Olds 403 Rebuilder Recommendations
February 19th, 2018, 12:59 PM
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Olds 403 Rebuilder Recommendations
I’m looking for recommendations for a reputable engine shop that specializes in Oldsmobile engines and is willing to rebuild my Olds 403, paint and assemble completely, test and break it in on a dyno, and then ship it to me so that all I have to do is install it. I’d like to re-use the distributor, carb, and manifolds if possible as it is all original on my ‘79 Trans Am.
I made the mistake already of sending it to a remanufacturer that sent back only the long block completed and without cleaning the other parts to get them ready for reassembly. Also, they forgot to send back the intake manifold. The owner was very nice and apologetic, and pledged to find or replace the manifold at no charge. I’m not sure I’ll get my original manifold back. Taken altogether, I’ve lost confidence in the quality of the work done inside the long block, I’ve lost precious free time of my own, and I’m ready to turn the whole project over to somebody I can trust.
Everytime I find a promising shop online, the reviews tear the shop all to shreds.
Frustrated and lost. Any advice would be appreciated.
I made the mistake already of sending it to a remanufacturer that sent back only the long block completed and without cleaning the other parts to get them ready for reassembly. Also, they forgot to send back the intake manifold. The owner was very nice and apologetic, and pledged to find or replace the manifold at no charge. I’m not sure I’ll get my original manifold back. Taken altogether, I’ve lost confidence in the quality of the work done inside the long block, I’ve lost precious free time of my own, and I’m ready to turn the whole project over to somebody I can trust.
Everytime I find a promising shop online, the reviews tear the shop all to shreds.
Frustrated and lost. Any advice would be appreciated.
February 19th, 2018, 01:08 PM
#2
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Poteau, Ok
Posts: 40,586
Welcome to the site. Your location would be really helpful for any recommendations. Also are you looking for a stock build or more performance oriented? Has the engine been rebuilt by the previous builder you sent it to, and are just missing parts?
February 19th, 2018, 01:21 PM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Thanks for the welcome and for the quick reply. I’m in Virginia and I’m a newbie who figured with enough research and enough time, I could tackle this job myself. But time is no longer on my side.
I’m open to performance upgrades, but since I’d prefer to re-use the carb, distributor, manifolds (assuming I get my intake back), and oil pan, I guess I’m more in the market for a stock rebuild. Sorry for the uncertainty, as the terminology is a little unclear. Yes, the engine was re-built to the long block assembly and all the parts were sent back except the intake manifold. Since I’m willing to send it to another rebuilder to finish the job, I understand if they want to take it apart again to inspect before giving a warranty.
I’m open to performance upgrades, but since I’d prefer to re-use the carb, distributor, manifolds (assuming I get my intake back), and oil pan, I guess I’m more in the market for a stock rebuild. Sorry for the uncertainty, as the terminology is a little unclear. Yes, the engine was re-built to the long block assembly and all the parts were sent back except the intake manifold. Since I’m willing to send it to another rebuilder to finish the job, I understand if they want to take it apart again to inspect before giving a warranty.
February 19th, 2018, 03:09 PM
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 13,806
The carb and distributor should be no problem at all, many folks use the factory ones in performance applications with some slight modifications.
The intake may not be as optimal as an aftermarket aluminum one but should be OK for moderate performance.
The exhaust manifolds kinda suck, but they will suffice for a moderate street performance build.
Last edited by Fun71; February 19th, 2018 at 03:11 PM.
March 13th, 2018, 02:15 PM
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Apologies for the late reply, but I just wanted to thank you all for your help. I’ll check out Gunther’s Machine in MD. I’ve also reached out to Magnum Machine in VA.
Is it just me, or is there a dearth of builders out there that will rebuild my engine, test, and warranty just like the crate engine guys do?
Is it just me, or is there a dearth of builders out there that will rebuild my engine, test, and warranty just like the crate engine guys do?
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