403 or 350? Which one?
#1
403 or 350? Which one?
Hi all,
I have a '77 gold colored Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham and I am trying to restore it. I was was wondering if there was anything I can do to boost up the horsepower, or should I just try to find a 403? And if so, where are some good places to find them? A friend of mine suggested Advanced Auto Parts but what do you guys think? A crate motor can get expensive.
I have a '77 gold colored Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Brougham and I am trying to restore it. I was was wondering if there was anything I can do to boost up the horsepower, or should I just try to find a 403? And if so, where are some good places to find them? A friend of mine suggested Advanced Auto Parts but what do you guys think? A crate motor can get expensive.
#2
If you think a stock crate motor is gonna get expensive, I fear you'r in for a rude awakening.
Wait till you have to buy the motor AND the machine work. A stock 403 is a great normal street motor and if you don't want to go too fast, it will do you righteous.
If you wanted to custom build either one to a specific horsepower range over say...300.
The 350 or the 403 will most likely be equally expensive, and probably over 4 grand.
If you are going to drop that kind of loot into your build, I'd personally recommend the 350 because the bottom end is stronger and it doesn't have as long of a stroke to slap around in the block. What's in it now?
Wait till you have to buy the motor AND the machine work. A stock 403 is a great normal street motor and if you don't want to go too fast, it will do you righteous.
If you wanted to custom build either one to a specific horsepower range over say...300.
The 350 or the 403 will most likely be equally expensive, and probably over 4 grand.
If you are going to drop that kind of loot into your build, I'd personally recommend the 350 because the bottom end is stronger and it doesn't have as long of a stroke to slap around in the block. What's in it now?
Last edited by J-(Chicago); March 25th, 2008 at 01:51 PM.
#5
"If you are going to drop that kind of loot into your build, I'd personally recommend the 350 because the bottom end is stronger and it doesn't have as long of a stroke to slap around in the block."
I was under the impression that the 350 and 403 shared the same 3.385 stroke???
I was under the impression that the 350 and 403 shared the same 3.385 stroke???
#6
"If you are going to drop that kind of loot into your build, I'd personally recommend the 350 because the bottom end is stronger and it doesn't have as long of a stroke to slap around in the block."
I was under the impression that the 350 and 403 shared the same 3.385 stroke???
I was under the impression that the 350 and 403 shared the same 3.385 stroke???
#8
How strong does he need?
https://www.autoimagery.com/store/cg...12&sortfiles=2
NHRA record holder Tina Summerton, 78 Olds 98, weighs 4000 lbs.
11.21 @117 (7100 RPM) with 4a heads.
Norm
https://www.autoimagery.com/store/cg...12&sortfiles=2
NHRA record holder Tina Summerton, 78 Olds 98, weighs 4000 lbs.
11.21 @117 (7100 RPM) with 4a heads.
Norm
Last edited by 88 coupe; March 26th, 2008 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Had to replace the image with a link.
#10
That is a beautiful picture.![Big Grin](https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
and...
Sorry for the misinformation. Somehow I remember my buddy's 403 rods being longer than my 350s, but I'm wrong often.
Sounds like he'd be happy with a stock build, but I dunno.
![Big Grin](https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
and...
Sorry for the misinformation. Somehow I remember my buddy's 403 rods being longer than my 350s, but I'm wrong often.
Sounds like he'd be happy with a stock build, but I dunno.
#11
#12
Thanks guys. I think I will rebuild the one that I already have and clean it out a bit. The next question I have is I changed the oil last week and put in 5W-30 as told to by the guys at a local Advanced Auto Parts when i changed the oil with it it seemed to burn the oil. What do you think it could be? should I be putting in 10W-30 in a 350?
#13
In my opinion (which may or may not be worthless) If you're burning and leaking, I'd go thick on the oil. 20-50 or straight 30. Especially since the weather is getting nicer. Check your PCV system first, it's good to start with something simple.
You are not smoking BAD are you?
You are not smoking BAD are you?
#14
No. Not bad at all its just that when I changed the oil as soon as I got it, it was a little low, then when I drove it for about 20 miles or so I checked the oil level and it was low 2 quarts and the dipstick was smoking. So i added 2 more quarts and i was fine. Are you sure about the straight 30 oil that sounds pretty thick.
#15
I've been running SAE30 in my Delta for 5 years. 160,000 miles on it and it still doesn't burn a drop.
Also if your dipstick tube is smoking, your engine gases may not be properly ventilated. Make sure your Pcv system is in tip top shape. If you have 2 breathers instead of a Pcv and a breather, you are probably just sucking up air and blowing it out of the dipstick.
Also if your dipstick tube is smoking, your engine gases may not be properly ventilated. Make sure your Pcv system is in tip top shape. If you have 2 breathers instead of a Pcv and a breather, you are probably just sucking up air and blowing it out of the dipstick.
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