1972 BUICK GS STAGE1 20,703 MILES

[Guest sousacycles]

Just bought this nice car in storage since 1989 in collection .Been detailing cars truck since 1974 had shop 20 just buffed this out has had 1 repaint mid 80's  from what i was told ordered car with edelbrock b4b  intake was in truck dealer put on car notice has 71-2 gto dual snorkel air cleaner car would not fit stock one on it ?? i was told ....funny tires build date 1993  thanks joe central ca 

[RivNut]

If your car came from the factory with the B4B, it's the only one. Have you checked the stamping (not castings) numbers on the block to confirm the Stage 1 option?

[Rivman]

To find the engine stamping as Ed suggests you look between the back two plugs on the driver’s side of the engine. The picture below shows what my ’72 GS has stamped onto the block, WA. If it is a Stage I it would have a WS stamped on the block. I don’t believe the Stage I was an option for the ’72 Riviera?

 

 

Here are the codes and VIN number info for ’72 Buicks from the Buicks.net website …

 

On models from 1972 through 80, the fifth character of the VIN provides engine identification. This character appears on the dash VIN plate, but not on the engine itself.

YEAR	ENGINE	TYPE	CODE	VIN
1972	V-8 350	2bbl	WC	H
	V-8 350	4bbl single exhaust	WB	J
	V-8 350	4bbl dual exhaust	WB	K
	V-8 455	4bbl single exhaust	WF	T
	V-8 455	4bbl dual exhaust	WF	U
	V-8 455	4bbl, Stage I	WS	V
	V-8 455	4bbl	WA	W Riv GS

 

Riv looks very nice, a few changes to it, but nicely done.

[Smartin]

There were no Stage1 Rivs in 71 or 72.  There was a GS engine specifically for the Riv GS and Centurion for those who chose that option.  The engine code would be WA.  No WS blocks in Rivs.

 

And you wouldn't have been able to order a B4B from the factory.  There was an over-the-counter Stage2 package available, but the factory would not install it.  This package included a B4B.  It is remotely possible that someone might have ordered just the B4B and the dealer installed it.  Without proper documentation, it is just another aftermarket intake that someone tossed on in their garage 25 years ago.

[Brad Conley]

And to add to Adam's comments, there really was no performance increase from a B4B manifold other than the weight saving over an iron intake.

[billbuickgs]

I think the tow package in 71 and 72 on the full size cars included the Stage 1 engine  ??????????????????

Bill

[Brad Conley]

1 hour ago, billbuickgs said:

I think the tow package in 71 and 72 on the full size cars included the Stage 1 engine  ??????????????????

Bill

 

Don't believe so, Bill.  Tow package was mainly suspension, gears, cooling type stuff.

 

[cjp69]

I saw that one for sale on Craigslist back a couple of months ago, looked like a nice car. 

[Baker1]

I am the new owner of this Buick Riviera. I did not have time to enjoy the ride. I did it only 300 miles and the engine got off. A case? I need to do the main overhaul of the engine.

 

[JohnD1956]

37 minutes ago, Baker1 said:

I am the new owner of this Buick Riviera. I did not have time to enjoy the ride. I did it only 300 miles and the engine got off. A case? I need to do the main overhaul of the engine.

 

Maybe something was lost in translation.  Can you describe what happened to the engine?  Are you just looking at a coolant leak and assuming it needs a complete overhaul? 

[Baker1]

Thanks for the answer. The engine is already dismantled, the crankshaft on the crankshaft has turned. There is a problem with two cylinders

[Brad Conley]

Sounds like a spun rod and/or main bearing.  Sorry this happened Baker1.