Hi all, I own a 1971 Buick Riviera GS and I just found this forum. Looks like a great resource! I was wondering if anyone could clue me in on some odd things in my 71 Riv. Basically it seems to be a GS with some Stage 1 parts as well. Here's the deal: - It is definitely a GS block. It has the TA engine code. I believe numbers match though I don't have the engine code handy right now to doublecheck. - It has a Stage 1 carb. I was just monkeying with the carb today and saw it is a Rochester 7041242. - It has a chrome air cleaner lid and chrome valve covers. However the chrome lid has a "Stage 1" decal on it. That's about it. I want to check distributor part number also. Where is the part number located on these distributors? Anyone heard of such a combination of Stage 1 carb, chrome valve covers, and decal on a 71 Riviera GS? I'm wondering if this was some sort of special factory option or if someone just added some Stage 1 parts somewhere along the line... Thanks! Carl
I just pulled a set of stage 1 heads from a 71 Riv GS. also has a 3.42 posi and a few other goodies.. most GS Rivs had stage 1 heads. I have pulled the heads of 4 different 71-72 GS Rivieras and all had stage 1 heads. also got a set of heads from a 71 centurion and they were stage 1.
Welcome to the Board Carl! :beer There was no Stage 1 option for the Riviera in '71. The decal, valve covers, and carb were added by someone. I don't think anyone has found any evidence of dealers offering special packages for the Riv's yet! The carb is for a 1971 Stage 1 automatic. The numbers can be found on the distributor at the widest point, like where the bottom of the cap meets the housing. The chrome air cleaner lid is standard for the Riviera GS. Here is something I wrote a little while back: 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.
OK thanks, I figured as much, though I was hopeful I had some interesting option or something. Guess not. I'll post some pics as soon as I get to 10 posts... won't let me post links until then!
Cool car you have - if its a nice piece and you plan on keeping it all together thats great but I just wanted to point out ... ...that if it doesn't matter to you, the carb (and distrib if its Stage1) are worth a considerable chunk of change :Brow: just something for you to think about Welcome to V8 BUICK !! :beers2:
I figured these Stage 1 parts probably go for a pretty penny. Hey actually one other question - the chrome valve covers have rubber-type spark plug wire holders that fit into the bolts. Mine are mostly broken... know where I can get replacements?
The HP versions of the 455 on Rivs and Centurions post 70 did use the stage one heads but they did not use the stage 1 carbs, distibs or even the same camshaft. This remained the same when they later started to use the stage 1 name on Rivs and other models.
I removed the original #'s motor from my 70 stage 1 years ago and stored it. The current motor is from a 71 Riviera GS TA coded, had stage 1 heads, and stage1 carb. And yes, this motor came equipped as you stated above. BTW.. I have seen 10-15 examples over the years in 71-2 riviera gs's, its not coincidence
Interesting. Maybe the carb is correct, but the chrome valve covers still must have been added separately I guess... BTW I'm almost up to 10 posts and then I can post pics
I was close enough that I figured I would just post the pic myself. Anyway here's a pic of my 71 Riviera GS. For this 455 forum I really should have an engine pic. I'll take one today.
Ken that is the first time I have seen anyone with that carb find om a non A body. We kind of took a poll in some old posts. So if it has a 7041242 that would be news.
Here's a couple engine pics. It all needs to be detailed eventually. Actually much of it could just use a good cleaning. Pretty soon I'll shine up those valve covers. They are pretty grungy right now. I just replaced several vacuum lines and got it all hooked up correctly. Runs fine but idle is slightly rough and power seems a little off. Going to check ignition next. Has an exhaust manifold leak on passenger side too.
I like 71 buick cars cause the factory played a kinds of tricks with them. I was under the thinking that the TA engine had all of the stage1 parts, but did not have the swirl polished valves or the cam. This helps explain the claim that Mr. John Osbourne told me years ago. Go to NAPA and get centurion valves, they fit the TA motors. This car is set-up like my 71 gs455 was had all the S1 parts, but not the cam. Stamped t 483. no a s or r.
Every extra stage 1 carb I have is off a riviera gs stage 1. The pictures shown are exactly how Ive found them, chrome air cleaner cover, stage 1 valve covers, stage 1 carb, stage 1 heads etc. I bet I sold 6-7 stage 1 carbs in the late 80's to early 90's @ the pomona swap meet, all of which were off riviera's I dont care if a guy on the assembly line says it didn't happen.......I say BULL .... Seen to many of them
