72 Riviera Gs Stage One?

The problem is, as stated earlier in the thread, that people call it a Stage 1 when in fact it was never called a Stage 1 Riviera (in 1972 & 1971). It could only be a GS equipped Riviera. In 1971 & 1972 the GS option package for the Riviera consisted of the "high performance 455-4 v8", specially calibrated 3-speed Turbo Hydramatic 400, heavy duty suspension, positive traction rear differential (3.42 standard), Riviera GS monogram on front fenders, H78 x15 bias-belted white wall tires. All of these are standard on the Riviera Gran Sport.

In 1973 there are now two different packages, the Stage 1 engine performance package and the GS handling package.

Riviera stage 1 performance package consisting of a modified 4-barrel 455cid V8 engine with high output, performance axle ratio, positive traction rear differential, chrome-plated air cleaner cover and specific ornamentation. A standard 2.93 positive traction rear end was standard with the Stage 1 package, but the 3.23 positive traction is optional. The modified 455 consists of a special cam, larger valves and chrome-plated air cleaner cover. Carb and distributor(1112087) were the same. The transmission has varying calibrations to match the Riviera Stage 1. Different from both the stock TH400 and the TH400 used in the Gran Sport. This Stage 1 engine is different then the Gran Sport Stage 1 455 of 1973. Besides the cam, carb. and distributor the net horsepower and torque is 10 higher for the Gran Sport. The Stage 1 heads are the only thing similar.

Riviera GS handling package is for a firm ride and handling. It came with H70-15 radial ply tires, heavy duty wheels(BTW these were standard on the Estate wagon), firmer springs and shock absorbers, rear stabilizer bar, specific body mounts, more sound insulation, and the GS ornamentation on the front fenders.

Also of all the 1971-1973 Rivieras I've documented I have only come across 1971-1972 GS equipped Rivieras. For the '73s I've run across Riviera equipped with both GS option package and Stage 1 option package or just one of the two. The could be purchased seperately or together in other words if that sounded confusing.

 

My 72' GS riviera has the original chrome air filter and the "W" code. Does anyone know how many of these were produced?

 

2,171 Rivieras had the GS option in 1972

 

I have a 72 GS Riv close by with original drivetrain. Does anyone need any numbers from the carb/distrib.?

 

John no special trip but having that info would help to further nail down they were not the same as A body stage ones that year,

 

My 72 riv GS has an A body...

 

What did you do with the E body?

 

Jim and Adam are funnun' with you, but I guess you don't know what an "A body, b body, etc" are.
"A body" cars are intermediates, like Skylark, Chevelle, Cutlass, etc
B body cars are the entry level full size, i.e. Le Sabre, Catalina, 88
C bodies are the "bigger" big cars--Electra, Bonneville, 98
E bodies are the 2 door "personal luxury" cars--Riveria, Eldorado, Toronado

 

Wow- I feel like an idot... Sorry you guys, I won't waist your time anymore... I wish I knew as much as you guys did. I won't ask anymore questions... Again, sorry.

 

You aren't wasting anyones time. It seems like they are busting your butt,but actually they are just trying to lighten things up. Please don't take it to be a personal attack or anything like that. There is no bad questions to ask.You asked legitimate questions and the only way to get more knowledgeable is indeed to ask. How about posting a pic or two of your ride?? Give us a description of your car and tell us the story about it.

 

Blacktop, Adam and Pat said it well, this is the place to learn, its all in good nature. I looked at a 73 Stage 1 Riv the other day and I am 90% sure it was original. It had an XA block, a BT trans, and a 7023240 carb. Didnt get the dist number. That pretty much convinced me that the 73 GS Stage 1 is not an actual Stage 1 engine, which before then I thought that it was. Learn something every day.:TU: Mike

 

Buick was kind of loose with the term Stage-1 and their cam specs. That's the problem. Trust me, trying to tell a guy with his original 73 Riv GS Stage-1, that it's not a "real" Stage-1, is like taking to a fire hydrant. You'll never convince him otherwise.

I notice on many of the big car engines that I took apart, that the larger valves (if they had them) where not polished like the other small car Stage-1 engines. Buick tech support told me they were "Centurion" valves, as noted by their unpolished finish. Don't know if I can locate the part number at this time.

I guess what I'm getting at, is that if Buick said it's a Stage-1 engine, and sold it to you, then you have a Buick Stage-1 engine, regardless of how different it was from the other "real" Stage-1 engine. Buick's fault, not ours. :grin: :grin: :grin:

EDIT: I'm talking about the 73 and 74 Rivs.....