Turbo Riviera T-Type

[turbov6joe]

I'm looking for a web site or information regarding the turbo Riviera T-Type (1986)...
I have the opportunity to buy a real straight Riv that's 100% OE with fairly low miles...and the price is right. Any information you can shed will be greatly appreciated!

 

[turbofish38]

Try here: http://www.rivowners.org/

The 86 is reffered to as the "baby Riv" as it was the first year for the newer down sized model. Not really worth a whole lot of cash reguardless of the mileage. Part of the reason is the styling, the lack of power and no performance option and the trouble plauged CRT screen. Make sure that it works perfectly or you're screwed. Replacement parts are non-existent for the 86-93 Riviera unless it was the same part used on a Park Ave or other popular model. Make sure you dont need anything to make it look perfect.

 

[turbov6joe]

First off thanks for the info. Secondly, I'm not real sure what year it really is, I have no idea how to tell them apart??? What I do know is...it's a T-Type, it has the 3.8 turbo motor, digital dash and climate control, and it's a hardtop. What the guy told me was a customer brought it in for a new turbo and didn't have the cash to pay for it when the service was done. The shop owner parked it out back and it's been sitting there for 4-5 years. The shop owner said it ran out fine when they parked it and it hasn't moved since. It needs rear tires and wheels and prolly a good tune up. The body is 100% rust free, the interior is in VERY good condition, and it appears to be all there. I have the opportunity to buy it for $500.00 as is and he'll work with me to get the title. I need to bring a battery and fresh gas to the shop and see if I can get it running. If it runs and drives ok, do you think $500.00 is a fair price?

 

[turbofish38]

I'm sure you read my other post to your thread over in the lounge. $500 sounds like a far price. Be carefull though. These pigs rust from the inside out and if it has been parked outside for those 5 years than I bet some water made its way inside. I just bought another turbo Riv back in January and it also sat for at least 5 years. I had to replace the fuel tank and sending unit as there was a ton of rust in there. Overhauled the entire fuel system and it started up with no problems. BTW I paid $250 for this car. Now all I need to do is take care of the turbo as one of the previous owners screwed up the wastegate actuator and its real fun changing the turbo on one of these cars. There are a couple of other turbo Riv owners that post here. Sounds like you cant go wrong with buying that car.

 

[turbov6joe]

I'll keep ya posted if I get it....thanks!