Topic: 78 4 speed with a 403?

[2ndchildhood]

I'm interested in a 78 that I found.  I talked to the guy and he said it's a hardtop with the original 403 in it?  He also said it used to be a 4 speed car because the clutch pedal is still there but that someone changed it to a auto.  I can't find any info that says they made a 78 4 speed with a 403.  He also says it's a WS6.   I know I can check the VIN but it's a couple hour ride and I don't want to spook the guy or let him know if I think it's a rare car.  I have a super T10 sitting around and it should be a straight forward conversion back.  He's asking 2600 and it's been for sale for months. 

[Burd Turd]

I looked in the numbers book, and it says no 4 speed 403's were made, just autos.  I once saw a three on the tree 403. has a nice ring!

[Hitman]

No 403's were ever made into 4-speed cars. So, something on that car is not original.

[dtpahrump]

When I bought my 78 4spd. from my buddy he thought it was a 403 also....it's acutally a 400 W72....ask him to read the tire decal on the drivers door, I believe that will tell you if it's a WS6...it would be 225/70/15 for WS6

[Burd Turd]

My 78 still has the old tire info on it,

[hada76]

I looked in the numbers book, and it says no 4 speed 403's were made, just autos.  I once saw a three on the tree 403. has a nice ring!

are your saying 3sp manual column T/A?? or base bird?

[ta6point6]

Yeah definately no 403 4 speeds although there are some conversions out there. That is pretty strange someone would take a 400 stick out a put a 403 in there. If you are lucky the guy has no idea what he is talking about and the motor is a 400 with a auto that was swapped in. Some people think if they say 403 it means more power than a 400. There is probably nothing to rare about that 78

[4SPEED]

the 403 cranks are not cut for the pilot bearing.     the vin on the dash will have a K  for 403  or Z  for 400.

or a  W  for a 301   

[dewcrazzy]

sounds like a 400 car and someone put a 403 in it.

[ShakerBreaker]

This is a bit confusing.
403 = puke
I bet its a 400 in the car and tranny was swapped out.
Just have the guy send ya some pictures of the engine bay and vital tags.
Just tell him you want to verify its a t/a and not a base bird before you make a trip to his location.
He won't think anything of it.
Hopefully it has a 400 in it and the car is solid.
Do your tranny swap and enjoy!!!!!

[oldskoolubr]

403=Puke?

[solargold]

I saw a car with a 400 and owner argued it was a 403. Some just dont know. Could have had the engine and tranny swapped out from the 400/4 speed to the 403/auto. I have had 2 403's and both ran great, just that most prefer a pontiac engine in a pontiac car.

[ta6point6]

Just to clarify the 403 is a fine torquey motor and there is nothing wrong with it and just like solar gold said most people prefer a pontiac motor in a pontiac car. My TA has a 403 and the motor is great and just like the 400 has RPM limitations and are hampered by the smog era they were made in.

[2ndchildhood]

The guy is stuck at 2600 for it.  I didn't even make an offer.  It's like 2.5 hours from me and it doesn't seem like it's worth the trouble.  I was just looking for a parts car anyway. 

[Justin]

I bet you it has the 400 in it. As for a pic of the motor and post it up here. I personally know someone who bought a car from someone who said it was a 403 and it was the numbers matching 400.