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1989 Corvette C4:
New Six Speed Manual Transmission

1989 Corvette ZF six speed manual transmission
The big news for 1989 was the completely new six speed manual transmission. It was designed for the Corvette by Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen A.G. (ZF) a German transmission builder with an excellent background for producing bulletproof transmissions for high horsepower applications. It replaced the "4+3" manual plus overdrive Doug Nash unit that first appeared in 1984 Corvettes. It was a no-cost option (the four speed automatic was standard) with improved shifting characteristics as part of the bargain.
Similar in some ways to the overdrive function of the "4+3" manual, the new transmission featured a Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS) system. Under certain circumstances (engine warmed up, less than 35% throttle) shifting up from first caused fourth gear to be selected. Any other circumstances (in other words, spirited driving) caused the transmission to behave like a conventional six speed. The goal was improved fuel economy and the system resulted in an EPA rating of 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway rating - and once again the Corvette was not subjected to the gas guzzler tax.

1989 Corvette For Sale

1989 Corvette
Price: $4,000
Exterior: Blue
Interior: Black
Miles: 123,000
Location: Jacksonville Florida

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1989 Chevy Corvette Coupe L98 - 5.7 - 4 speed automatic transmission - color midnight blue - new interior (leather seats, dash top, LED gauges, carpet, door panels, center arm rest, ect (more)

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Also new (and overshadowed by the introduction of the six speed) for 1989 was the Selective Ride System (RPO FX3; $1,695.00). It required the Performance Handling Package (RPO Z51; $575.00) which was was available only with manual transmission coupes so the price added up. It started a new trend in Corvettes: giving the driver the ability to control suspension settings. Three settings were available - Tour, Sport and Performance - controlled by a rotary switch just behind the shifter. Within each mode there were six different settings which varied depending on the speed. The settings were implemented via actuators located in the shock absorbers.
Under hood Bowling Green assembly emblem
All C4 Corvettes proudly featured a Bowling Green KY assembly plant emblem under the hood.
1989 Corvette 17 inch wheel Right: The 17 inch wheels optional for 1988 were promoted to standard equipment in 1989.

The 1989 Corvette continued its mission as a showcase for GM technologies with the optional Low-Tire Pressure Warning Indicator (RPO UJ6; $325.00). This ingenious system consisted of a tire pressure sensor mounted inside the wheel which, via a built in self-powered radio transmitter, relayed tire pressure data to a receiver in the dashboard. On the other side of the wheel was a weight equal to the transmitter assembly so wheel balance was maintained. A dashboard mounted light warned the driver when tire pressure was low.

1989-Corvette-Passenger-Compartment-Breadloaf
The breadloaf, positioned in front of the passenger, was intended to protect the passenger in the case of an accident. It first appeared in 1984 Corvettes and was in response to safety legislation that was thought to be imminent. 1989 was its last year as in 1990 the interior was updated with a driver side airbag and a glove compartment in front of the passenger.
1989 Corvette Coupe Interior
The 1989 Corvette interior was both comfortable and accommodated sprited driving.

1989 Corvette with factory hardtop
1989 Corvette Hardtop RPO CC2
A factory sourced hardtop (RPO CC2; $1,995.00) became available in 1989 and there was a lot to back up the high price. Construction consisted of a composite panel of rigid urethane surrounded by fiberglass which was molded around a structurally sound steel and aluminum cage. A cloth headliner and a heated rear window was included. For 1989 quantity was 1,573 or 5.96% of the total production.
1989 Corvette Hardtop RPO CC2

1989 Corvette Convertible 1989 Corvette Convertible
1989 Corvette 1989 Corvette Coupe
1989 Corvette Coupe
1989 Corvette Official GM photograph
1989 Corvette: Official GM Photo.
1989 Corvette GM Specifications
Official Specifications, 1989 Chevrolet Corvette. Click on the image to view a larger illustration.

Who Are We?

As part of a 1989 Corvette press release, GM included some interesting statistics about Corvette owners.
  • Education: 48% are college graduates, 35% have some college education and 17% have graduated high school.
  • Occupation: 19% are in managerial positions; 10% hold executive titles and 14% are in sales or semi-professional fields.
  • Age: 55% of all Corvette buyers are between the ages of 35 and 54; 34% are under 35 years of age. The medium age is 39.5 years.
  • Sex: 84% are male; 16% are female, a number that has been increasing.
  • Marital Status: 58.5% of Corvette owners are married.
  • Household Income: Medium income is $80,000. 38.15% make $100,000 of more and just 1.45% make $30,000 and under. Keep in mind, these are statistics from 1989.
  • Loyalty: 40% replaced their Corvette with another Corvette.

The average Corvette buyers uses the car mainly for recreational purposes and says the main reason for making the purchase were the excitement of driving the Corvette and the styling statement it makes. For 53% the answer was a simple "I wanted it!"


1989 Corvette Options, Prices

RPO Description Production Price
24S Removable Roof Panel, blue tint (coupe) 8,748 (33.12%) $615.00
64S Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint (coupe) 4,042 (15.30%) $615.00
AC1 Power Passenger Seat 20,578 (77.91%) $240.00
AC3 Power Driver Seat 25,606 (96.95%) $240.00
AQ9 Sports Seats, leather 1,777 (6.73%) $1,025.00
AR9 Base Seats, leather 23,364 (88.46%) $400.00
B2K Callaway Twin Turbo; installed by Callaway, sold and warranted by GM. 67 (0.25%) $25,895.00
B4P Radiator Boost Fan 20,281 (76.79%) $75.00
C2L Dual Removable Roof Panels (coupe) 5,274 (19.97%) $915.00
C68 Electronic Air Conditioning Control 24,675 (93.42%) $150.00
CC2 Auxiliary Hardtop (convertible) 1,573 (5.96%) $1,995.00
D74 Illuminated Driver Vanity Mirror 17,414 (65.93%) $58.00
FX3 Selective Ride and Handling, electronic 1,573 (5.96%) $1,695.00
G92 Performance Axle Ratio 10,211 (38.66%) $22.00
K05 Engine Block Heater 2,182 (8.26%) $20.00
KC4 Engine Oil Cooler 20,162 (76.34%) $110.00
MN6 6-Speed Manual Transmission 4,113 (15.57%) n/a
NN5 California Emission Requirements 4,501 (17.04%) $100.00
UJ6 Low Tire Pressure Warning Indicator 6,976 (26.41%) $325.00
UU8 Stereo System, Delco-Bose 24,145 (91.42%) $773.00
V01 Heavy-Duty Radiator 20,888 (79.09%) $40.00
V56 Luggage Rack (convertible) 616 (2.33%) $140.00
Z51 Performance Handling Package (coupe) 2,224 (8.42%) $575.00

Total Production: 26,412
Coupe: 16,663 (63.09%)
Convertible: 9,749 (36.91%)

Notes: Base Corvette Coupe with 350 cu. in. 245 hp engine and four speed automatic transmission: $31,545.00.
Base Corvette Convertible with 350 cu. in. 240 hp engine and four speed automatic transmission: $36,785.00.

Colors

Code Exterior Quantity Interior Soft Top
10 White 5,426 (20.54%) Blue / Black / Gray / Red / Saddle Black / Saddle / White
20 Medium Blue Metallic 1,428 (5.41%) Blue / Black Black / White
28 Dark Blue Metallic 1,931 (7.31%) Black / Saddle Black / Saddle / White
41 Black 4,855 (18.38%) Blue / Black / Gray / Red / Saddle Black / Saddle / White
68 Dark Blue Metallic 3,409 (12.91%) Black / Saddle Black / Saddle / White
81 Bright Red 7,663 (29.01%) Black / Gray / Red / Saddle Black / Saddle / White
90 Gray Metallic 225 (0.85%) Black / Gray Black / White
96 Charcoal Metallic 1,440 (5.45%) Black / Gray / Saddle Black / Saddle / White

Notes: Not all soft top / interior combinations were available.


Note: Clicking on an image with this symbol (Boxes) will lead to a larger image.


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Comments (2)

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Peter blouin(Concord, Vermont, US)says...

last year I bought a 1989 corvette coupe 6 speed bright red with blk interior,what a beautiful car,have not found one like it on here or anywhere,trying to find more infoe about it can anyone help me thanx

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Admin
Corvette Story Webmaster(California, US)says...

Hi Peter. What would you like to know?

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New
says...
Sorry, but ZF stands for Zahnradfabrik (gear factory) Friedrichshafen (a city) and not Zahradfabrik Firedshafen. My eyes are bleeding now.
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Admin
Corvette Story Webmaster(California, US)says...

You are correct, Brucey. Thank you for taking the time to write. The web site has been corrected.


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