Where do i start???

[phenometron]

1971 Buick Riviera. The one in my profile pic/PT garage. She's just a cruiser right now. I'm not looking to compete with the smaller Camaros, etc. I just want to maximize the potential of a 2-ton car. The theory is if Bugatti can do it with a 2-ton Veyron, I can do it with a Riv...sort of...I haven't hit the lotto yet... ;)

[Mkelcy]

1971 Buick Riviera. The one in my profile pic/PT garage. She's just a cruiser right now. I'm not looking to compete with the smaller Camaros, etc. I just want to maximize the potential of a 2-ton car. The theory is if Bugatti can do it with a 2-ton Veyron, I can do it with a Riv...sort of...I haven't hit the lotto yet... ;)

Don't know the Riviera too well, but I'd always start with brakes, steering and suspension. All three can be relatively cheap (less than a nice set of wheels) and can make a big difference in how the car feels. If they needed to be prioritized, I'd go brakes, suspension and then steering.

I'd also look for an E-body specific forum to see what folks are doing with these cars. Your car is far enough out of the norm, that it's going to be a fun challenge to figure out what can be done and how to do it. Good luck with a different car!