Considering a 90 Corvette
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines IA
Considering a 90 Corvette
Hi everyone, this is my first post on this forum and I need a little help deciding on my next car. I found a 1990 Corvette Red/tan leather interior. The car seems to be in very good shape and it has 62k miles. The owner says that $10k is his lowest dollar, should I go for it? I asked him if he's done the 60k mile service (not really knowing if there is a 60k service for this car) and he said that he hadn't. I am also looking at LT1 Z28s and they seem to be nice cars as well. How do the two cars compare? What are the 1/4 mile times for the two? The pros/cons of both? What would you do in my shoes? I realize you all may be a bit biased but I'm sure some of you are very familiar with both cars. I would appreciate any feedback or information you have to share. Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 19,812
Likes: 0
From: Weirsdale (outside of Ocala) Florida
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
Hello and welcome to the forum. For the money I would go with the corvette. It's just a car in a class of it's own. People see a corvette they say WOW. People see a Z-28, they say nice car.
Just my 2 cents.
:seeya
Just my 2 cents.
:seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 1
From: Springfield MO
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
If insurance is a concern the Z I looked at was going to have a higher premium than my vette. Plus would you rather be able to tell the ladies you had a camaro or a vette...nuff said. The lt1 z will beat the 90 coupe with the auto but if you had the manaul in the vette you could give him a good run. Resale of the vette will be better than that of the Z
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines IA
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (speedy-gonzalez)
Thanks for the welcome and the responses guys. Does anybody have the stats on the 90 Vette? Hp, tq, 1/4 times by chance? Right now I'm leaning towards the Vette just because IMO its an overall nicer car. Also, are there any weak areas w/ the 90 that I should be concerned about? Thanks a lot
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines IA
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (AS84)
AS84, the one I'm looking at is an automatic. I would prefer the manual transmission but this seems like a lot of car for only $10,000. It definitely gets a lot of attention. Like suggested I should probably just get it mechanically inspected and go from there. Thanks guys
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,732
Likes: 76
From: Bloomington IL
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
I believe the 90 Vette runs 245 horsepower with 350 lb/ft of torque. An auto should run the 0-60 in 6 seconds or a hair under. 1/4 mile times are right around 14 flat.
I had a 93 Z/28 (w. LT1) that I traded for my 91 L98 Vette. The Z/28 was faster and had a better exhaust sound. With that said, there is something about a Vette. You'd be surprised at the people with $30K family cars who talk about how they wished they had a Vette like mine.
My vote is for the Vette. The Z/28 is a nice ride, but the Vette is where it's at!
I had a 93 Z/28 (w. LT1) that I traded for my 91 L98 Vette. The Z/28 was faster and had a better exhaust sound. With that said, there is something about a Vette. You'd be surprised at the people with $30K family cars who talk about how they wished they had a Vette like mine.
My vote is for the Vette. The Z/28 is a nice ride, but the Vette is where it's at!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (91Vette)
Ya gotta get the Vette :cool: I like Camaros a lot, but as was stated the Vette is in a totally different class. I'm not sure how the Vette does in the 1/4 mile against the Z8 but I'm sure the Vette handles way better, I drove a 91 once and it felt pretty strong. If the car has the G92 Performace Axle Ratio (3.07s), it has 250 hp (due to less restrictive exhaust), otherwise it has 245. The only bad thing about the Vette is you can only fit like 2 chicks in it at once :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 1,303
From: Windermere FL
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
LikeTorque:
90 is a good year. Lots of pros. Here are some things to check that are common problem to that fine year:
Alternator - common problem area for 89-91. Crappy C130 alternator.
Weatherstripping - By this time it probably needs to be replaced. ~$500
Headlight motor bushings - $8 and a few hours of labor
Window regulators.
Water pumps likes to go out at about 65,000 miles.
The other usual things apply. I recommend a complete fluid change front to rear, that way you know when it was done last.
Good choice, lots of mod possibilities.
90 is a good year. Lots of pros. Here are some things to check that are common problem to that fine year:
Alternator - common problem area for 89-91. Crappy C130 alternator.
Weatherstripping - By this time it probably needs to be replaced. ~$500
Headlight motor bushings - $8 and a few hours of labor
Window regulators.
Water pumps likes to go out at about 65,000 miles.
The other usual things apply. I recommend a complete fluid change front to rear, that way you know when it was done last.
Good choice, lots of mod possibilities.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Des Moines IA
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (Flame Red)
Thanks for all the responses, you all are very helpful. I'm going to have the car inspected and if everything turns out I'm going to take the plunge. I can't wait to be behind the wheel again. Its like driving no other car, but I'm sure you guys already knew that. :D Take it easy fellas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 786
Likes: 31
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
I am very happy with my 1990 although it could use more power!:) There is never enough in any car I have ever owned.
In so far as issue the biggest ones that I have seen with the L-98 engine is the fact that the intake manifold will start to leak anti-freeze sometime around the 10 year 60-70,000 mile range and the fuel injectors may also start to go at the 65-90,000 mile range.
To check the intake, run the car for at least 1/2 hour and then shut it down. If it is leaking, you should see some seepage within 10-15 minutes or so. If you wait to long the anti-freeze evaporates and you missed the show.
The injectors can be checked with a digital ohmmeter. Disconnect the electrical plug on the injector and run a simple resistance check. They should all be pretty close to each other in the 16 to 18 ohm range. If you see 12s or even 3s the injector is bad.
A dealer will want $1000 plus to repair these two items using GM injectors, but an independent shop will do it a lot cheaper and use either Ford SVO or Accel injectors, either of which are of cheaper, have better quality and durability than the GM part. If you can do the job yourself the cost for parts is about $220-$250.
In so far as issue the biggest ones that I have seen with the L-98 engine is the fact that the intake manifold will start to leak anti-freeze sometime around the 10 year 60-70,000 mile range and the fuel injectors may also start to go at the 65-90,000 mile range.
To check the intake, run the car for at least 1/2 hour and then shut it down. If it is leaking, you should see some seepage within 10-15 minutes or so. If you wait to long the anti-freeze evaporates and you missed the show.
The injectors can be checked with a digital ohmmeter. Disconnect the electrical plug on the injector and run a simple resistance check. They should all be pretty close to each other in the 16 to 18 ohm range. If you see 12s or even 3s the injector is bad.
A dealer will want $1000 plus to repair these two items using GM injectors, but an independent shop will do it a lot cheaper and use either Ford SVO or Accel injectors, either of which are of cheaper, have better quality and durability than the GM part. If you can do the job yourself the cost for parts is about $220-$250.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 44,773
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From: 63.8% of all statistics are made up on the spot.
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
Get the vette. I have had my 90 for 2 years. It has 120,000 miles and is in great shape and runs like a scalded dog. You will not be disappointed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6,694
Likes: 3
From: Less Talk, More WOT | Houston TX
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (AS84)
If insurance is a concern the Z I looked at was going to have a higher premium than my vette. Plus would you rather be able to tell the ladies you had a camaro or a vette...nuff said.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock,Austin, Texas
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (iliketorque)
Look into the vette a little more...I think it is the overall better choice. It is in a class of its own :D :cheers: By the way ...welcome :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,146
Likes: 1,730
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Considering a 90 Corvette (GRX)
buy it, i would, ask questions like Oil, what he uses to clean it inside and out, how long since all the fluids have been changed and such.
