deekster_caddy's Riv pictures

deekster_caddy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:15:10 GMT

I don't post many pics of my car due to it's current condition, but a few years ago I shined it up and my brother in law (professional photographer) took some great pics for me. Here's that big ole Riviera Butt... link to full size pic If someone can help me thumbnail it or something for a quicker load I'd love to figure it out.

Top end gasket job HELP!

Mr.Riviera — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:54:40 GMT

AA, feel free to move this to a LIM gasket thread if you think it's better suited there. Today i decided to finally change out my lower intake manifold gasket because it has been leaking coolant and oil. my s/c gasket is in pretty bad shape too at 151k miles. Never done this before... I was able to get everything apart by myself in under 2hrs without rushing. All was good until i was removing the last 2 thing holding the lim in place...the t-stat housing. SNAP, off comes BOTH heads ...

Cheap Headers (Pace Setter, Autochrome, etc.)

Jason — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:55:14 GMT

I saw these from Regalgs.org. According to the thread they are made in China and are made of 321 stainless steel ( better material then what the SLP headers are made of) Also looks like it has a 3 inch downpipe, AT $299.99 plus shipping this beats the pacesetter headers in price. link to the thread at Regalgs.org http://www.regalgs.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39751 I am actually thinking of picking these up instead of pacesetters

4T80e install in progress

dreww — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:38:50 GMT

Im going to document my 4t80e transmission swap/install. I will post some pics up. Im doing this because the only other install like this has instructions that aren't very specific, or at least not documented as much. So far, the 4t60 is out, so most pics will be from here on out. Pulling the trans is fairly straight forward. We had to drop the subframe completely though. Surprisingly, the 4t60 looks great, as do the axles. Our first problem we ran into was that the stock flywheel ...

New Harmonic Balancer & Water Pump (weird sound??)

Natesriv — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:34:04 GMT

Just had a new waterpump put on, while they had it apart they put on a new harmonic balancer. I've noticed since that the engine sounds different from in the cabin. It drives fine, no problems, but I hear a gurgling sorta sound, very faint, in the background noise, that I don't remember... It sort of sounds like the exhuast on a Grand Am with the V6...you know that common sound to all GM V6's...? Would a new balancer make a "new" noise? Is it possible to put it on wrong, ...

P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor (cam sensor / timing chain)

BKRIV — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:18:51 GMT

Has anyone had a trouble code PO341 camshaft position sensor A (bank 1 CKT Range/Perf)? My light stays on because of it and I don't notice any drivability/performance issues resulting from it. As of now, I don't recognize any patterns as far as the conditions it fails in. Could this potentially cause any harm to my engine if it's not fixed?

And does anyone happen to know if a code like this would cause me to fail emissions even if my actual gas readings are fine?

Write-Up: Flushing Radiator Coolant

95 super3800 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:30:03 GMT

hello everyone, I have 96 sc. I'm looking for a write up on the site on how to flush my coolant. i'm not overheating or anything but I the coolant just looks nasty. Also theres a lot of muck getting built up on the inside of my coolant resevior. I could take it to get done, but I enjoy learning how to work on my car so if anyone could direct me to a link or a write up I would be greatfull. thanks

Write-Up: Front/Rear Stabilizer Bar Installation

Jason — Wed, 23 May 2007 04:23:54 GMT

I installed the front and rear addco swaybars today after work. I am a member of the auto club at the base, so I have access to a lift and most available tools. It took me exactly 4 hours to do the front and rear. The rear is very straightforward: simple R&R. The front is trickier. The shop manual calls for seperating a tierod and disconnecting the downpipe. WIth a stock exhaust, I am fairly certain you aren't getting the bar out of there without disconnecting the downpipe. I ...

Bad night.. Lots of oil and lots of smoke (carnage pics)

98riviera98 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:58:57 GMT

Well.. You guys.. Bad bad bad night.. Went to perkins with some friends.. left dropped one off.. and was going home.. Decided to do some WOT.. Well it started misfiring so i let off.. and it started CHUGGING.. reallly really bad.. and the SES light was flashing at me.. it was still driving.. so i drove it home about 5-6 blocks.. it starts smoking.. i'm like FML its on fire.. so i blow 2 stop signs.. its 1:15a.m. and i get home and pop the hood to see oil EVERYWHERE on the belt side.. It ...

Write-Up: Removing the Crank Pulley/Harmonic Balancer

turtleman — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 14:25:03 GMT

I got the crank bolt off (which wasn't too easy) and I can't get the pulley off. Chiltons says "The damper should pull off the crankshaft by hand."

Secondly, there's no way to mount a harmonic balancer puller or any puller anyway.

Smaller SC pulley?

SuperRiv07 — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:53:28 GMT

Smaller SC pulleys make more boost, and boost allows the engine to make more power. Be careful, though. If you go too small right away, the engine will knock, which will take away power and can even be harmful to your pistons. The diameter of the OEM SC pulley is 3.8". Decreasing the diameter causes the blower to spin faster, creating higher than normal boost levels. It only takes a small change in pulley size to make a noticeable difference. Just a .1" diameter decrease will yield ...

6.5 components in 89 riv

89riv — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:14:43 GMT

I was at Best Buy the other night and scored some pioneer components for $40, so I figured I wasnt out very much if they wouldnt fit in my Riv. I have the old mid range and tweeter out but I am kinda stuck on the wiring. Both the mid and tweeter have the same color wires (tan, grey) going into the car. Anyone know if the car had a factory amp, or do these wires slpice together to go into the radio? I need to find out where I can get to them inside the car because I have an output converter and ...

Code readers

96RIVMANN — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:37:11 GMT

I am looking into buying a code reader like autoxray or etc and was looking for some input. I'd like to keep it under $200.

NEED HELP ASAP! Where to get a radiator cheap?????

DEMonte1997 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:37:36 GMT

I want the tank for the passenger side of the Riv. It has the tranny cooler lines in it. The one I bought off craigslist wasn't great... go figure. Is this the inlet or outlet side of the tank? I want to say inlet but gmpd has a diagram that has me completely confused. To me, it looks like the passenger side is the outlet but that makes no sense...

Diagram below:

Write-Up: Installing Double DIN head unit in '96-99 Riviera

pwmin — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 19:33:36 GMT

i put a panasonic CQ-VD6503U 2Din dvd player in my riviera. this is a writeup based on my recollection of what i did. first, you'll need the dvd player, antenna adapter, 2DIN kit (Scosche GM1590B 1994-UP GM Double ISO DIN Kit), and wiring harnes adapter (Scosche GM03B 1994-UP GM 32-Pin Car Stereo Connector). next, remove the stock radio you will have to remove the bottom metal frame thats held on by little fasteners that look sort of like star washers (you'll see what i mean) ...

rockauto 5% discount code

Jason — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:12:52 GMT

Your discount code is: 809138241917 Here's how to use it: * Enter your code in the "How did you hear about us" line of the shopping cart. * If you are using our traditional HTML catalog, please click the "Set" button to the right of the field. * Your discount will automatically appear, subtracted from your order total. **NOTE: We sometimes get calls from people who put the word "discount" in front of their code and do not get the discount. ...

Dealer update: Either loose rockers or bad lifter

allfalldown — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:08:30 GMT

The dealer just called, and told me either its a rocker that has loosened up or a bad lifter.

Of course, a loose rocker is what I'm hoping for... lifters will get expensive.

Anyone have experience with this in their Series 2?

GM Dexcool Coolant / Antifreeze

arttu80 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:26:18 GMT

Whats The Best Recommendation.........Or is there only one brand to use?

Random Stall

cjoform — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:42:54 GMT

I have a 99 silver arrow with the SC 3.8. Ive owned it for about a month now. Three times since I've owned it the car has randomly stalled out. Twice I was driving at 55mph and the engine shut down. I was able to restart the engine no problem. Once the engine stalled just after I was at WOT. About 5 seconds after I slowed back down the engine stalled. All 3 times have been easy restarts. Anyone know if this is a common problem? I will tell you that I know the car needs an alternator. Atleast ...

Paint Schemes/Rim Chops

Jack the R — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:39 GMT

Hi, not sure if any of you are savy with chopping pics...but if you are, could someone do me a favor and chop either my car itself or another white Riv with some Torque Thrust D's....yes I know they're RWD wheels, but I've always loved them. And maybe some smoked tailights. Thanks in advance

Write-Up: F-Body Brake Mod

palermocorey90 — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 03:18:00 GMT

anyone know if the F-Body brake kit will work on a riviera? the 96's have 11" rotors and the 97+ have 12" IIRC. i just want to be able to stop better! i need new rear rotors b/c mine are getting thin and warped. do you think new Brembo rears will improve anything? (not drilled) or should i just get the cheap-o's at the local store? i almost ran into a semi today b/c... well, i was racing some jetta that thought he was the $h!t. i was doing about 80 and WAY up in front of him, but ...

Torque Convertor Stall!

98riviera98 — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:24:48 GMT

Alright.. While I have my motor out.. It would be super easy to swap out to a higher stall TQ convertor.. Stock is in the 2300 range IIRC.. I found one on Clubgp for 250shipped http://www.clubgp.com/newforum/tm.asp?m=5074795&p=2&tmode=1&smode=1

What are your guy's opinions on a higher stall?

Write-Up: Replacing rear rotors and pads. (lots of pics)

Mr.Riviera — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:53:37 GMT

This was done on my 96', but im pretty sure it will be exactly the same for all 95-99 rivs. it took me less than an hour to do both sides, and that includes drink pauses and pictures Tools: 12mm socket 18mm socket with either a breaker bar, air tools or alot of strength 10mm wrench 1/2" socket caliper piston cube or needle nose pliers brake cleaner caliper paint? 2 new rotors - i went with autozone's duralast # 5599 (they were $20 each with a 2yr warranty) 1.Jack ...

got another one....code p0717

dreww — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:28:02 GMT

anyone know what this code is?

I know there used to be a list that labeled all the codes our rivs pull up....but I cant seem to find it anywhere.

pulling a trans

dreww — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:22:42 GMT

ive started on my 4T80E install...

in order to drop/replace a trans, do you have to pull the subframe? if not, are there any tricks to make it easier? So far, pulling the sidepan of the trans (facing the drivers side fender well) seems to make pulling it out easier...albeit a little messy.

Infant Child Car Seat

manofmany — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 03:44:41 GMT

I know I'm not the only one to put one in the Riv

How do you do it correctly? Side or middle? I can't seem to get the side belts to "lock" per se thus the car seat will freely pull forward. Not safe enough for me.

The middle I cant get tight end and the bottom will pull right out. There has to be a way to safe get one of these in the Riv.

Inner tie rod ends ...

mr riviera — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:13:59 GMT

Anyone ever done them , what do i have to look foreward to ?
Basiclly im wondering if theres any surprises i should know about

Cold Air Intake (CAI) vs Fender Well Intake (FWI)

AA — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 00:15:25 GMT

CAI: Cold Air Intake FWI: Fender Well Intake One of the great things about our engines using forced induction (supercharging) is that they really benefit from breathing cool air. You will notice as air temperatures drop, your Riviera will seem a little faster. You aren't imagining this; colder air is denser than warmer, so with more air molecules entering the intake, more fuel can be added by the PCM. The result is more power. It can be estimated that for every 10�F drop in ambient ...

the big 3 upgrade

2toneRivi — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:23:25 GMT

ok i had a question.... when u change the big 3 ground cables to thicker cables

1. Battery + to alternator
2. battery ground to chassis
3. Chassis to engine.
do u still keep the oem cables.. just add the new cable or do u throw away the oem and keep the new one???

EXACTLY what trans swap to our rivs? ('97 GTP)

deekster_caddy — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 02:46:31 GMT

Am trying to install a GTP trans in the Riviera. I picked up for a good deal a 'built' low milage tranny from a '97 GTP. It was a good enough deal that I can resell it if it won't fit. Axle outlets the same splines, etc? It has 3.29 gears, lots of other stuff (LSD, 3000 stall converter, etc). I've decided the 3.29s will be more appropriate for my mostly city driving anyway Thanks -Derek

Accessory Belt Tensioner

Lucas — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:42:32 GMT

i cant get this thing off to save my life...

Disposing of car fluids

Jack the R — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:46:40 GMT

Quote:How to Properly Dispose of Used Oil, Transmission Fluid, Anti-Freeze, etc. How To Properly Dispose Of Nasty Stuff We get lots of questions from members each month and most are specific to certain makes of cars. One set of questions that keep coming up is a more general one, however. Everybody seems to have the same problem: how to get rid of nasty stuff like waste, oil, antifreeze and, above all, oily rags. While we can't give the "perfect" answer, here are some great methods. ...

I Got Hitched! (Hidden Hitch & Trailer)

AA — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 16:36:53 GMT

My GF and I are renovating a small house, so I've been needing to haul materials from the home improvement center back to the house. I can cram some things in the back seats, but 2x4s and sheets of drywall is another matter. My GF's dad suggested I buy a pick-up truck! I already have too many cars, so this truck thing isn't going to fly, and I know her dad will eventually suggest I get rid of the Riv to get a more practical vehicle. So I shopped around and found a good price on this: http://www.redtrailers.com/ShowItem.asp?id=90022 Ordered ...

Newbie with Riviera SC -96

JT Newman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:52:17 GMT

Hello all, I just bought -96 Riviera SC from Estonia. The reason for that was simple: these cars are way too expensive here in Finland and this example was in good condition. Data: 132000 miles Black exterior, beige interior (I'll try to take some good photos later). Thanks to forum I've got good information about this model way before I even bought the car. Known problems: 1. A/C blows only cold for driver, but passenger side is full adjustable. 2. That little ...

body work and paint

sqrivi — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:25:45 GMT

Here are some progress pics of the body work. The plan is to pull the bumpers into the car some. Similar to Jack the R's photos in his signature. First fiberglass was laid on the stock bumper cover to get a shell to start with. This part will eventually become the "plug" for a mold to make the new bumper cover. Then the process of cutting, reattaching, shaving, adding, grinding, sanding......you get the idea. The shape is getting there. ...

My '95 Riviera

Z-type — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:48:40 GMT

Hi there! A few of you may have seen me in the New Members area. I just bought a 1995 Riviera a month ago to replace my 1988 Bonneville SSE (shame to see it go - someone bought it and fixed it though). I got the car for a bargain because no one wanted to fix the rust underneath the car. Needed a few structural repairs and new brake lines as well as the usual tune-up schtuff. I honestly have seen it only twice since I bought it as it's been at my cousin's getting repaired. It'll be done by the ...

new stuff on my 08

palermocorey90 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:18:06 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyM2NGEHCms

new HIDs
Roof rails <--- i was the first 04+ GP with them
Vent Visors
Reflective inlays(Red)

Quick question

Z-type — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 02:42:24 GMT

Hey everyone, I just recently installed a boost gauge in the '95 Riv, and while I was in there, I discovered that a vacuum hose was a little loose. No big deal, I stuck it back on there and it was tight. Must have been from when i changed my coupler. However, beside it, was another nipple/nozzle thing. I couldnt help but notice when I started the car up to test my boost gauge, I could hear a vacuum hiss coming from that area. See picture in this link: http://www.zamiska.net/z/DSC02225.jpg The ...

hauling snowboard

peev0021 — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:30:48 GMT

since my blazer i had bought for the winter to avoid drive the riv in the snow failed its emisions tests badly. And i dont want to spend the money on that hunk to repair it i need a solution to haul my snowboard to the ski hill. I know alot of people will hate me for segusting this but i was thinking about a roof rack but nothing perminite. I saw these magentic one on line for 100 dollars and was woundering if any 1 tried theses ouy.

fuel line leak. need to disable fuel pump. Fuse or relay?

PCweber — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:17:07 GMT

I have a pinhole in the supply side line that sprays an arching 3ft. fine stream of gas whenever I turn the key on. Is there a fuse or relay I can pull so that it does not spray every time I turn the key on while I am chasing another issue and waiting for the fuel line repair kit to arrive? (96 Riv)

P0716 Automatic Trans Input Speed Sensor

AA — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:01:19 GMT

Long time since I've gotten a DTC. This one tripped the SES today. I see three identical codes, the 3rd one tripping the light. I'm going to assume this code indicates a real problem, although I felt no difference in the cars operation. It came on unexpectedly during a 75 mph cruise, after some WOT activity, but not during. Reading the shop manual, it says the code is an input speed sensor circuit - intermittent. The description is as follows: The Automatic Transmission Input Sensor ...

Scrunch sound on front right when going over bumps

DEMonte1997 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 02:49:01 GMT

I'm guessing this is a bad strut mount but not 100% sure. A better description is that it makes a scrunch sound when it hits a speed bump and then makes the noise again after it goes over it. Really annoying. Anyone else have this problem?

Another new guy

Tomcat-1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:55:38 GMT

I bought my '95 Riviera 10 years ago. What's left of it survived my ex and has been sitting for almost 3 years. Time to do something with it and it needs work!

Still looks pretty good, cleans up well.. runs horrible. Not going to let it die just yet.
Will be cruising the threads, impressed with what I've already seen!

64 Riviera

jonly — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:39:13 GMT

I've been watching and finally found one for very little money with a decent frame, the Wildcat 465, and only a $75 flatbed ride from home.

I've got the 96 in a good position to sell, and would do so the first of the year, once this 64 is running.

I'm looking for anyone that knows of any caveats to this year that would keep me from spending my weekends under this one as opposed to the 96.

Any input is much appreciated.

Supercharger Noise

dreww — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:55:17 GMT

hey im having some problems with my s/c. I am hearing some noise in the s/c and just changed the oil in the nose. the noise is still there so i think the gears were starting to strip b/f i changed the oil. is there anything i can do to make it last longer?it still has the 3.8 pully on it. I can get a brand new supercharger with a 3.6 pully from the manufactor for $750.00.

new here

redreiner — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:00:32 GMT

Hi all, new here. not many buick forums out there. is there a rule about classifieds here? is there a classified section? I have a 95 that sadly needs a new home and am looking for the right place to post it.

fuel pump

dreww — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:34:18 GMT

does replacing the fuel pump require actually dropping the tank on these cars?
I did a search and couldnt find an answer here. I thought we had a write up on it. I just figured it would be the hard way on our cars, like everything else (belts,etc.).

KANDY any one????????

98riviera98 — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 04:07:29 GMT

Well this is mah Riv i hope u all like it and this is it the day i bought it and yea it doesnt have armor all'd tires cus thoses were brand new that day !!! NOTICE THE JAPANESE POWER MACHINE IN BACKGROUND!!!!!!!! (DADS IT IS PRETTY FAST THOUGH!!!!!!!!!)

AutoMatic Headlights HELP

jordynarz — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:22:20 GMT

I need help! I installed HID's in my car. But My riviera almost dies when they automatically turn on. Is there a way I can disable the automatic ON headlights. Because I have always wanted them off. Please Hep

head gasket replacement

KillaKeninaRiv — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:25:46 GMT

hey my uncle replaced my intake gaskets and didnt do the head gaskets and now i found out i have a burned out wire harness as well. do you all think it would be wiser to go ahead and put in a whole new motor or go back and have the head gaskets and wire harness replaced? i can get a harness for $25 used but the problem is finding someone to do the head gaskets because im not going to pay a shop to do it when i can get a haynes manual and do it myself in a heated garage.