Topic: Olds 403 Build

[joe d]

hey JJ, one thing for sure, if it will add strength then there is no thinking about it unless it is crazy money, just do it

[TheKid]

The difference in price is about $400. Then the oil pan needs modification. As this motor is starting to get out of hand, and looking like it's going to be putting down some real power, and spinning kind of high (not complaining, I'm actually thrilled), I have to re-adjust plans. Going to talk to some folks first, see how the feelings are. I'll probably end up with the full girdle.

[oldskoolubr]

Hey JJ It really depends on what HP output you are estimating you know that. 
There was one build that I saw and it was at either 599 or 699 as far as HP(Yes a 403) like $15k into that motor so that's a Different story!
 I was told by Mark that I wouldn't need it for mine bcuz I will be in the 375-425 range depending on some other factors like pistons Carb settings etc. I am really more aimed at the Torque aspect anyway!
 I am leaning towards the low side on the pistons and hopefully be about 9.3-9.5 SPR and my cam is tailored to the 9.5-10.5 Range.  So it is all in the build and what you want?  I am planning on making this a DD and eventually my sons Car so no need to go OVERBOARD! LOL
So keep the info and pics coming and Thx!

[TheKid]

Minor update and teaser:
I spoke with the guy who's been helping me through this build (Mark aka Cutlassefi) and we've put the finishing touches on things for the most part.

I've settled on an engine builder that he uses out of Jax FL to do the block work, and another for the heads. Speaking of heads...there may be a change in direction with the head selection in the near future. Not going to really talk about much until I do a bit more research on this option though. Anyone that is curious, which I don't expect much of on this board as ya'll dont seem to like Oldsmobiles, can shoot me a PM!

I'll have some "more fun" updates soon!

[Flounder55]

Where in Jax? I'm new to the area and may need a good motor man in the future. Moved here from Va.

[TheKid]

Flounder,
It's called Horsepower By Hedrick.

[uk79transam]

Anymore updates Kid ? 

[TheKid]

Anymore updates Kid ? 

Saving up for Dick Miller's pistons and machine work right now!

[joe d]

lotta saving huh, how is the body work coming

[TheKid]

They haven't touched the car yet actually. They're just waiting on some space to free up, and I wouldn't mind sending them a little more cash to get starts.

Saving sucks! I've got enough for pistons and all, but want to pad the funds a little more, but yes, lots of savings and I'm doing this whole thing on a college budget. I'll probably buy pistons after my next pay check, then send a few "boosts" to the body shop. Once I know about how much I need to spend on body work, I'll be able to budget a little better. Budgeting the motor is easy, the only real "unknown" is machine work. Suspension I've already got the 2,000ish budgeted for. Then alls thats left is the body.

[72blackbird]

Hey JJ It really depends on what HP output you are estimating you know that. 
There was one build that I saw and it was at either 599 or 699 as far as HP(Yes a 403) like $15k into that motor so that's a Different story!
 I was told by Mark that I wouldn't need it for mine bcuz I will be in the 375-425 range depending on some other factors like pistons Carb settings etc. I am really more aimed at the Torque aspect anyway!
 I am leaning towards the low side on the pistons and hopefully be about 9.3-9.5 SPR and my cam is tailored to the 9.5-10.5 Range.  So it is all in the build and what you want?  I am planning on making this a DD and eventually my sons Car so no need to go OVERBOARD! LOL
So keep the info and pics coming and Thx!

Good advice. It's real easy to let a build get out of control and skyrocket in cost when you start ordering really expensive parts- my 455 build is a good example. I didn't see the point in spending $1400 on stock iron heads or even $2000 on stock aluminum heads, since I'm shooting for a certain power goal. I wanted heads that will make even more power when I swap over to a roller cam, so I ordered some ported e-heads from SD.

These heads cost more than my shortblock, and doubled my build price in one shot. I know I will also have to buy additional parts to keep this 455 cool and running smoothly, instead of being able to use the existing parts in my Bird too. I have no regrets about my decision to buy these heads- to me the advantages of ordering custom RTR aluminum heads outweigh the cost and the alternatives. We'll see if they'll be worth it.

Geno

[Ghaa]

A lot of good info here on the 403. I thank everyone for the input. Question... Where can I buy a 4 main halo for my 403 ?

[oldskoolubr]

J&S Machine is where I got mine.

[JPASCO]

I had a 403 (408) cu in Olds in my '81 Firebird and it was raced from 2006 to 2016. I built it to Bracket Drag Race and it was spectactular.... Ran 12.40's @ 110 mph in the 1/4 mile.
HERE'S A RUN DOWN AS TO WHAT UPGRADES i MADE:
Comp Cam XR276HR, Edlebrock heads triple port job, Holley 750 double pumper, Long Tube Headrees, Forged Pistons, 10.5:1 compression, Edlebrock Air Gap Single Plane Intake Maniford Victor Jr., Forged Rods, Girdle for the "Webbed Mains Support", Balancced rotating assembly, Dual Electric Fans, Mr. Cool Radiator, 3:42-1 Eaton Positraction, 35 spline axles, Th350 with B&M shift kit and ratch shifter. This resulted in 465 HP and 483.9 lb-ft of torque.

I think that over ten years of Drag Racing should overcome the feedback about "bad builds" that say that the Olds won't hold together. Mine just wore out and time for a "refresh"
I put a 455 (468) Olds back in and it's running strong. 115 mph in 11.86 sec so far.

GO FOR IT AND HAVE FUN.
Jpasco