I'm looking to put 350 heads on my stock 403 in my 79 trans am. I was considering a cam swap to take advantage of the compression. My specs are 79 ta, stock 403, muncie 4 speed (eventually change to a 5 speed) and a 3.08 rear gear(eventually change to 3.73). I really like the profile of the erson cams. Does anybody who has a similar build have any recommendations?

 

403 with a stick? They never did that from the factory and that is why all of the T/A 4 speeds were poncho 400's.
What did you do to the engine to get the stick behind it?

Also....you won't want any 77-80 350 head as they are about as junk as the 403 heads are. Any of the early 350 heads use a 7/16" head bolt where the 403 uses a 1/2" head
bolt, so the holes will need to be drilled out to work.

 

I am looking for early 5,6,7 heads. I bought the car with the 4 speed in it. It's setup exactly like a factory 400 4 speed. It looks like the crossmember has been moved and the floor had to be cut some. Everybody says the 403s weren't drilled for a pilot bushing but the guy I bought it from said it was and he had no problems with that. The engine is desmogged I tuned it up and rebuilt the carb. It dynoed recently at 203 hp and 346 tq @ 2700 rpm. With a cam and heads I would imagine 300hp and 425 tq is not out of the question. Just not sure on cam selection.

 

Many of the later 77 up cranks were drilled for a 4 speed. My orig 403 crank was, and so was the replacement I found for it.

403 with large valve #5 heads, in my 65 Cutlass, 3.55 gears.
Love the power.

 

I am a fan of the late 77-81 Trans Am's and have owned a few. I think it would be fun to own one with an Olds and a 4 speed. I always thought it would be fun to put a 320 hp 330 in one. They run so well and would fit perfect.

 

I'm looking for a good low end torquey reliable street engine. Do you have any cam recommendations that would work well with the combo I'm trying to put together.

 

It's kinda funny every TA I've ever owned has either had a olds or Chevy in it. My first ta had a 455 olds in it. Sold that car but kept the motor. I really like olds engines.

 

I also prefer the Olds V8, SBO especially. Talk to Cutlassefi on here, Mark Remmel, he is an Erson cam dealer and does custom cams.