I may pick up another 64 Riv - this time w/o an engine. I am thinking about putting in a 350/350. Anyone done this or have any experience with it? Clearances? Problems?
Will that be enough torque to move a Rivi? I'm prejudiced, but would suggest a very inventive engine - a 401 or 425 Nailhead. Whatever you do, have fun with it!
I did this with a 63 Riv. Not sure if the 63 & 64 frames are the same. Had to fabricate an oil pan & pickup due to the steering linkage & crossmember. Was a huge PITA. Would not do it again, even for money.
What's wrong with a... 472/500 cad and T-400 Olds 455 Pontiac 455 Mopar 440 Ford FE 401/425 nailhead Buick 455 For cheese sake, even a buick 350.... There are a dozen engine choices I would consider before a chevy 350 in that car,,, but just my opinion. It's your car.
Yeah, steering & stuff is on the wrong side. I know someone who dropped a Buick 455 into a 65 Riv for a customer, and he said he'd never, ever do it again. Same deal, major pain in the ass. Seriously, it's probably easier just to locate a running 401/425 than deal with all of that other crap. I mean, unless he's looking to make it a serious 1/4 mile car out of it and wants to build some ridiculous mega-horsepower stroker smallblock or something. But on that level, a car that is essentially 4000 lb luxury car isn't exactly where most people start.
You don't want that car. Really you don't... And putting a SBC in it is gay. If you want a 350, put a Buick 350.. Or a nail head.. Thats part of what makes Buicks cool.
Thanks for the useful advice. I have a 401 core in the back lot so maybe I will just do that. Sounds like a major pain to do it any other way. I know a guy who put a 454 in one and it was a nightmare.
Major concern is that the riviera has an X frame with no side rails. Any T400 has to have the short rear shaft.
If you have a core motor, that would be a good way to go. The cost of rebuilding a Nailhead is a little high, so finding a good running motor may be a better choice, especially if you can get one with all the accesories you want/need like alternator, p/s pump, ac brackets etc plus exhaust, trans etc... The 64-66 were available with a th/sp400 trans, the 63 was not-the crank is slightly different but can be made to work with a little effort. As far as needing to have a short tailshaft 400-all the Nailhead 400s were the short shaft style.64-66 although the 64 is a one year only with some differences in the valve body and pump/convertor.
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