My wife just bought me a 1970 Buick Riviera. Only a roller at this point. I don't know hardly anything about the big cars. Obviously the car had a 455. I have several 350 Buick's in the garage and I've heard talk that swapping one in can be a challenge. Changing the shape/direction of the oil pan to clear the steering components? Anyone have any experience /advice for me? I know the preferred way to do this is to probably find a 455. I just can't see doing that considering I have plenty of parts and time. Thanks .
Although the 350 will technically fit it will have a issues with the oil pan. I really dont think there is a center sump pan for a 350. Id find a 455. Have one in my parts car that ran when tested although not well. After a tune up and carb rebuild it should be fine.
Yep, definitely worth it to find a 455. From what I remember the mounts would have to be fabbed in, there is no adjustment. And then there's the sump issue, and with that the balance of the whole car. You'll find the big cars are just as easy to work with as the small cars, and having stuffed a BBB into both, I much prefer working with the bigger cars. Besides, a well tuned 455 is a nice highway car. Keep it at 65 and that thing will surprise you in how little gas it uses.
Not to mention the 350 is underpowered for the big heavy car. Good reason Buick offered the only the 455 in the Riv. What's the rest of the car like?
The rest of the car? Frame is very good. Solid floors. All good glass. Body has some rust issues, mostly the corners of the doors and the trunk lid. Interior is about a 7.5/10. Pretty darn good for $300.
Yeah, spend the extra grand or so and put in a half decent 455. And your wife sounds like a gem, you're very lucky.