Hi new owner of a high mileage 98 rivi

Hey guys, quick intro. I have always been drawn to buicks, my first car was a late 80's buick century station wagon. Rivieras have always caught my attention, whether it was boxy or 8th gen, as soon as I saw the R I would run up and check it out. Well anyhow I'm newly engaged, and I decided that I needed something for myself, a hobby. So I researched Rivieras and finally decided on a 98 riviera sc with factory chrome wheels, the only downside is that it has 144k miles on it which is even higher than the jeep grand cherokee i use to taxi my girl and my dog around in. I pretty much don't know anything about cars other than oil changes. I would like mod this rivi, however I am worried that since it is so high mileage I don't want to murder it. Anyhow here's a pic (it was taken at the dealership). Thanks for checkin out my post.

Looks very clean! Those miles aren't a real problem if it's been maintained correctly, but yeah I wouldn't start pushing this engine. You could do a fenderwell intake to open that S/C up and get some nice scream going, or maybe some HID's like I have. Visual upgrades will be the thing for you, so we can start by cleaning up those yellow corner lenses. Write-ups are all over this site, so welcome and good luck!!

Edit:

Write-up for clearing the lenses is here:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/exterior-f12/write-up-yellowed-corner-lenses-t448.htm

And one thing you might wanna try is this:

https://rivperformance.editboard.com/exterior-f12/write-up-custom-chrome-grill-t719.htm#7287

I used 3/4" chrome for my grille, looks good!

welcome steve, im from PA as well. wheres phoenixville? im located in pittsburgh and theres another riv owner like 25 mins south of pgh.

Phoenixville is a suburb of philly, I got family out in Pittsburgh.

Ilan thanks for the link, those lights definately stick out like a sore thumb, I never had luck in the past cleaning lights on my old cars. Looks like I'm going for replacement

Alright, if you got the money for replacements that's good but some guys have had some real luck with some products in there.

Welcome, Nice RIv!

welcome! 144k for our engines is not too bad they are very hardy if the oil has been changed at regular intervals I've heard of plenty going well into the 200k with mediocre maint. Good luck, she's a beauty!

steve s wrote:

Phoenixville is a suburb of philly, I got family out in Pittsburgh.

Ilan thanks for the link, those lights definately stick out like a sore thumb, I never had luck in the past cleaning lights on my old cars. Looks like I'm going for replacement

Steve, welcome aboard! The CV headlight product has received EXCELLENT reviews from members here. I opted for OEM replacements myself a year or 2 ago, expect to spend $100 with shipping. I ordered from GMpartsdirect.com. I have my originals in a box, with the CV kit on the shelf waiting for some free time.

Sweet 98...

Hi and welcome to the board!

I didn't use that particular lens restoration, but I did have great success with what I used. I used CCP 5-Minute Headlight Restoration pads. They turned out like this:


Also, I agree with everyone else that as long as the car was beat on, 144,000 miles is NOT that bad. My 1989 Lesabre T-type had 205,000 miles on it when I sold it and the only thing ever changed on it was the water pump and valve cover gaskets. Your car should be just fine for a long time!

Oh and another side note, if you're ever in the Pittsburgh area, I'm that guy 25 miles south that xxsupergman25xx was talking about. It'd be cool to meet up!

Handsome vehicle, Good Luck