85 riv conv turbo info

[jimmym]

Looking for some info: does anyone know the # of this model left?
where can I get the engine specs, should be the same as a 85 t-type i am told. if some one has this in a downloadable file it would be great. Also what can be done on the outside of the motor for a horsepower increase.

 

[TRiv]

Can not say how many t-Riv turbo hardtops or convertibles are left, no one probably knows. There is little information available on either type and the totals produced figures vary somewhat, although they are very few, about 1000 hardtop and 400 convertible for 85, of course I am only stating this from websites found. Since their not like GTO Judge or Hemi convertibles in collector car land no one is probably keeping track. They are very unique cars though and make for a classy street sleeper, and the engine is the same as the t-type and grand nationals of 1985, 200 horsepower per the 1985 Buick brocure. The big difference is the way turbo is positioned and clocked, back further than regal and that U shaped tube turbo to manifold, also the th325-4l trans and 8 inch differential. The prom chip is different too, special to the Riviera because of the extra weight and accessories. I am 6 months new to the turbo Buick engine, just bought front half of an 85 t- Riv from junkyard to use as a mid engine set up in a custom project, then bought 85 t-type Riv on e-bay to test and cruise with. I have learned a lot from getting the front half to run, the Buick service manual, this website (read all forums) and others. The information on performance mods to t-Rivs is almost non-existant although there are a few. I have not done any performance mods yet, the front half is'nt drivable right now and the t-Riv is'nt here yet! We can do what ever the hot air guys are doing with a few unique concerns, the trans, diff and axles are the weak links, the prom, turbo location and of course the extra weight! If you can, look up " t-type turbo riviera" on GOOGLE for best results, there are a few sites with information but you have to look around. I'll be interested in swaping info just have to experiment first! Do you have a convertible?

 

[jimmym]

85 riv conv.

Yes its a conv. there were 47 turbo riv conv made that year. I have asked rivowners.org for info but havent heard anything back yet. thanks for the info, and will stay in touch.

 

[TRiv]

Cool on the convertible Must be white or firemist with burgandy interior, surprisingly for the so few made for both 84-85 EFI turbos, a few have been recently on e- bay,was going to bid on one but need to spend the money on the project with the t-Riv drivetrain. Will be doing the typical hot air mods as seen on this forum to the project including intercooler. Like I mentioned previous post that the trans, diff, and axles will be the weak link. Check out this car on the turbo regal site http://www.gnttype.org/carofthemonth/archive/1thru30/sub22/comdetails1.html Would like to talk to this guy about mods and performance, plan to experiment with the coming T-type Riv soon. Will keep in touch, not a lot of people to exchange experience with t-Rivs, of course this site will help with the motor. Oh the project looks similar to a Ferrari F-50 but not a copy, mid engine with the T-riv drivetrain mounted 180 ( backwards ) in car! Body and frame are there, at least it looks like a car, target weight 2700-3000 lbs. This is no Fiero or kit , just a fun engineering project. Good luck with the convertible, will be interested to share info

 

[afresh]

I am good friends with the owner of the 84 Riv TType that was car of the month on GNTType.org. If you have any questions you can direct them to me or email him, he is a member of the board just not real active. I have helped him quite a bit with this car. If you have any questions let me know.

Andrew Fresh