1969 Buick Riviera 430 suggestions....

Okay, will look for numbers and will investigate alittle more.
Thanks guys....

 

it's obviously a 67 engine because it has plug wire holders integrated with the valve covers. looks like it might be a 300 to me. either wayu it's not going to be a good engine in a Riviera,

 

couldnt find no numbers, looked like valve covers were painted blue,looks red underneath. water pump is certainly blue with the numbers 30605, intake has a number of b1378708f.

 

Looks like its a 67 340 2 barrel. What a dissapointment....

---------- Post added at 11:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 PM ----------

Alittle dissapointed but its not going to stop me from taking it out and putting a 455. I found a guy with a 455 motor complete pulled out of a 71 riviera. Before purchasing, how do I know and what do I look for to make sure its a 455. Does anyone know if the 340 had a 400 trans?

 

The valve cover bolts are the best initial test, like mentioned already: (4) = 300 or 340, (5) = 400, 430, 455 (6) = 350. All of this generation Buick will have the distributor in the front. Big blocks will have their CID cast into the block on the ledge behind the intake just above the transmission bell housing. If the engine has NOT been rebuilt, there are engine identity codes stamped on the deck surface of the block that is exposed next to the oil dipstick tube. There is normally a series of 3 numerals which are not of concern for what you are doing. But there are two letters that indicate model year (first digit) and engine option (second digit). For instance SR = 1970 455 (regular), SS = 1970 455-Stage1, TR = 1971 455(regular), TS = 1971 455 Stage1, Skip U & V. W = 1972, etc. Note: that there are other second digit letters also, just ask or search when you get them. The bell housing bolt pattern for all the engines mentioned here is the same so the 340 could be bolted to the original transmission which would be a relief or have a different trans. Your generation Riviera is very particular on what will fit and will not because of the X-Frame, for instance only a short tail TH400 will fit. There was a mention about the `67 LeSabre 400 as the donor for your 340 and possible trans but I assume the LeSabre used the long tail version of the TH400. Do a search for identifying transmissions, the pans are the biggest identifier and then clean it up and get the numbers off the side of the trans just above the pan. It is quite likely that you will find a hack job to get that 340 in there. Your generation Riviera uses UNIQUE frame pads and motor mounts that are not readily available in the aftermarket. You have to find a donor car. The 455 is a good fit but there will be a few things that are different from the 430 Riviera application, the biggest being your car requires a center sump oil pan and matching pick up tube, which are available new from TA Performance. Go to TA's website and download their catalog so you can look through it. The `71 455 from the Riviera should be fine for a transplant and if not much extra $ get the trans too. It would be a TH400 LONG tail but if you can't find or already don't have a short tail, they can be converted during a rebuild. Just take things smooth and slow so you don't get too frustrated, you do have a moderate challenge ahead of you but do searches on here and ask plenty of questions. This board is the best automotive board on the internet.

 

Found these numbers on block to truly see what I got here?

 

According to a quick google search 1381621 is a '66-67 Buick 340 casting number.

Devon

 

Cool, How do I find out what trans it has? If I pick up a 455 I need to see if the trans on current motor is compatable?

 

First figure out which trans is in the car now as Dave already told you above. It may be the original TH400.

Devon

 

I don't think so. At first glance, that bell housing doesn't look like the Super Turbine 400 which I have on my 430. I think the 300-340s used the ST/TH 300s, and only 400+ engines got the ST/TH 400.

 

that is not correct, you could get a st400 in a leSeabre 400 or a sportwagon in 1967 and both had 340 engines, and i am pretty sure the leSabres in 65 and 66 came with a st400 as well behind both the 300 and 340 engines

 

This is true, but Lemmy's observation is correct. The bellhousing in the photo http://www.v8buick.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=239369&d=1349655390 is not a '67 ST400 or any other TH400 (I have one sitting under my bench).

This looks like a TH350 trans to me. Pan shape and more photos will tell us.

Devon

 

I found a great deal on this motor/trans, would this fit perfect in my 69 riviera? I want to make sure before purchasing. I appreciate everyones help with helping me indentyfing my old motor and everyones help, trully appreciated. Im new to owning a buick but Im learning fast.. (original Buick 430 complete engine and Turbo 400 trans out of my 1968 Electra). I just want my riviera to have the power she deserves.

 

Should be a perfect fit. Motor mounts could be an issue, however.

 

I'm not sure but doesn't that cat have a long tailshaft on the trans? Your riv needs a short one.

 

Not sure, that's why I'm asking first before purchasing?

---------- Post added at 09:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:27 PM ----------

It shows the riviera and Electra have the same trans, when I google searched it.

 

I believe they both have th400 transmissions, but the Electra may have a longer tailshaft.

 

Motor mounts and frame pads will be different, transmission will be long tail instead of short, oil pan will be rear sump not center sump. Other than that it is ok. Not a direct fit.

- frame pads and motor mounts are 1967-1970 Riviera exclusive - not available in aftermarket, requires donor car
- center sump oil pan (and pick up tube) is 1967-1970 Riviera exclusive (occasionally found elsewhere) - available new via TA Performance or used
- Short tail TH400 transmissions are found in 1967-1970 Riviera, 1967-1972 Big Block GS's, comparative Oldsmobile and Pontiac cars including some Firebirds and Grand Prix's. Note 1967 Buick TH400's would be with switch pitch option.

 

Sounds good, I just wanted to make sure before purchasing.
Thanks again

---------- Post added at 10:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:39 AM ----------

So would yous recommend this buy or should I keep looking, Im not trying to have a compicated swap, any suggestions?

 

If the engine/trans are from a 1969 Electra or Wildcat, I'd think it would be a clean swap. Your car has the steering box in the front of the engine compartment, right? I believe 1969 was the year that Buick revised the steering linkage for the Riviera, so your oil pan should be a rear sump (oil pan bump is in the back, previous years had it in the middle).