I own a 1980 Buick Riviera with the 3.8 V6 Turbo. Currently the engine needs rebuilding. I was wondering what the real differences are between this engine and the later Buick V6 Turbo engines ('86/'87). And also if it is possible to modify my engine to 'become' a later engine, keeping the existing block probably? One thing that I am unsure about is if the transmission will still be suitable if this upgrade is possible - my Riv is front wheel drive and uses the 325 (I think??) U-shaped transmission! Thanks for your help.
Well, the block itself is different (14 bolt oil pan, probably the smaller pulley bolt, etc.), but you can bolt later heads and intake on it, do some oiling system mods and such.
To put fuel injection on the car might be really interesting (or a turbo) without a donor turbo '84-85 Riv to get the special parts off of (wiring harness, ECM, fuel rail, bigger turbo with "J" tube, fuel tank/pump, etc.). That might be a significant challenge, but not impossible.
The transmission is basically a 200-4R "broke in half"... the back part is folded under the front half and attached to the differential. The good news is that almost all the same upgrades in a RWD 200-4R can be applied to strengthen this transmission.
You might want to talk to Scott North (a list member who's car is in the Featured Cars section of the Web Page). He's the record holder for the N/SA in an 84/85 turbo Riviera and I'll be he's got all sorts of tricks and experiences to share...
I have an 87 GN, and a neighbor of mine has an earlier turbo 3.8 carburator engine sitting in his garage. He said I could have it if I want it. My question is, are the internals of this older engine(crank and rods)good for spares for my 87 engine? Will they work? I don't want to take it and have something sitting in my garage for nothing. Thanks for any advice. Tom
I don't think the older eng. will work. The internal parts are different.
Frank