1yesfan

Just out of HS i owned a cream puff Delta 88 with the 403 motor. I don't recall if it was a 77 or 78 model. Back then and now never saw many with the 403 motor. Was that rare to see in that car then??

don71

How rare = how desirable? I don't consider it rare.

The 403 was produced for at least two years. 77-79. I consider it an oddity.

If it were a delta 88 holiday coupe (two door)with a 403 you would have my attention.

1yesfan

It was a two door car. Sky blue with a full vynle top. Some type of color matched crushed cloth seats. I don't recall HOLIDAY emblems on it.

1yesfan

looks like this car, same color wheel hub caps and now that I look at pics of these on google prob just that quarter vynle top.

1yesfan

mine had split back bench seat no console.

Octania

pretty rare. I only have 2 or three of 'em [parts cars]

two are H88's
not much left anymore, maybe a floor shift tilt and some glass.

usually big brakes, big differential, big trans

1yesfan

I have to find a pic of mine. It was totally a grandpa car with what I consider a rare option for the time, the 403. It was loaded. All I did to it was put dual glass pack exhaust on it, ha ha ha.

caddy

I had 2 1977 Deltas that had the 403 in it... One was green and the other was yellow...

Allan R

Let's see now
In 1977 the 403 was standard in VC, Delta, Toro, and 98
In 1978 and 1979 it was option for all those lines except Toro. That said there's no doubt in my mind that there were a lot of 403s in the 78/79 model years since it was based on the SBO Old block, not a BBO.

1yesfan

seemed rare since through the years i would look for 88's anyway online and can recall ever seeing a 403 motor in one that was for sale.

Allan R

If you're suggesting the 403 is rare, what is your criteria? It was a limited production engine for sure given the comparison time range of 350/455 production. 403's weren't exclusive to Olds either, they were dropped into Pontiac and Buick production so the number of them out there, while not humongous, is still a pretty good number. Given the choice of a 350 or 403 in 78-79, I'd still go with 350 being the better bang for the buck.

I know the 77 403's had about 15 more hp than 350s and about 45 more ft/lbs of torque and came into their power band at slightly lower rpms. Not sure what the 78-79 stats are though. This is all relative to the detuning and downsizing GM was shoving down everyones throat due to emission controls and mileage requirements. Still think the 455 should have been an option in the A/B/C car segments, but that' just me.

lunaboy

77 - 79 poncho guy would gladly trade his 6.6 403 for the More Desirable pontiac 400 in his TA.

low millage 403s in junk yard bid cars are only good for G body swaps in my opinion.

bassinguy

I had a 1979 Olds 98,4dr full power. It had a 403 under the hood. It was fun smoking the tires off while sitting next to some kid in a Firebird,Camaro or Mustang.

Octania

I would say it is rare in the 88, in that most buyers by far would opt for "just enough engine" - the base offering. Only a well clued buyer who knows the benefit of CID, bigger brakes, bigger trans, bigger differential parts, and/or needs to tow, would opt for the 403. So, in that sense, much less common than say the 350 of the era.

Allan R

Chris, all 77 Olds 88, 98 and Toro's had the 403. It wasn't an option.

okie88

The 403 was standard in the Toro, optional in the 88 and 98. ( In 1977 )

Allan R

I apologize - you are right. I was looking at the trailering chart where the 403 is pretty much listed all across the board. I went back and looked at all the individual models and standard engines to validate your statement. My bad. So it's likely then that there really aren't quite as many 403 equipped Olds that left the factory.

copper128

Don't forget that 403's were fairly common in Pontiacs and Buicks, too. I had neighbors back then with a Bonneville and a Park Ave, both of which were 403 Olds powered.
While the 403 was less common in 88's than in the Ninety Eight, I wouldn't term it "rare".

djcrook73

I did a lot of online searching for a 77-79 delta over the last two years and it seemed that about one out of every 20 had the 403 or about 5% but I am sure what's left now does not reflect what percentage were actually produced over the 77-79 model run. seems like more than half of the 98's I looked at had it though. glad to know the 78 delta I bought with no motor and trans had the 403 so now I know from this thread that it came through with better parts since I am installing a 455. wish the 78 regency I just bought had the 403 but alas it is only 350 powered. either way, I love these cars.

Summerof84

I never considered them "rare" as I had a beater Indy pace car and a '78 Toro with them. Finding a '75 or '76 with a 455 was a lot more rare around here.

67442nut

Bought a low mileage, cream puff, garage kept 1977 Delta 88 back in the mid '80's from the original owner.
It was a dark blue two door with light blue vinyl top and light blue crushed velour interior, 403, 400TH.
Wonderful car until it wasn't.
Original owner special ordered the 403.
When the identical car arrived he raised the hood and there sat a 350 Chebby engine.
He refused it and insisted on the Olds 403 engine which he originally ordered and eventually received.
I know 403's aren't well thought of, but, both the ones I owned had very good power and were great cars to drive.
Also very decent gas mileage for that much displacement.

Octania

I have one of them rare "4A" block 403's in the '85 442
I bought the 75 Cutlass it was in just to get that engine.