More Power Than A Grand National!
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- Опубліковано 29 гру 2024
- With Buick’s most powerful 3.8 liter V6 ever offered, this 1998 Riviera was the next-to-last year for Buick’s exclusive personal luxury model. Steve examines what made Riviera so unique.
I’m retired from the company that made the aluminum housing of the supercharger for Eaton those were good days
We should all be thankful to Steve doing these great episodes.
Ditto that
Thanks Steve!!
Well we aren't exactly standing here throwing cans.....
He's gotta use Google!
@@klasseact6663 the guy is an information machine. Google his name look at his résumé. He’s an author car enthusiast, I believe he wrote for hot rod magazine, etc. etc. The man doesn’t need Google.
I had a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SSEI with all the bolt on parts available, made over 300 hp to the wheels fun car.
We're all pulling for you Steve. Hope to see you soon
Had a 98' Regal GS supercharged, it took many Mustangs! It hit governor at full boost like hitting a wall! That car later saved my life in a horrible accident was a great car .
A computer reprogram (or chip replacement if PROM equipped ) will eliminate the 109mph limiter .
And then. . . . KATY , BAR THE DOOR !
I don't believe that at all...Had a 98 GTP supercharged and it couldn't hang with the slowest Mustang I've owned an 1989 automatic,,,,my Cobra would've Murdered it and my wife's Coyote 5.0 would be in the next county by the time that thing hit 100mph
My buddy had a 99 Regal GS S/C with 20 inch gold wheels, 2, 15 inch square Solo-Barics, it was a super pimp-modbile in 2000, LMAO!
@@tomcatmcgillicutty6913Your GTP had boost leak or compression loss...or something, lol. My buddy's GS would annihilate the same year GT's and just dog walk the old 5.0's. Well no sh*t a Coyote 5 liter would destroy a 240hp brick mobile, they're 412hp in their lowest HP form...
@@jesterokjones4954 7.4 sec 0-60 and 15s in the quarter mile,,,,Isn't enough to "take out" many Mustang s,,,,,,,,unless the Mustangs don't know your racing....
the 3.8L gm v6 is legendary. that is coming from a ford fanatic!
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
we had those 3.8 v6's in our commodores (rwd) here in aus from 1988-2003
Yeah we had these is quite a few Buicks pontiacs and even the Chevrolet Impala ss. All FWD though.
"Real Estate Lady Car" - I almost spit out my coffee with that one! Hahaha 🤣
When I was a young hanging out at coffee shops there was a guy that had one of these with go fast stickers all over it and a hood scoop. He was a character. Those cars ripped. Thanks for the blast from the past!
Was the scoop on sideways to match the engine?
Rivieras always had beautiful styling. I’ve owned an 86 Grand National and a 98 Regal GS with the supercharged 3.8. Some basic suspension and engine mods made the Regal GS my favorite car of all to drive regularly, even though I also owned a GMC Typhoon and a 93 Ford Taurus SHO at one time.
You simply cannot beat those '90s Buicks! I drive a 1996 lesabre and my drives a 1999 Bonneville. Both are clean cars and super comfy. Gotta love the 3.8.
I only ever still seem to see centuries on the road, and lots of em.
The 3800 lasted FOREVER... My current 2009 Buick Lacrosse is the LAST year of the 3800, hence why I havent bought a new car yet. The current 3.6 that replaced the 3800 is GARBAGE, and I'm going to wring this 3800 out as LONG as I can, and hopefully there will be a better V-6 option than the 3.6 by the time I need a new car. I will NEVER own a 4 cylinder car. I did once, and never again..
@@davelowets ^ comment is the truth . 3800 engines might require a water pump or maybe an intake manifold but usually no internal repairs ....ever .
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
That and the Olds Aurora V8 of the same year were AWESOME sleepers!
I have a '98 Grand Prix GTP with the 3.8L supercharged, still runs and drives great. The first 3.8 supercharged I ever saw was in a Buick Park Ave.
And my Father had this same Riviera back in the '90's .
It was a fun car to drive then. Just as my Pontiac is today.
I drove a '97 GTP for 12 years. I loved that car. I'd still be driving it but the Michigan winters took it's toll on the body. It was still running great with over 230,000 miles when it went to the scrapyard.
@@tonecapone8021
Mine is a Florida car still in great shape for being 25 years old and 225,000 mile on it.
I'm thinking of selling it to someone who really wants a '98 GTP.
Love the GTP, the GXP with the 5.3 is pretty great too
@@phillipthethird42How much?
My GTP's supercharger went belly up at 80,000 miles. Pulled the belt off and kept driving it until I traded it with the belt still in the glovebox...
I love the Buick/Bruick Rivera! I had an, 82 diesel model, that had been converted back to Gas, with a 403 4bbl!
What a wonderful car!
It was like driving around in a big pillow!
Some of my favorites were the, 71-73 models! But I love all of them! They were some serious land yachts!
Drops right in without a problem. The 1979 and 1980 Rivieras could be had with the Olds 350 CID VIN code "R" engine. I had an '80 Rivera parts car with one. It had knock, so I took a few parts and got rid of it. It was free, so no loss.
The 71-73 Boat tail Rivs! I love the look of them, but their looks put off some buyers. A styling success, but disappointing sales wise.
@@googleusergp I have a 1980 Buick Riviera T-type 5.7 V8 in Europe.
@@MauiWauiPineappleExpress The one that I had for a short time had a sunroof and the 350 Olds V8. Had it not had an engine knock and been in poor condition, I would have kept it.
There were lots of people back in the '80s who made a lot of money converting the diesels to gas Olds engines. And I have always liked the looks of the '66-'67 Rivieras best. But there are a lot of good looking years to choose from.👍
I worked at a Buick/GMC dealer bodyshop when they were around. We had one come in with a hard hit on the passenger side. The inter structure of the reveal (opening for door etc) was a one piece boxed unit, which provided rigidity and strength. There's no place to cut and seam it, as that would compromise the structural integrity. The technician had to gut the entire side of the car to replace that structure, even the rocker panel is part of the structure. I remember the insurance adjuster had to come back out and write a supplement that was almost as much as the original estimate. I was the refinish tech, what an extensive cut in (painting the inside area) that was! Although not damaged, the roof also had to be painted, as that structure was welded to the roof inter structure.
If you're going to get t-boned, it sounds like the car to be in...strong!👍
They had a strong 25 hertz body stiffness rating along with the Aurora.
The frame broke the GM stress testing machine
What causes the white paint to peel on so many of these vehicles. Vans especially it seems. Was it bad primer or bad finish paint?
@@genogeno6643 Good question, I did many warranty repaints because of peeling issues over the years at dealships. It's rare that it's the topcoat at issue, but not unheard of. The usual cause is the factory " Ecoat". It's an epoxy based primer that's applied electrostatically in a "dolphin dip tank" set up. After that it's baked. Sometimes it gets overbaked resulting in an adhesion problem for the topcoat. I worked with some factory Chrysler factory reps on the problem back in the 80's. We were having most of the delamination problems on pw7 white and pc7 blue. Researching Vin #-s against paint production dates showed these colors Ecoats were being baked last, on Fridays. Although the bake booths were shut off, they held heat over the weekend, resulting in overbaking of the vehicles still in there. If you peel back a bit of the topcoat, you'll notice a white powder like residue. That's oxidized ecoat from the overbaking. You can sand the ecoat with 180 grit, and seal and topcoat that, as the ecoat underneath is fine, plus the 180 creates a good mechanical bond. It's not necessary to remove all the ecoat if you don't have to.
hahaha look at the styling on that car! I want one!
Another great profile from the Junkyard Crawl. I had a white 1996 Supercharged Riviera years ago. Cool car and one of the more unique designs of the 1990's. Fond memories and thanks for always having the brochures and magazine articles as a part of your daily profiles. LOL, no models of these as far as I'm aware of.
I remember about 15 years ago seeing a couple of those supercharged 3800s showing up at Maple Grove Dragway. Only they where swaped into Pontiac Fieros. Clicking off 12.70's all day long.
I owned a 2001 Park Avenue Ultra and I have to say that I LOVED that car. Every possible option and the same Series II 3800 supercharged engine and it was fun to drive. Absolutely roasted the front tires from a standing start with the traction control off. Luxurious with a little bit of power is always a good combination.
So sad to see this car rotting Steve. I own not only a 16,000 mile all stock and original Grand National, I also own a minty 99 Riviera Diamond White with the Shale interior, 81k miles, all options. Garage kept it's whole life. Almost still like new. Also own a 65 Riviera which is in the middle of a frame off restoration at the moment.
Nice!!! raised a GM guy. 69 chevelle, 51’ pickup.
16 000 gn...so envious of u
What a collection my dream is to have a GN and would love to daily one of the last gen riviera I had a 01 park ave ultra for about 6 years absolutely the best car I’ve ever owned
Well which is faster?
Sweet collection
Had a '98 Regal with the Supercharged 3800. One of the best engines GM has ever produced! Awesome power and good gas mileage.
I had the 2 door 94 with the supercharge 3800. Fastest car i ever drove
Welcome back Steve look after your Health first and foremost!!
The Buick 3.8 V6 was used in the Australian Holden Commodore!! Around 1990s.
i always loved the late 90s Riviera... unique styling and real nice car.... these, along with the Mark VIII, Lexus SC and Eldorado were my favorite in the late 90s. Long live coupes.
I’m constantly looking for a good example to buy of literally any of those you listed lol
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
I've owned a 98 Rivi for 21 years now. I love it
Morning Steve.... owned an o4 grand prix with that powertrain, pulley change and a tuning chip and it was a real rocket ,ran in the low 14s in street class at the strip. Not bad.
The Riviera’s were always a very classy automobile. The styling of the nineties though were a little bland, but still nice to look at. I remember when my sister got married back in 1983, she married a man who’s Dad owned a Buick dealership. For their get away vehicle they had a white Riviera convertible. Very cool and classy. Neat video Steve. Hope someone will save this junkyard Riv.
When I was a kid, I thought the bubble, bar of soap body style was quintessential y2k garbage. 20 years later I'm thinking quite the opposite. I quite adore the bubble shape, its very unique, and has a space ship kind of vibe, especially with the taillights.
@@0326Hambone Same, I feel that way about a lot of the 1990s cars now. We really didn’t appreciate that decade for what it was enough
A few of the 80's models had a kit car look to them but hey, they don't make kit cars of boring cars , right?
I tried to buy a 98 Riviera, could not find one less than $9,000 back in 2014.
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
Buddy of mine owned one of these. It was about 7 years old when he acquired it but it was a pretty quick car. Remember him coming off the bridge to MD and he had to merge. He 'stomped' on it and we were doing 90mph in a very short time !
Good ol supercharge riv, where you gotta pull the engine mount to do a belt change, and need E sockets to remove the fenders, gotta love it!
Duely noted
I have owned two of these. They are extremely reliable, handle great, and are very peppy. Also as soft as a caddy...almost. Very well built!
Hang onto them. They were nice cars, but going forward I don’t think cars from the 90’s onward are going to be restorable due to all the electronics, so survivors are our best option for preserving the modern era of cars.
@@seed_drill7135 Agree. I've got a pristine 99 Riviera with only 81k miles on the clock. Garage kept.
OK, so it's not a Riviera, but my 2006 Cobalt SS is still running strong at well over 200,000 miles. G.M. may have had their problems with paint quality (my clearcoat started peeling when the car was only about 4 years old) and incidentals like interior trim, but the things that need to be reliable ARE reliable. It still has its original front struts and clutch. No electronic problems whatsoever. The only thing that sidelined the car briefly was the original alternator crapping out around 150,000 miles. That's it, otherwise the car is stone reliable, as was the '99 Chevy Venture minivan that served as our family car until our kids were grown and gone. I can only assume that other G.M. products of the general era are just as good... unlike a friend's Ford Contour that spontaneously combusted when it was only a couple of years old. She got out safely, right before it burned to the ground. Nothing left but a shell. Even the tires and wheels were gone except for the tires' steel belts. That was the hottest Ford I've ever seen!
Me too and still own one of them
By "handle great," I assume you're referring to the ride quality?
I had a 2005 Gran Prix with that supercharged 3.8. It supposedly mad it’s most horse power on premium fuel. Since it was a company car, I had to have a really good excuse for fueling it with premium. It ran good regardless. So I can appreciate that Riviera.
It needed the premium fuel to reach full timing advance .
Lower octane would allow knock , and the knock sensor would dial back the timing .
Trivia : turbo Buicks were the first cars to have factory knock sensors .
It had no intercooler, that’s why it required premium fuel.
And being an 05 GP meant the 260 hp series 3
We have a 2005 GXP too ❤
@@Richie_the_FixerYou mean the first Domestic? Because Toyota had electronic timing control as far back as the 70's on some of their higher end models. Although those cars didn't officially make it here.
What a sleeper!
Most bizarre thing about these is that they developed coolant leaks from the alternator brackets . my son had this engine in an Impala SS and my brothers wife in a Grand Prix but the regular 3800s have the same issue . Coolant passes thru the alternator mounting bracket to the engine and the plastic spools inside degrade allowing coolant to weep thru where you cant see it leaking . Dorman makes steel replacements . many of these cars ended up being junked because no one checked the coolant and overheated . The milkshake oil wiped out the internals and new engines in a rusty car made no sense
Yes! Replace with the metal cold air intake immediately.
Same output as the later Australia Holden Commodore with the supercharger. Fortunately it was rear wheel drive and I believe was also available with a five speed manual option, but then if you wanted performance their was the V8...
Aluminum hood so the gas cylinders will last for 35 years.
We have owned a 1997 supercharged Riviera for 22 years Steve told us so many interesting things about our own car .Your are an amazing man .Wish You Well .God Bless!
The Riviera R within the oval started in 1964. '63 taillights had the Buick shields in them. The '64's have the R within the oval.
Had a friend in high school his mom had one it was nice burgundy with tan leather
The L67 is a great engine. Bolt on a few aftermarket performance parts and a get tune and that engine will really wake up. I own a 2000 Grand Prix GTP.
Yeah, I prefer the styling of the Pontiacs
fantastic engine. i have a 2003 bonneville SSEi, which is actually pretty rare these days.
Definitely good information, thank you.
The ride is smooth and I enjoy mine.
I'm hoping to drive it for a long time
Steve Mags magnet!!
Enjoy all these videos thank you
Steve You would not believe ,I mounted 1 of those super chargers to the side of a 4.3 Making 11 pounds of boost, I still have the super charger on the shelf, what was the boost on those cars, I don't remember. Buick made some nice car. Nothing bad to say about them. Great video Steve
Around 6 psi stock.
Steve's automotive knowledge is truly legendary. He is a walking, talking automotive encyclopedia. 👍👌
I have a 1980 Buick Riviera S-type 5.7 V8 in Europe.
i always see these still floatin around even today!!... which tells how reliable they were and still are.
I was a Buick Drivability Tech when these cars were new. With an easy "upgraded" chip install, these cars (3800 Supercharged Riviera, LeSabre & Park Ave) had real "seat of the pants" acceleration you could feel immediately (no turbo lag).
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
Man I remember just like it was yesterday seeing those beauty’s on the road! Now rotting away to the elements. Boy how times fly!! And I said beauty because that was probably one of the most beautiful Buick from the 90s. Great video Steve!
It's astounded the number of beautiful cars of this vintage that gather dust, obviously haven't been driven in a very long while, that reside in condo complex parking garages. Obviously belonging to seniors, or condo owners in abstention, there are times when I want to wash the Rivera parked close to my car just so I can enjoy it's beauty.
I still miss my old '72 Riviera with the 455 4 barrel. That puppy could fly!
This was about the time that Buick tried to make the AARP crowd "hip" and "modern".
No VIN, can't win, but easy to figure out, no doubt: 1G4 for US made Buick, GD for Riviera, 2 for two door coupe, 2 for active seat belts with dual air bags, 1 for 3.8L V6 with supercharger, then a random check digit, W for the 1998 model year, 4 for Lake Orion Assembly, Lake Orion, MI, and the rest is the production sequence. The Lake Orion plant opened in late 1983 to assemble 1985 GM luxury cars and still operates today. Both my Pontiac G6 convertible and Chevrolet Sonic were assembled there.
No SPID, wish you did, but possible code 16 Bright White exterior paint, or possible code 78 Bright White Diamond exterior paint, among other codes. The transmission is a 4T65E-HD four speed automatic overdrive. The last 200 of the 1999 cars (total production was only 1,956 units) were called "Silver Arrow" editions and had special silver paint and trim treatments, a homage to show cars of the same name.
Yes, the 1977-1978 Riviera models were on the "B" body platform and were essentially stop gap models until the 1979 "E" body front wheel drive cars came out. The 1979-1985 Buick Riviera shares designs with the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado and some design work on the 1980-1985 Sevilles which were "K" body cars. All 1979-1985 E body cars and 1980-1985 K body cars were assembled in Linden, NJ, which closed in 2005 after last making the S and T Series trucks.
I have a friend who had a 95 one and back in 2006 I was in Florida and went to the Cadillac dealership to look at a 95 Fleetwood that was advertised on line but as things go it was already sold after being posted at 9 PM and I am there at 9 AM but they had a black 97 with every option like sunroof and chrome wheels but the mechanic that worked there explains to me he had worked on the vehicle since new and it was a lemon but it had the gold script and black leather.
@@garymckee8857 The old bait and switch. Florida dealers are among the worst with that.
@Google User GP Yes sir
The "check digit" isn't so random, but it is the single digit outcome of all the numbers and letters in the VIN - just to make sure a person copied them all correctly. K=1, L=2 etc.
@@TIMEtoRIDE900 That's not entirely accurate. It's random in that it's not the same value on two given VINs. The 8th digit would ALWAYS be a "1" in the case of a 3.8L supercharged engine in this year. That can be taken to the bank. The check digit isn't always the same. It's done to avoid VIN duplication.
No script, but straight facts... I like this guy... Been watching you on motor trend for a few years now.
My red 98 Riv with 360k on the clock is still my daily driver. It has a blower pulley, ported heads, manifold & blower, Caddy throttle body, injectors headers & a speed limit delete & still does 28mpg. We tested the parachute system for my Bonneville streamliner with it by shooting them out through the sun roof.🤓
No it doesn't!
Dam another reason I should have held on to my old 2000 Bonneville SSEI. Sounds like a decent ride. 👍🇨🇦
Oh I remember those cars ,and that supercharged engine, thumbs up, great video
Holy crap, it's a sideways commodore engine. Had a couple of these in my VN commodores. Ripper with a manual
In the states, commodores are the golden standard for doing 3800 RWD swaps, would love to try one day
You talk about having more tq causing tq steer, and it’s no joke. A little later the Grand Prix gxp with the transverse mounted 5.3 v8 wanted to change lanes under heavy acceleration.
Blast from the past! I had both a 1970 and a 1997 Riv like this one here. The supercharged motor was great--calm and quiet and the power & drivability of a V8. But mine made constant maintenance demands. But lovely looking and a great highway car.
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
Hi Steve great video on this last of the Rivieras. As a fan of luxury cars I can't say anything negative about this ride. Well maybe that padded pimp-moblie top 🤣. It just takes away from the Bright White Diamond paint in my opinion. I've never had the opportunity to drive the later supercharged Riviera but have driven a few Pontiac GTP's and some Impala SS's that were supercharged and they did a pretty good job of setting you back in the seat. Getting from 0 to 100mph isn't very hard to do in these rides. My old GMC K2500 Suburban has that same compass and auto dimming mirror. No OnStar. Love my (factory) big block suburbans! Well, tonight in Charlotte, Dead&Co will be playing their farewell tour. Of course, I'm here, and on Thursday, they play Raleigh and on into VA we GO! My last show seeing the remaining Dead will be in Burgettstown, PA, on the 5th of June. What a Long Strange Trip It's Been. I have a few "miracle" tickets for each show if anyone needs one. 😇 Well, the skies have cleared up, and I think it's gonna be a outstanding show tonight. Parking lot opens at 2pm and I'll be in line waiting at 1. 😂 Have a blessed day everyone and I'll see you at the show! Love the shirt Steve. Namaste 🙏🏼
Bright White Diamond paint, code 78 was optional. It could also have been code 16 Bright White as well, which is what it looks like it is.
@Google User GP 👋🏼 Hi Mr Google going to the shows? Hard to tell if there's a shade of Ivory or not. Very well could be Bright White and not Diamond white. Thanks for commenting bro. Have a blessed day 🤙🏼 Namaste 🙏🏼
@@chrisscearce Would need to see the SPID label to get the paint code and that would tell the story.
@Google User GP Yes, it would be a good feature for Steve to show each vehicle featured their vin or SPID, etc, just to see how it was born. I know some can be deceiving, but for someone like yourself, a good starting point and material for your (future) UA-cam ch. 🥴 See you at the show! Namaste 🙏🏼
I loved the Rivieras when I worked the service station in college. Thanks for the memory trip..
I went to see these when they came out at the dealers. Tire kicking. I liked the look. I don’t think they had super charged at first. But it was front wheel drive. Still decent car
They didn't. Started in '98 as standard
Get well Steve!
That was a beautiful edition of the Riviera.
3.8 Buick engines were solid. Thanks Steve. 🙏🏻
Good Morning Gents ! 🇺🇸
I had the pleasure of driving one of those at 17. Wanted one ever since, the SC400 was nice as well and maybe an NSX. Nothing gets me excited anymore.
Mr. B. Here ! Good morning Mag ! ☕️☕️🍩 Many of you guys may enjoy the style not a fan , 1963 to 1965 I think GM hit it out of the park . Have a good day guys .👍👍👍
Morning
@@tomwesley7884 ☕️☕️ 🥯
I loved that era of Riviera.
Good stuff Steve.
I always enjoy watching the things you do.
Keep up the good work.
I've owned a few 3.8's,and still have a 97 lesabre going on 13 years plus. It's my daily driver with 212K. These cars have a bullet proof drive train and run perfect. Only problem is keeping the rot away in the salt state of MA. My grand total price was $625.00 back in 2010.
Gosh I miss those days browsing craigslist turn key cars for $1000 bucks or less that never had meth used inside or someone lived out of.
That mirror in the trunk was the a Gentex auto dimming with compass and temperature display. They're awesome for retrofitting to almost anything else that had the glue on mount. Stuck one in one of my Fieros about 22 years ago.
I'm surprised Steve didn't make more of a fuss about the styling which, as I recall, was regarded as fairly radical (along with it's Aurora cousin) for '96.
I took my driver's license exam in my mom's '95 supercharged Buick Riviera. Fantastic sports-luxury car! 225hp and it really kicked you back into the seats when that supercharger started to whine! 😘
Also that antenna was power retracting.
3800 Series II and III is my absolute favorite American V6 - Series 2 engine with a Series 3 aluminum intake is probably one of the strongest NA V6 platforms there ever was for hot rodding, right out of the box. And if you really knew what you were doing you could boost the living shit out of one without the stronger lower compression ssei bottom end, but the latter really took it to the next level as a Grand National killer - all on factory ling block parts
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
What a beautiful model, a masterpiece respectively. I saw few examples on the road in Europe. Thanks for creating this episode. Very respectful narrative about this lovely Riviera.
The best 2 cars I've ever owned were The Rivieras ... 1995 & 1998 both had the supercharger.
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
What my 96 Riviera from the impound lot in 2006 put a fuel pump in it put a nice black paint job on still driving to this very day almost 400,000 miles on it has not skipped a beat but now it needs another
What happened with the fire last week with the fire in the Hubbardston yard?
I hadn't heard of that fire...or the Hubbardston junkyard. Here's hoping we never get the BURN in Bernardston! Thanks for watching and writing. -Steve Magnante
I owned a 3.8 Bonneville with just the fuel injection. I miss that car every day. Fast, comfortable, reliable, I'll add this Riviera to my wish list.
It's pretty common knowledge that the Grand National horsepower ratings were highly underrated. In real life they were pushing close to 300hp.
These fwd 3.8 Sc's were also underrated.. These 3.8 in the grand prix would outrun the sn95 of the time and give the s281 a good run.. they were way stronger than what the numbers said..
Not just those cars. My '79 Trans Am is 220 HP on paper, but according to tests done by the NHRA back in the day, it was well over 250+ HP at the time.
@@googleusergp true, because of insurance rates and mpg regulations Detroit didn't lie about power. They just stopped testing at a curtain rpm. Like the 75/76 ta 400 they only rated the power up to 3,500 rpms.
@@rebelscumspeedshop They had enough trouble meeting the regulations to start with. The 1979 Pontiac 400 couldn't meet CA emission standards and consequently wasn't "allowed" to be sold there, although some did make it there. Oddly enough, some 1979 Trans Ams with a 400 were assembled in you guessed it, California, at the Van Nuys plant.
A friend bought a G.N. and I was impressed with the performance... then he put in a "Diablo Chip"!! It was a true 80s interpretation of the muscle car.
It reminds me of driving a cadillac allante. The front wheels would pull so hard and made it hard to control the sterring wheel. Front wheel drive with that much power is crazy. Thanks again steve✌️
Oddly enough, GM detuned that 3.8 SC in the Rivs and Park Avenues as well as the shift points in the transaxle, which made them feel slow and not much different than the base 3.8 vin K motor. However, in the Pontiacs, they seemed to run like mad with crazy midrange torque that would make the front end feel mighty light under a full head of steam. I recall many of the SC's front bearings failing because they were sealed and not fed engine oil.
I have a question, the Chevy Impala newer that have 3.7 make 300 hp are they turbo or not how do they have the same horsepower as a grand national. I ALSO HEARD THEY ARE JUNK AS FAR AS QUALITY.
Wheel bearings are all sealed no oil
@@gulfy09 SC=supercharger. The front bearings in the supercharger's long snout. 😉
@@burthenry7740 sorry I misunderstood your comment
The pulley hub would make a clunking noise with mileage due to worn bushings. People would use solid replacements to prevent this from happening....again. The bearing was oiled from the case with a separate special bad smelling oil....ooofff..did it smell..lol...and not only the old oil, but the new oil as well.
I have a 1995 Riviera, supercharger. Love it
Id like to get my hands on a 2000s park ave ultra. Super charged
I own 3 Park Ave's...'99...2k...03..the '99 is SC..
This is my first watch and this is format is amazing! Thanks for the tour!
Exquinencial bar of soap design.
One of the Best V6 engines ever. I bumped mine up to 400whp and it handles the power so well
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
I liked the unconventional styling of this generation of Riviera. Such a departure in looks and size from the little E-body of before. A pulley kit could make them even a little extra spicy. The 2007 Rivy concept car was a pretty striking design exercise that influenced Buick styling for a decade. Woulda been nice to see that given a go.
1999 GM took all the imperfections out of the previous years and made the 1999 less than 100 exist selling 4
I became a fan of the Riviera when I saw Al Pacino drive one in the 1992 Glengarry Glen Ross movie.
Yeah. Sure. They're kinda cool. I'll take a '65 Gran Sport with the 425 big block. Yeah, I know. Rarer than an honest politician, but a guy can dream. 😊
My wife and I want to Thank you for your knowledge and explanations . We are Praying for you. We are watching you as a weekend marathon..
Front wheel drive is what made those suck.
For sure not, great handling.
Lose 5 - 10 tenths in 1/4 from FWD wheelspin as car rocks back onto back wheels...
I loved that Buick Riviera, most comfortable seats ever!
Ever see a pink Mary K car in the yard?
Probably the best time-travelling roundup
Morning
Those 3.8’s are one of the best V6 engines of all time!!!
Pretty sad that it got into that condition given all the money that was paid for it. The paint is in terrible condition, worse than many cars that are 20 years older than it
The Riviera was such a well designed modern classic car. I remember driving my old girlfriend’s mom’s car in the ‘96. Boy that car was super fast.
New T-shirt
Junkyard clothing! Over here Steve looks way fancier! : www.youtube.com/@highoctaneclassics3969/videos
It was a really nice coup.
Good morning from Canada. 👍👍🇨🇦