Hello all... I've recently acquired a 1977 Buick Electra Ltd with a 403 engine in it. The problem is I know nothing about Buicks (I'm a Chevy man, more or less) and have never heard of a 403. Is it just a bored out 350? Or some variant of the 455? Or not related to either? It's kinda confusing looking around on the web because it's apparently an Olds engine in a Buick model, right? What is the relation between Olds and Buick? Is this a good engine? Does it work well for racing or such if I was to get motivated and rebuild it? This car only has ~100k miles on it, but it's in pretty rough condition. Although, it is (supposedly) in decent shape, mechanically speaking. They tell me it will run fine if I put a battery in it but I haven't found time to do that yet. Anyway, just looking for a little background on this model. Any replies would be appreciated.
403? a 403 is an oldsmobile motor,but ive never heard of them putting them in buicks,usually they came in trans ams and other olds.could it be a 430?post some pictures of the motor and we can tell you for sure.distributor in the front or back?
the 403 is a small block olds that got passed around GM at the begining of the corporate motor program. not a bad motor really, but smogged out something feirce. Should accept all Olds upgrades. no interchange between buick motor parts. As with any late 70s motor, a total teardown and complete engine redesign will be needed for serious power. At the least different heads, pistons cam, intake and Headers. bassically starting with a good block rods and crank.All other parts will not be suited for performance use.
also on them 403's they are thin walled....if reboring is needed usualy just once and thin.....and they are known 2 run a bit hot bcs of this....but these 403 blocks with just a changeover to the olds 350 (early) heads can produce some good power for great tire squeeling fun .....
I guess it wouldn't be worth it to put a lot of time and effort into this then. I'm not much into mods anyway...especially on this car. I'm lucky if I can get the stock engines to run. Thanks for the replies
yea just one cut on them walls and thats it......thats what the usual olds crowd says.....but there are some great buidups of that 403... http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofe403.htm
403 ! OK , I HAD one and I BUILT it .. It was out of a 77 Electra. It is a "small block olds" configuration ... IE : 330,350, 403 olds = small block olds : 400, 425, 455 olds = big block olds The 403 Olds is a 4.350 inch bore , the biggest bore of the GM's ,bigger than the 500 Caddy even, however, it is a short stroke , otherwise it would figure out to a larger displacement. I punched it 30 and used Jhans flat tops, had to run super in it, used an Isky Supercam , Edlebrock cam , Cloyes double roller, melling oil pump, etc.... It was an ANIMAL once it was rebuilt, before, stock it was a bit of a turd... Took a 30 punch no problem and NEVER ran hot..was VERY happy with it as far as Olds motors go.....still like Buick better, but the 403 is a dam fine engine in my book ! :TU: pm me with any questions, still have all the info
