A friend of mine in NC has another guys 71 Riviera GS for a bit Is the 455 a Stage1? Transmission? did it come with a posi rear or gear ratio that would be desireable? what are the pieces to look for on this car that would make it "special" or desireable"? I assume the boat tail rear window isnt reproduced.... What about interior pieces or badging? Anyhow its just curiosity at this point. The fellow is thinking of throwing money at bodywork in the hopes of having it "be worth somehting" in the end. I would just get it running and driving, and enjoy it, but thats me. The body isnt all rotted out but it has rust. The engine"ran when parked 10 years ago" and turns free now. whats his best course? restore it? sell it whole ? part it out? fix it and drive it? Thanks for any info. I will pass it along. Hopefully if the guy decides to sell it or some pieces, I can convince him to let me post it here.
We had a 71 Riviera GS. It had 3.42 posi and big valve heads. It sat for years and the rings stuck on a couple pistons. The cam is different from other 455's. It is identified by 3 machined grooves behind the front bearing journal. The article is available on this site. Just can't remember where I found it. Transmission code was BT. I have it apart and plan on putting it back together this fall and put it in my 95 full size short bed pick up. The Riv was too far gone to be fixed. Hope this helps some.
Interior stuff is hit and miss. Some is repro'd other stuff isn't. The back window is not. It's hard to find. But Not expensive. I picked up two full sets of glass minus windshields last month for $150. The GS 455 had a couple of upgrades to make a little more power. It's nothing earth shattering, the standard 455 is plenty. No difference in the tranny. 3.42 posi. (as opposed to 2.93 open) Badges are available. Body panels aren't. Floors are. There is no point in fixing to flip these cars. You'll never get your money back. Fix it to drive it, just drive it, or sell it.
If he's hoping for it to be "worth something", he's better off choosing another car. I'm in the middle of restoring one myself, and have gotten a love it or hate it response from everyone that is helping me.
Did you guys check out the Boattail Registry ?? TONS of info there . Rob is on top of 71-73 Boattails.
Lou has your best answer if you want to know about boattails come see the registry - http://www.boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/ NO its NOT a stage1 The engine is a Riviera GS 455 330 hp - a true Riviera GS, (you have verify engine VIN and code -lots with chrome airc leaner lids and GS emblems) Does have the same heads and larger valves like stage1- for those who say swirl polished in stage1 there are GM documents from 71 that show they were not. Like has been mentioned the cam is different from stage 1 or regular a riviera 455. complete details for differences between each of the engines (including the stgae1 down to part numbers and id is in one of the Rivin it Updqate newsletters - another spells out Qjets - A regular Riviera 455 is same A body GS 455 315 hp. Trans in a riviera GS is BT code. again verify VIN Riviera GS came with the 3.34 posi - but that could be ordered in any Riviera. The registry has decode guide - full option availability and pricing - option production numbers - codes - assembly manuals - chassis - all kind of spec and sales books available free for those who register their boattail. Much of the same type is available for other models to those who contribute to the ALL Buicks Libraries - you can browse and see waht books are there and in the works at http://buick-libraries.boattail-riviera-by-buick.com/ Gas tanks for 71/72 are unique and hard to find a good one - 73 is common to others and be bought new. Full body panels not available lower front and rear patches full floor and trunk have just become availble in that couple of years. interior parts - only hard lower door covers are being produced - other common GM things are available - seat covers from places like OPGI are really poor quality fit you can see it thier pictures - usually better and cheaper to have them done by a good upholstery shop. his best bet is up to him - and i wouldn't give an opinion on a car i haven't seen, dont have any details on to a forth party. - they are more expensive to restore, correctly and many have been done badly by flippers.
The rear windows aren't repoped but no need. I and others I know have had to scrap them because demand is so low. Need more detail on condition, purchase price, options, chrome condition, and how much labor can be done by your friend before offering advice. The 71 GS is a desirable car as far as Rivs are concerned due to the special TA coded higher HP engine. A #1 condition premium example in a desirable color with a bucket floor shift interior will fetch around $20k give or take a few k. As mentioned its a tall task to restore one with hopes of making a profit. You have to do 75% or more of the labor yourself and that's if you start with a decent car that don't need a lot.
Hello, I have a Buick Riviera GS 1971 from which the original engine is missing... So I am on a search for a long-block with matching casting numbers... Block casting: 1231738 or 1238861 with 455 besides it.. Between the front left 1st and 2th spark plug there should be the letters TA... And if possible with intake manifold and exhaust manifolds... Intake casting: 1236403 / 455 Exhaust casting: right 1238094 left 1233451 And I am also looking for a dashboard... Would be awesome if you could helpe me with or know any salvage yard thats worth trying? Kind regards, Michael
