I have the oldsmobile 403 4bbl. I found out there is only a measly 175 hp and 310 lbs. of torque. I would really like to have more of both but hp is my main concern right now. Any one know any quick ways to gain hp?

 

Actually, your chief concern should be torque, not HP, simply because HP is simply a function of torque and RPM.

HP=(torque x RPM)/5250

 

Olds engines are easy to improve and the 403 is a good place to start. What are you looking for out of your car? What kind of car do you have this engine installed in? What kind of driving do you do? Are you looking to take this thing to the track? Do you want a nice strong launch or do you want something that moves out on the freeway? How much work are you willing to /can you do yourself?

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE TO SPEND ON THE PROJECT?
The engineering equation is HP=(torque * RPM)/5250
The real world equation is HP= ($ * Time)/ Wife’s indulgence (add a 10% penalty for each child under the age of 10)
or
HP= $ * Time)/ Girl Friend’s X {X= number of times she said, “YES”/Number of times she said, “You love that car more than you love me!” [If she is blond and a 50% penalty] }

And you thought you would never need this stuff when you where in school!

 

The easiest way to improve power on a 403 is by swapping the cylinder heads and getting a well-matched camshaft. Look for a set of #6 small-block heads from a '72 350, then have a machine shop install new 2.00" intake and 1.625" exhaust valves with a 3 angle valve job. Contact Crane or Comp cams for a cam recommendation and get matching valvesprings. These mods will increase your cylinder pressure (compression) and dramatically increase your engine's overall combustion efficiency (which = more power from the same size engine). Last, get a good dual-plane intake manifold like the Edelbrock Performer and small-tube headers. You'll have more power than you can use legally, really.