'88 Fox with a 403ci engine - ????

[SouthFL]

I'm looking into buying an '88 LX with a 403ci engine (owner says it's a 400 bored to 403). He claims it makes 500hp, says he has the dyno sheets to prove it. Does anyone here know anything about this type of engine? I'm well schooled in ls1 engines, but don't know jack about 400ci Ford engines. I imagine it's much more of a grunter than a screamer (the opposite of an ls1). I asked if he knew any specs on the internals and all he said is that "it's a crate engine from Cali," so I have no idea on the heads/cam setup.
Sorry if this is the wrong forum to post this question up in. Mods please move accordingly. Thanks.

Here's some pics of the engine in question.
View attachment 510802
View attachment 510807

 

[bluevenom867]

Well,thats no 400 for sure.Looks like a 351W.

 

[SouthFL]

Wasn't there also a 400W made?

Edit: or was that a 400 clev.?

 

[bluevenom867]

The 400M motor that Ford made was a modified Cleveland desing,it was use mostly in truck and such.

And that is not a a 400M.

 

[bluevenom867]

No,no 400"W".Only a 400"M",and the M was just for "Modifed".

Really,the 400M was a tall deck Cleveland,that had a big stroke.

 

[SouthFL]

The 400M motor that Ford made was a modified Cleveland desing,it was use mostly in truck and such.

And that is not a a 400M.

Ah, yes. So, I guess this guy's info doesn't jive. The car is for sale in your neck of the woods by the way (Tampa).

 

[bluevenom867]

You are obiviously new to Ford motors.Just buy looking at it you can tell thats a Windsor configueration motor.

I think its a 351W.

 

[SouthFL]

You are obiviously new to Ford motors.Just buy looking at it you can tell thats a Windsor configueration motor.

I think its a 351W.

As stated, I'm a total Newb to Ford engines. Thanks for the help!

 

[bluevenom867]

A 351W is much better than a 400M in my opinion.

I think he means thats its "stroked" to a 403,but I have never quite head of this displacement.

That would be a 351W with a 4" stroke and bored .010 over?

 

[bluevenom867]

Were you see it?

Was it in the paper or auto trader,or what?

 

[mackey]

Ask for the dyno sheets. If it makes 500hp take it.

 

[SouthFL]

A 351W is much better than a 400M in my opinion.

I think he means thats its "stroked" to a 403,but I have never quite head of this displacement.

That would be a 351W with a 4" stroke and bored .010 over?

The seller says simply "it's a 400 bored to 403".
I found this odd, as 403ci is not commonly spoken of.
He honestly doesn't sound like he knows what he's talking about, as when I asked about the suspension setup he simply responded "it's got all kinds of stuff". The most info I got is that it has 3.73's out back. The rest is all spotty info. He bought it 3 months ago from a gearhead. I guess I'll pass on this one.

 

[SouthFL]

This engine is either a diamond in the rough or a total POS. Hehe.

 

[bluevenom867]

I dont know,500hp isnt exactly a piece of cake to make.You got to have some decent parts.

Looks like it has a Performer RPM intake w/ EGR?

And that should a a Holley 750DP.

 

[bluevenom867]

How much is he asking anyways?

 

[tjm73]

A stock 4.00" bore 351W with a 4.00" crank is 401.92 cubic inches....or it's a 402.

4.010" = 403.932
4.020" = 405.949
4.030" = 407.971
4.040" = 409.999
4.050" = 412.031
4.060" = 414.068

 

[bluevenom867]

A stock 4.00" bore 351W with a 4.00" crank is 401.92 cubic inches....or it's a 402.

4.010" = 403.932
4.020" = 405.949
4.030" = 407.971
4.040" = 409.999
4.050" = 412.031
4.060" = 414.068

I think we have already established that the seller is an idiot or is trying to rip him off.

 

[kornchild4life]

if the guy got it 3 months ago and looking to sell it away stay away!! That motor doesnt look like 400m

 

[bluevenom867]

Look at that dyno sheet.

 

[SouthFL]

How much is he asking anyways?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...d=1,1&item=4558057907&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT

I'd clean up the interior a bit and repaint it if I'd get it.