The TRW specs with the pistons are incorrect for piston to bore clearance. It's a pretty well known fact these days. I want to say TRW suggests .002-.0025 where it should be .003-.004.
Selling Olds 403 build - feelers for price?
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25 to 30 cents on the dollar for parts. Zero return on any labour.
Toss it up at $1500 and see if you get any bites. Keep in mind that someone has to WANT that particular engine - which is less and less likely these days. As you well know a junkyard LS with basic parts makes the same or more power... and is trendy.
Toss it up at $1500 and see if you get any bites. Keep in mind that someone has to WANT that particular engine - which is less and less likely these days. As you well know a junkyard LS with basic parts makes the same or more power... and is trendy.
with a bad cylinder 1500 tops
I know you say it's not bad but but there is damage and when it is actually driven more often...well who knows what will happen.
Not to mention what damage the shavings have done,
Basically buying an engine that needs a honing or to be bored, the correct pistons installed, a complete tear down to be inspected then reassembled
Now that I think about it 1500 may be to much.
I know you say it's not bad but but there is damage and when it is actually driven more often...well who knows what will happen.
Not to mention what damage the shavings have done,
Basically buying an engine that needs a honing or to be bored, the correct pistons installed, a complete tear down to be inspected then reassembled
Now that I think about it 1500 may be to much.
From a torque perspective the 5.3 and 6.0 LS engines are weak down low and require a high stall converter to perform well. The 403 has brutal torque from idle through midrange which makes it fun to drive. At the track my 442 beat a 5th gen Camaro with a stock 6.2. Biggest gain was from the dig. LS head design is superior and flows significantly more than any worked factory Oldsmobile casting so they shine at high revs. Unlike the 403, small cube LS engines can feel doggy unless geared or stalled properly. Knowing this I swapped in a L92 6.2 all aluminum with VVT so torque is better. In spite of this I still chose a 2800 Circle D converter which I really like. I haven't had the car to the track yet but the numbers indicate mid 11's are possible. The LS engine also weights 100+ pounds less.
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My thoughts exactly, very accurate info. I am actually not a high rev fan motor but added fuel economy and lighter weight of the LS would be nice. Good luck on your sale.
Thanks for the real life description. I have a ls in my Yukon, that’s much how it runs too, but with the lighter weight body of a Cutlass, would make for a fun ride. I know what you mean on the parts, I’ve got $1k in my heads, sux to try to build Olds motors. Good luck with the sale!
I would say that it's fun building old school Olds motors. I'm a tech guy and work with tech stuff all week long. It's nice to disconnect on the weekend and work with old school tech. I can appreciate the Olds design (and other BOP designs) for what it is. The Olds motors are actually pretty well designed for what they are...
I have a built 403. Runs great. Just not the power I thought it would have. Doesn't spin tires like yours......previous spent about 5k on the rebuild. Has good parts in it but not alot of power. I can post a build sheet to. Did you have to do alot of modifying to install the LS motor?
Please do. My 8 to 1 403 that only ran a 9.7 in the 1/8 spun the tires hard with a no slip locker, whether 3.42 or the stock 2.56 gears.
Installing an LS engine in a G boy correctly is expensive. A lot of things have to be modified especially if you retain fuel injection (highly recommended) Make sure to include your C/R, heads, cam, timing and carb set up along with your 403 build specs.
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