In 1978, the Electra Park Avenue could have the 403olds or a 350. Was this a Buick 350 or another company? Which would be the better engine choice if you want to haul in a park avenue? read that the 403 is a good engine for higher rpms.
The 350 is probably better, no matter who made it. The 403 Olds has a reputation of running hot due to thin cylinder walls; and they have windowed-mains in the block - the bottom end is weak for anything hotter than a mild build-up, so RPMs are limited. Girdles are available, but pricey. There are rumors of solid-main blocks, but no-one has produced evidence they exist (such as a photo or an actual block). In it's favor, the 403 has a huge bore, so large valves can be fitted for good breathing . And heads from an early Olds 350 bolt on for increased compression, and they don't have bad breathing either, for production pieces. Perhaps the biggest advantage of a 403 is that it is externally identical to the Olds 307s and 350s. That makes it an attractive swap in lieu of rebuilding a lo-perf smog motor. If you found a 403 Electra that you liked, I wouldn't worry too much. But I wouldn't go out of your way to find one - the 350 will be fine. I'd say it'd probably be a Buick, but not for certain.
I have heard about those solid blocks, I read here http://www.442.com/oldsfaq/ofe403.htm that some of the Pontiac Bonnevilles had those blocks, but who knows! Thanks for the info!
solid webbed 403 are nothing more than an urban legend but they are alot better engine then is being portrayed here properly set up the can get down the track in a big hurry. They have the bore of a big block buick with the stroke of a small block olds :laugh: :bglasses: :beer
