Ok fellas, I am new here, but will be taking off soon to pick up a 66 Riviera GS. From the pics of the car, it has the 465 cleaner, so I am assuming that's the engine I am getting (425). Yes I am excited, but we'll see what we shall see-once I meet her. If it's a nailhead, what can I expect to have to do to get it running smooth? I understand it gets started once in a while, but that it's been a few years since it was run regularly. The owner says I should have no problem running it to Chicago from the middle of Ohio. Sure hope so-I don't have a trailer. I am not talkin about modding or anything, just tuning! Can ya'll tell me if this page is worthwhile-paying special attention to the last couple paragraphs-I want to wring as much MPG out of her that I can of course! I understand that's not the Riviera's strong suit, but I live in Chicago, so I (just like everyone else) pay top dollar for the go juice! link to page on timing engine I like the writer's style, and no-nensense attitude. Also, if anyone has specific experience with the 66 Riv's transmission, I will have to do something to that too, and would like some advice. Specifically he says the thing leaks a bit from the "main seal" (I know that may not be the name for it for the trans, but I am pretty green-it's the underside) he seems to think this trans is pretty simple to fix in this area. Partly because you don't have to move anything to get at the seals. He said you can pop a cover and replace it? NOt sure if it's a Dyna, TH or what? Looking forward to wasting lots of time on this board! I already HAVE! Thanks! names Chris, glad to meet ya.
Well Chris: The 425 was the only engine available for the 1966 model year Riviera, and that transmission is the Turbine 400. Does your GS have the dual quad option ? For some reason the twin carburators don't effect the torque rating, so both engines have 465 on the air cleaner. Just pull the air cleaner lid and you'll find out. I think I added some scans on this board about road tests for the 66 Riviera, let me search for them and I'll place them in this topic for you. <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS1.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS2.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS3.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS4.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS5.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS6.jpg"> And: <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv1.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv2.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv3.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv4.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv5.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/66Riv6.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS7.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS8.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS9.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/BuickScans/1966RivGS10.jpg"> And: <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Scans/RivToro1.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Scans/RivToro2.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Scans/RivToro3.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Scans/RivToro4.jpg"> <img src="http://img8.photobucket.com/albums/v23/Buickclubholland/Scans/RivToro.jpg">
Sounds like a kool kar!! It probably shouldn't be hard getting it back into proper tuning order, i've heard of nailheads being started up after a few years of not running like they never missed a beat!! As far as gas mileage, its a pig, then again I live in Southern WI (where gas prices vary from high to way too high) and while the gas mileage sucks on both my 74 Apollo and 67 LeSabre, both are a thrill to drive so it isn't that bad (as compared to my 87 Caprice which sucks down gas and isn't fun to drive, but cozy as a cadillac). The tranny in the Riviera GS is a switch pitch Turbo 400 trans, I believe, which is a really cool transmission (some guys use the switch pitch turbo 400 on their drag cars). There is a whole section of the forum on Nailhead engines called "Da Nailhead", if ya post there with questions about nailheads I'm sure someone should help ya. Good Luck with it Chris :beer Patrick
Thanks Erik-a niiiice welcome. A lot of info, and great pictures. THanks Patrick too. Like I said, I will likely spend lots of time on this board. You may be surprised how much one can read about jack stands or bushings! I am not sure about some of your questions, I won an Ebay auction, and have to get to Ohio to see the dam thing. (I am buying, I don't mean I'm not, just haven't actually seen it yet, except pictures). Some things I learned about the 66 Rivi that seems to conflict with both of your posts: I beleive switch-pitch trans were only 64-65? (maybe it's 65-66, not sure) Believe me, I WISH it was switch pitch! And I think the stock engine for 66 was the 425 that had the 465 Wildcat air cleaner, but the option engine for Riv's in 66 was a Super Wildcat, which had a few more CID? The air cleaner for that I think just says Super Wildcat. I got some of this info at www.Buicks.net Thanks again I'll see you guys around
Wish granted:laugh: you have the hot set-up 425 with the (swith pitch) SP400 tranny. Go buy a new set of rear tires you're gonna need them. :3gears:
