Good day, I am new here and appreciate the add. I recently purchased a 69 Rivera a few months back. Car was sitting for almost a year. Previous owner said his uncle had engine rebuilt about 8 years ago. Engine runs good but I can hear a rod knock during a cold start and has a loud snapping sound above 50 mph. I recently had to replace timing cover gasket. Engine had a double roller chain set up but had it had severe slop. I feel pretty confident this engine has a whole lotta ware. I was ready to rebuild the 430 but after reading post after post. I see very little info for the 430 and a bunch on the 455. It seems to me the 455 is a better bet with the TA timing cover upgrade. First off, I am not looking to hot rod this Rivi. I want a cruiser but want to be able to push hard if needed. My plan is to install a 1972 reman 455 Buick road master engine with hydraulic lifters. It would be prudent of me to install a TA timing cover. Now, This is where I have a few questions. 1. Will my original 430 oil pan fit on the 455 2. what intake will work well with F.I I do plan to continue to use my old carb after engine install. My F.I set up will come later but want to make sure the intake manifold I choose will work well for both applications.
It will all fit,just that with the oil pan,the pickup tube has to go with it.Now you will have oiling trough the push rods,so you will only change the oil pan and pickup tube,every thing also stay's with the 455.Bruno.
the 400-430-455 engines all use the same block. the difference is the cylinder bore. Oil pan, is the same, but Riviera may use a center sump pan, it will bolt on to the 455 along with the pick up. Remanufactured engine? Be careful where you get the engine. Not every machine shop knows how to build a Buick engine. Fuel injection? Depends on whether you want a throttle body system, or port fuel injection. Most of the throttle body systems are square bore, so Edelbrock Performer/B4B with a square bore opening will work.
I'm open to suggestions for a Buick reman engine, if you have one let me know. I plan to used t/body injection. Been looking at the Sniper set up.
Post your location and someone may be able to recommend a machine shop to rebuild an engine. If you are going to use a rebuilder that offers long blocks of various makes, know that they may not use the best components. Personally, I wouldn't do that. I understand budget considerations and all, but it is better to do things once right and pay more, than to have to do the same thing several times.
Good, then wait for someone to recommend a machine shop in your area that is familiar with Buick engines. If it was me, I would make sure that 430 is really shot before condemning it. Measure hot oil pressure, and engine vacuum. Look at the spark plugs for evidence of oil burning. If you can, get the 430 running right and then take your time building a 455. There are a couple of stroking options, and you can build a 470 or 482 at a reasonable cost.
Oil pressure at cold start goes to about 50 psi, hot idle at 18 to 20 psi, cruise at 60 psi. It actually runs great after the timing chain install. I previously replaced distributor cap, plugs with new wires (came with electric pick up). I know I should't guess but If engine was already rebuilt, seems to me it may not have enough metal after service..... I am just assuming here.
Sounds pretty healthy to me. Why do you think it needs a rebuild? Trying to fix something that isn't broken? What does the body and interior look like? Assumption is the mother of all screw ups.
LOL ,, It certainly is !! I could live with the cold start knock but the loud snap noise I hear above 50 mph is so loud. I actually removed the valve covers but didn't see any abnormalities. Car is quiet clean but does need some body work and paint. It's a very complete car. I plan to keep her. I plan to keep 430 as is and slowly build a 455. I hope to have 455 ready by the end of this year. It will be a good winter project......
I have to agree with Larry. Keep the 430 running good and work on a 455 in the meantime. There is nothing worse then having your Rivy out of service for 2+years while you scramble to get a 455 finished. That will give you time to research how you want to build it.
If you think you have a rod knock, cut open the oil filter with a cutter not a saw.....saw will.make a lot of shavings.....look for metal. You could have a loose torque converter or flex plate. They will make a nouse ar rpm. You said you had vcovers off, was the motor running when you looked. Rocker wear is common.....but if the motor stopped with the cam in a lifting potion it would show no slack. You either have to listen when running, or roll the motor over till every cylinder is tdc compression and then check the rockers for that cylinder. Buick rebuild cam run some money so double everything well first b4 dropping coin
When I had valve covers off I could see a little glitter (copper look). Dang, I totally forgot to place each cylinder on tdc and then recheck rocker/push rod movement. One thing I can tell you is this strange thing that happens. So, I'm cruising down the freeway around 70 mph. Every time I cross over a bridge and begin to descend. The loud snap noise goes away !! Noise returns when I am back on level ground. Oil pressure stays at 60 psi during the whole time
The "snap" noise may be external to the engine. Loose TC bolts? Also, I think "snap" is an odd sound, you can post a video if you want so we can hear it. Also, I think a knock at cold that goes away could be piston slap. Not a big deal as long as it goes away when warmed up. As Larry said, don't assume!
You’re not far from Phoenix, there are a few places that can help you out with a rebuild. And as papa always said assume the worst and hope for the best...
Do you hear the snap when sitting still and the engine revved up? If not it could have something to do with the movement of the car. If you go with a 455 and use your pan you should probably find a 5/8ths pickup tube and get rid of the 1/2" 430 pickup. Good luck Bob H.
