WebCars! The Corvette Story

Sell - Buy a Corvette

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

red corvette convertible
Price: $12,500 obo (Trades Considered)
Exterior: red
Interior: gray
Miles: 64,000
Location: otisvile, mi

Click Here for more info

nice 89 vette convert,, needs top installed,, the one on the car has a repaired rip,,dash corner has chunk out,, oem 350 automatic,, good tread on goodyear tires,, nice leather seats,, digital dash works, but has a bar not lighting up,, runs and drives as a low mileage car should, head turner and collector car (more)

Corvette For Sale Banner


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 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 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.


Add Comment

* Required information
1000
Captcha Image
Powered by Commentics

Comments (2)

Avatar
New
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

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

Hi Peter. What would you like to know?

Avatar
New
says...
Sorry, but ZF stands for Zahnradfabrik (gear factory) Friedrichshafen (a city) and not Zahradfabrik Firedshafen. My eyes are bleeding now.
Avatar
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.


2023 Corvette
C8 Z06

Corvette Spotter for the iPhone-txt
Introducing the Vette Spotter app for the iPhone.


The Vette Spotter app can identify the year of any Corvette.


All years and generations are covered, from 1953 to 2014. Over 350 photographs and detailed text are included.

Available_on_the_App_Store_Badge_US-UK_135x40_0801

To WebCars! Home