Rationalizing NOT Purchasing a 1969 L89 Coupe...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
Rationalizing NOT Purchasing a 1969 L89 Coupe...
I've spent the last several days rationalizing 'why' it is such a good idea to NOT purchase that Maroon 1969 L89, 4-speed coupe that I happened upon here in Tampa:
1. This urge too will pass (my wife's favorite)...
2. I've spent over $20K on my car (including purchase) to get it to the level of repair that it is at now. I'd spend at least $5-10K over time to do the same to the L89 (without any surprises) on top of the purchase.
3. Solid, stock high lift L89 cam and 11:1 compression are NOT pump-gas friendly; I'd have to detune the engine (hydraulic, lower lift L36 or L68-equivalent cam would probably work well but 3 deuces may require adjustment along with spark advance/timing at a minimum without touching the compression).
4. 15-17mpg (my C3) vs. single-digit mileage (L89) if I drove it hard...
Your thoughts welcome in the attached poll.
1. This urge too will pass (my wife's favorite)...
2. I've spent over $20K on my car (including purchase) to get it to the level of repair that it is at now. I'd spend at least $5-10K over time to do the same to the L89 (without any surprises) on top of the purchase.
3. Solid, stock high lift L89 cam and 11:1 compression are NOT pump-gas friendly; I'd have to detune the engine (hydraulic, lower lift L36 or L68-equivalent cam would probably work well but 3 deuces may require adjustment along with spark advance/timing at a minimum without touching the compression).
4. 15-17mpg (my C3) vs. single-digit mileage (L89) if I drove it hard...
Your thoughts welcome in the attached poll.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
Let me add a few more reasons:
5. The need for plastic surgery to wipe the permanent grin off your face.
6. It's so fast you might spill your coffee taking off from a light.
7. You'll want to drive to out of the way places to show it off.
8. You won't want to de-tune the motor once you drive it.
LOL Joe
5. The need for plastic surgery to wipe the permanent grin off your face.
6. It's so fast you might spill your coffee taking off from a light.
7. You'll want to drive to out of the way places to show it off.
8. You won't want to de-tune the motor once you drive it.
LOL Joe
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
You have it all wrong....contrary to popular belief, the L-89 is pump gas friendly...the .500" gross lift is pale in comparison to the .600+ " lift cams running on pump gas today, and 11:1 C.R., in reality is closer to 10:25-10:50.
Buy the L-89
Buy the L-89
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
From: Grants Pass Oregon
My Fine 69
Dude!..........If you happen to be a high roller and you got the bread, Well you may never have this chance again, do with the other cars as you will, but buy the 69.........Sorry but I'm kinda that way! 
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
OK. I just applied for financing of a portion of the L89 purchase and sent a note to the Corvette Shop that I want to move forward with a walk-around of the L89 pending credit approval; financing a portion of the purchase price with the rest coming from the proceeds of the sale of our prior home...
Now, I have to tell the wife... I think she is expecting this.
Now, I have to tell the wife... I think she is expecting this.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Looks like you've already made your mind up so congrats. Here a few arguement points to bring up to your wife though;
1. They made 32,324 L48 cars compared to 390 L89 cars.
2. 190hp SB or 435hp BB.
3. The 69 BB car will appreciate much better then a 32,000 production number SB car will.
Good luck with your purchase.
1. They made 32,324 L48 cars compared to 390 L89 cars.
2. 190hp SB or 435hp BB.
3. The 69 BB car will appreciate much better then a 32,000 production number SB car will.
Good luck with your purchase.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,351
Likes: 75
From: Tampa Bay FL
I may have 'let the cat out of the bag' since somebody paid the Corvette Shop a visit. The timing was incredible as the owner said 'two interested parties over the same weekend'. Anyway, owner says the other guy didn't appear that interested but he's giving them a week to come up with the cash. I suppose, if it's meant to be... fingers and toes crossed.
Will keep y'all advised.
Will keep y'all advised.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Va
Ted,
I found a sweet 72 SB 4spd PS/PB AC 70k mile car for $13.5 last year. I dragged my feet on it for a while, but since I was new to Corvettes, I didn't want to rush, so I dragged my feet some more, afraid to pull the trigger. Well, I finally realized this was an awesome deal and decided to do it. I called the guy and he sold it the day before. I was sick to my stomach.
If the 69 BB is still available at a price you can reach, I'd do it. Unless their asking price is outrageous, if you decide in a year the car's not for you, you should be able to turn it for the same price. My $0.02 worth.
good luck,
Oscar
I found a sweet 72 SB 4spd PS/PB AC 70k mile car for $13.5 last year. I dragged my feet on it for a while, but since I was new to Corvettes, I didn't want to rush, so I dragged my feet some more, afraid to pull the trigger. Well, I finally realized this was an awesome deal and decided to do it. I called the guy and he sold it the day before. I was sick to my stomach.
If the 69 BB is still available at a price you can reach, I'd do it. Unless their asking price is outrageous, if you decide in a year the car's not for you, you should be able to turn it for the same price. My $0.02 worth.
good luck,
Oscar
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
Likes: 27
From: Austin TX
The L89 is one of the best Corvette engines ever made. No other GM cars had an aluminum head 427 option (ZL1 Camaros were an aluminum engine option, other L89's were 396 CI). No other GM engine had multiple carbs and aluminum heads, very few GM cars had either of these options available at all, much less together. The Corvette was the Flagship of Chevrolet, the most well designed car they sold in its time. When you think of 427 steel head, single carb COPO Camaro coupes going for $150,000 plus, it is a mystery why an aluminum head 3 X 2 carb 427 Corvette is going for less than half that price.
