Buick Riviera 1969 engine information?

[Scuff]

Hello Guys.

Hope someone can help, I’m from the UK and I’ve just purchased a Riviera (custom) not standard unfortunately,  previously I owned an Electra 225 but this Riviera is a bit of a mix up.

What I’m looking for is details on spark plug gap settings, and what oil is probably best for me to use? Plus an advise you can give me. The car as I say is customised and is fitted with a 7.0L big block (400bhp) that’s all I know,? not having anyone to help me this is a bit of a mine field for me. I’m slowly finding my way around the car and it’s alterations, when you’ve stopped scratching your heads at the small amount of information I’ve given I would really appreciate any knowledge you share with me.

Thank you guys.

Scuff.

Edited January 4, 2018 by Scuff (see edit history)

[Pat Curran]

The car was originally equipped from the factory with a 430 cubic inch V8 rated at 360 gross horsepower.  It was fitted with a 4 barrel carb and dual exhaust.  The TH400 3 speed automatic transmission was also standard equipment.  Not sure if yours has been bored or not but obviously some modifications have been made to produce 400 horsepower.  I don't have my shop manual handy so not sure about gap settings but 10W-30 oil always worked well in my stock engine.

The 430 is a reliable motor with routine maintenance.  Looking at your picture, the engine in your car is still a Buick unit at heart based on the distributor mounted in the front of the engine.  Most GM engines had them mounted in the back but not this generation of Buick.  

[Scuff]

Thank you so much.. your information is very much appreciated...

scuff..

[RivNut]

1 hour ago, Scuff said:

Hello Guys.

Hope someone can help, I’m from the UK and I’ve just purchased a Riviera (custom) not standard unfortunately,  previously I owned an Electra 225 but this Riviera is a bit of a mix up.

What I’m looking for is details on spark plug gap settings, and what oil is probably best for me to use? Plus an advise you can give me. The car as I say is customised and is fitted with a 7.0L big block (400bhp) that’s all I know,? not having anyone to help me this is a bit of a mine field for me. I’m slowly finding my way around the car and it’s alterations, when you’ve stopped scratching your heads at the small amount of information I’ve given I would really appreciate any knowledge you share with me.

Thank you guys.

Scuff.

7 liters is 430 cubic inches.  That's a stock displacement engine for 1969.  My question is this.  Who/what says that it's a 400 hp engine?  The factory rating was 360 hp but unlike today's ratings, that's 360 hp at the flywheel, not at the rear tires.  Can you tell what modifications to the engine, if any, have been made?

 

 It doesn't appear that too many major modifications have been made to it to make it a custom so if you're wanting to go back to original, it shouldn't be too hard. But, it's a very nice looking car as it sits.  

 

 

[68RIVGS]

If you do a search for tune up specifications for a 430  engine it will give you the specs your after.

Not sure what year 225 you had, but the 430 engine was also common to '67-'69 Electra in addition to Riviera.

Recommended plug gap .030", point gap .016", dwell 30 degrees, timing 0 degrees or TDC, engine idle in drive 550 rpm

Your car has an MSD electronic ignition system, so stock 430 tune up specs may not apply.

[Scuff]

Hi,

Thank you guys for taking the time to reply and for your valuable information.

My Electra 225 was a 1966.

The guy I bought this Riviera from is not the person who done all the work to it, the owner before had. It’s also had a 3 speed auto box with B&M shifter and a (LSD) limited slip diff. I think any work to increase hp has been done to engine internally. The guy had run it on a 1/4 mile drag strip (not that I wanted to hear that) my views are an old lady needs to be treated with respect!

I must admit it fly’s when I need it..lol..

Anyway guys your time and information is very much appreciated!..

Scuff..