I'm new here and I have some question 1) 4y87w24905508 is this a gs stage 1 ? 2) I hear a (tip, tip tip) is that a exhaust leak ? 3)TA shorty header is worth the price? 4) what is the best first modification to do? Thaks alot
Welcome to the board Mathieu :TU: That W code in your VIN is for the Stage 1 455, so if this car still has the original engine, look for the WS engine code on the block (front of right cylinder bank) Try to block each of your exhausts (motor running) by holding a rag to the back tip , there should be pressure building up, or you hear the exhaust leaking. If you hear this tip-tip-tip at the exhaust manifold, let the engine run and feel with your hand if there are exhaust fumes blowing away. Best modification (simple) is to buy an aftermarket ignition system, or a rebuild HEI with parts sorted out for your engine specification. 4 Y 87 W 2 4 905508 4 = Buick Y = Riviera 87 = 2 drs HT coupe W = 455 CI Stage 1 2 = Modelyear 1972 4 = That should be an H for Flint, Michigan factory 905508 = Flint production code for modelyear 1972 (I think that first 9 is a 1, because production started with 100 001....)
Forgive me if I am wrong, but I believe the Stage1 package wasn't offered until 73 in the Riv's. So, instead of the motor being a full-blooded Stage1, it is a stock motor with Stage1 heads on it. The Rive GS motor was stamped WA (?) which was the optional "Hi Performance RIV GS engine" Again, I could be wrong, but this is how I am remembering it.
:bglasses: welcome to the board...... how about some more pix of your Riv :shock: :bglasses: :bglasses: :3gears: :TU:
Shortys should work just fine with your car! If you decide to use full length headers, be ready to do some mods to the collector areas.
The engine your Riv GS came with from Buick would have been with the Stage 1 heads, but a different cam than an A body Stage 1. Buick called it a high performance 455, not a Stage 1. Thats in 1972. The car would also have the elusive 3.42 positraction rear end.
