In 73 and 74 Riviera, the GS package denoted the handling package which included the sway bars and such. The Stage 1 option gave it a modified big valve engine with a Stage 1 cam although it was a milder version than the A body cars. The Stage 1 package also included the 3:23 posi in 74 and I am thinking it was a 3:42 in 73. My guess is that the W engine in this B body would also mean it had a 3:23 posi. Not for sure on that but seems logical if it were the same deal as the 'big car" Rivs of that year. I have had at least 5 -- 74 Rivs over the years, a plain Riv, several Riv GS's ( sway bars ) a Riv GS Stage 1 ( chrome air cleaner lid, 3:23 posi, sway bars ) and a non GS Stage 1 Riv ( no sway bars but 3:23 posi, chrome air cleaner lid, etc. I might add that the 73 and 74 Rivs w/ Stage 1 option had the grille emblem and a Stage 1 air cleaner lid decal. Guess I'm the 74 Riv expert as I've had them in almost all configurations!
JC The Hi Po cam in this car was a different GM part number and a different grind than an L -75 engine. I think that you will agree these Hi Po engines do not have a ...246 carb or a ....2016 distributor. So the definition of stage one we could say changed over the years and was used to mean differnt things for big versus intermediate body styles. In 74 or 73 the GS cars kept the L 75 engines while some big cars got the L-76.
Agreed. No special carbs and actually, the Stage 1 engine came with HEI in 74 and was an option on the std 455. No 016s here!
Well, I just got my '74 sales lit, etc, and in the 74 Buick Book, they list the Rivi AND Electra as being available with the Stage 1 engine. The shop manual lists the V and W codes as different "Stage 1" engines. Dan
John, I have never been a big fan of the larger body Buicks but that Wildcat is one fantastic looking car... I wonder what it will end at??? whoever buys it will surely enjoy driving that car around town on thoughs sunny afternoons
