for Olds engines. As long is it is Olds, it is a Rocket.