Page 1 of 8

Buick Riviera

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 12:57 pm
by Ryan from Ohio
I looked at this car this spring with my Dad for him. Guy just wanted to much for it then and my Dad just didnt have the cash.

Girlfriend wants a nicer car, was talking about spending $4K on one. At which point I object as for $4K your only getting a newer car with a TON of miles.

So I went back to see if this car was there, which it was. Guys moving out so i got lucky.

$500 for the car. Need a new motor, which I found a 3800 w/36K on it for $800. Or I found a 3800 Super Charged motor for $350 in Columbus Ohio...


Hmmm decisions....

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 1:03 pm
by cargodz
Wow is that thing in nice shape! Like I told ya's on the phone... If you can get the 3.8 supercharged with the computer I would definitely go that route.

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 3:19 pm
by Bwcad1
make sure you get the computer and is possible the trans.

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 4:07 pm
by MobileAudio219
And the engine wiring harness, I'm sure it's different.

The downside to the supercharged engine is it's probably been beat on, but if I'm putting a used engine into a car I'm going to tear it apart, inspect it, replace out of spec components, and go back with new gaskets...

Whats wrong with the current motor? Probably a headgasket/intake gasket which probably lead to a spun bearing????

You can have the crank cut, cyl honed, buy new bearings and rings, and have the heads resurfaced, and buy a new oil pump for less than most junk yard motors.... AND THEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU TRUELY HAVE!!!!!

I'd spend a few hundred extra now and go thru whatever engine you put in now, rather than having to worry about "what if" later...

I'm in the same boat as you, look for my post....

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 5:07 pm
by sinister audio
If the motor is locked up it might be just the air plenum, they had a problem with them and they would leak coolant down on top of the motor and lock the motor up because all the coolant on top of the piston. Easy fix if thats whats wrong and fairly cheap ~$300 if you do it yourself or less. or if it has a knock that sounds like a broken rod it might be the harmonic balancer. The rubber goes bad in them and its bang back and forth. thats an easier and cheaper fix. I would deffintly buy it even if it has a bad motor. They are very nice cars way better than a caddy.

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 6:48 pm
by Bwcad1
yea if you get the doorman intake it has a metal bushing that stops the gasket issue.

Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2008 7:23 pm
by Ryan from Ohio
Nah its not the gasket. He had that replaced with a brand new one then the issue happened.

It was some sort of knock? He has the current engine somewhat tore apart- was checking for bent rods. All are straight.

Justin,

My dad told me to rebuild that motor but Im against it. Its about $140 for a gasket kit then all the other parts/time. I found a motor for $800 with under 40K on it out of a 2003 impala. So Im just gonna drop it right in :D

Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 8:48 am
by Ryan from Ohio
Hey Mike Im going to get the tire size and we gotta talk rims...

And tint...

She wants to roll proper... lolz

Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:57 am
by cargodz
Well I can definitely hook you up with some new shoes for the Rivy, but it'll mean road trip to Terry's for tint.

Edit: By the way... The stock rims should be 16", but my plus sizing guide tells me we can go up to 20"s with no mods ;)

Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2008 2:55 pm
by MobileAudio219
Ryan from Ohio wrote:Nah its not the gasket. He had that replaced with a brand new one then the issue happened.
It was some sort of knock? He has the current engine somewhat tore apart- was checking for bent rods. All are straight.
Justin,
My dad told me to rebuild that motor but Im against it. Its about $140 for a gasket kit then all the other parts/time. I found a motor for $800 with under 40K on it out of a 2003 impala. So Im just gonna drop it right in :D
That sounds like a decent deal. I'd still replace the rear main seal, its not very expensive and it'll be right there.

I'm going to try and change the lower intake gasket on mine (pretty sure thats what it is), but theres a chance that the coolant in the oil did some damage to the crank/bearings...

If thats the case, I'm probably just going to rebuild the one I have..