falconsfan

403 or 350 in my '87 cutlass?


I have a 350 from a '73 cutlass and a 403 from a '77 toranado. Both need to be rebuilt.

I'm looking for around 250 HP from either.

Any suggestions?

joe_padavano

Just remember, the only substitute for cubic inches is rectangular dollars.

Having said that, it depends on what you plan to do with the car. The 403 has the infamous windowed main webs (more like "PICTURE-window main webs" - I couldn't believe the size of these windows the first time I opened up a 403) and won't survive a lot of high RPM or nitrous. The 403 does have beefier rods and larger valves stock, however (go figure). For strong street and occasional track use, it will be fine. Just don't expect to find the mythical solid main webs in your 403 block.

My fantasy 403 build would use a forged 330 crank, big block heads, and a Performer RPM intake along with a JM 20-22 cam.

87candycutty

Im gone have to roll with the 350 for the simple fact that you will have a ton more aftermarket options to soup it up.

Another factor that you have to consider is all that extra gas you will be burning in a 403, unless of course money isnt an issue

But i would definitely go with the 350

Enjoy your Cutty bro!

Droptop

Id do the 350, im not big on the 403's