Buy a '91 to '93 or '95 to '99?

Good morning,

My first post here in search if ideas/advice on whether to get a 91 to 93 or a 95 to 99 Riviera. I now have a '91 Reatta. It is a little noisier than I'd like.

There is for sale a 95 non-Sc with a shot engine available. But I've not seen it yet, nor have I driven these later models. What are the pros and cons of the supercharged engine? How is the quietness of the 95 and up compared to the 91 to 93's? What gas mileage does one get with the supercharged vs the normally aspirated engine? Is the '95 engine a Series 2 of Series 1? What is the total weight of the 95 and up Riv?

We have a '97 LeSabre that is a fine running car, and I have some experience with it now. It has good visibility all around and is economical to have and drive. I prefer the Series 2 engine over the engine in my Reatta.

Thanks in advance for your comments.

Jack C.

Welcome! You sure came prepared with some questions.
Here is what i know:
The 95 riv had the series 2 N/A motor with an optional series 1 S/C motor. It weighs about 3800lbs without you and fuel.
Mileage for the 95-99 rivs is approximately 18city/ 28 highway, but it is possible to get the 96+ ones in the 30mpg range with tuning. te 95 and 96 models has 19.6gal tanks and the 97+ came with 17.5gal tanks IIRC. All of the supercharged versions require 91 fuel to run right.

I personally would not buy a 95 riv unless it was the last resort (no offense to the 95 owners) It is too limited in aftermarket options and makes working on considerable more difficult than 96+ rivs. If at all possible find a 98/99 because they have the most options.

The supercharged series 2 motors are extremely reliable and quite easy to work on. All of the 95+ rivieras are quite smooth riding cars, but many of us here want to hear the supercharger whine and modify parts to do so.

keep in mind we are a forum that is mostly made up of 96+ s/c cars so our opinions may be biased towards them b/c that is what we chose to drive.

I want your Reatta!!!

GMFreak8,

If you will check your pm, I sent you a message.

Jack C

i say go 96-99!

Jack,
I told you that you'd get some good info here on this forum! I'm the guy that sent you here from the AACA forum. As you can see below, I own 2 1992 riv's so I would never discourage you from buying this particular generation. Having once owned both 96 & 97 rivs, I can't discourage you there either. Come to think of it, ANY Riv is a GOOD Riv.

I say the newer the better.

I've had a'90' Riv and a '96'SC also. I currently have a '98'SC.
My '90' always seemed comfortable and had a great ride. The newer last generation Rivs have a lot more zip with the supercharged engine. The ride is excellent as well. A Riviera is a Riviera. The newer ones are better equipped than the older ones I think.

jcc3inc wrote:

GMFreak8,

If you will check your pm, I sent you a message.

Jack C

Thanks. I'm surely interested. I'll get back to you with a more detailed message when I have a little more time. I absolutely fell in love with the Reatta the first time I saw one.

jcc3inc, welcome to our forums. Here's a good read for you:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/series-ii-engine-transmission-f4/faq-why-a-series-ii-sc-engine-for-modding-purposes-t20.htm

97-99

I had two 95's, a SC and NA 3800 and now I have a 1997 NA. I say the 96+ years.

I have a '95 and I love it. After 15 years and 170k she's still going strong. Obviously there are benefits to going with a later year (better availability of parts and the benefits of a newer car in general) including those mentioned above, but the '95 is still a very dependable car.

My supercharge is still nice and loud, she runs very smoothly. I've never driven any other year Riv (save an '89 or '90, with the sweet touch screen!) but the later year Riv's are much sleeker looking and have a nicer interior, too.

98-99

I owned a '90 and liked it very much.
If I had to pick though, I would go with '96-'99.

One thing I did like about the '90 was the digital dash.
Being able to get into the diagnostics of the car without needing a scanner was a plus.