Gentleman, & Ladies happy Memorial day.
Silly question
The heads on the 403 in the T/A have 4A stamped on them.
I have been told 4, 5, 6, 7. heads are the most desireable. My 350 is a 75 engine, and has # 8 heads.
Are these 4A heads desireable? The 403 is coming out In the morning, the 350 is going in. I will then start diagnosing the 403, and will determine it's fate.
Thank you all for everything, safe and happy Memorial Day to all.

 

The 4A have huge combustion chambers, mine CC'ed at 86CC. The intake side is OK with a 2" valve and an OK port. The exhaust side is restrictive with a small 1.5" valve.

 

Here's the fun trick that Olds pulled on us way-back-when.


Early heads (the good ones) had *only* a number, or a number and a *small* A. Later heads (the terrible ones) had a number and a *large* A that's the same size as the number.

 

Thanks Oddball, check this out, I've been had, more pix coming

 

 

 

 

I have not completely evaluated the 403.
my brother in law removed one valve cover, it is dirty, nasty, lots of shiny bits, metal powder, dust . The thermostat seemed to be operating as intended, I dumped it in boiling water, ran it under cold water, drank some beer, did it a few more times.
I believe it failed due to poor oil circlation.
The radiator seems fine. It is flowing nicely, and the 350 is running around 185 degrees.
I need to now where to look for the #'s to determine if it is the correct engine, before I waste any time/$$$ on it.
If anyone can tell me where & what to look for , it would be appreciated.
Oh, and I was told to run a 7 blade fan, the t/ had a 5, I had several 6 blade fans, so I utilized one, temporarily. My brother in law, and sister in law pitching in.
350 in

 

First number (3) =Olds division
Second number = year of manufacture
Third (letter) = manufacturing plant
Four to six = VIN derivative

 

Thank you, I will be look into this tomorrow.

 

not even close, #'s do not match, no sense in messing with the 403,

 

Hey there Olds 403, can you tell me where the heater control valve supposed to be on the 79 T/A?
As far as my 403 is concerned, I have not had the time to completely tear it down to see what exactly failed. The seller has agreed to compensate me for the engine, but is still insisting it is the correct engine. It certainly is not. He lies, #'s don't
The 350 is running nice and cool so far. I am waiting on a new intake gasket to install Edelbrock performer. The T /A will be getting Hooker super comps, & a Magnaflo system, possibly a carb & distributor.
Thanks

 

Hello, there is not a heater control valve on a 79 trans am. One line back of intake other end at water pump.

 

 

[QUOTE=bigdooly;1095837]Hello Oldsmonuts, I'm in need of some suggestions, ideas, just bought my wife, {wink, wink} a 79 T/A, 403, beautiful car, until you step on it. I believe it to be original bone stock 180 hp boat anchor. I'm not looking to go drag racing, just want to wake it up a little, if it's possible. Thanks in advance, Jim.[/QUOTEF



Finally , took apart the boat anchor.
Rod bearings 1&2, 5&6, wiped.
Block looks salvageable, but not correct for car, so why bother.
Waited 2 months for headers.
Carb shot, replaced
Now used intake manifold leaking.
(Edlebrock performer 350)
Hope to have it on the road next week.
Thanks to all for input.












It was painted nicely.

 

If the block doesn`t have any spun main bearings, I`ll offer $100 for it plus shipping or if I can have someone to pick it up. I do not need anything else,just the block

 

#2 Main looks like it took a beating. Hard to tell exactly as I zoomed in saw a lot of metal. Perhaps the block is OK as long as the saddles are still OK.

 

no spun mains, just rods, it's yours I'll pm you my cell ph. #

 

The bearing is rough. Only the rods spun.
if it where the #'s correct block I'd send it out to be machined, etc.

 

 

Thanks Dan, let me know how you make out with the block. Your friend was a pleasure to talk to.
Anyone need a set of 403 heads?. L.o.l.

 

It is finally on the road, Wifey even got a trophy at a local car show last week, took some of the sting out of the situation.
Thanks for all the input everyone.

 

 

Thanks for keeping us updated. With all things considered, I hope its a happy day for you both. I'm a big fan of Pontiac and Trans Am's and you've got a great looking car.

 

Thanks, appreciated .

 

Again my thanks.
The Jackson township Pa firefighters thought so too, they have the wife the trophy for for "firefighters choice". That's where the show was, looking foward to some more.

 

I'm a glutton for punishment, Picked up # 5 heads from another member. They will need to be sent out.

 

What year 350? You will also want a cam swap and it probably needs a new timing set anyways.