billschroeder5842

Hey all!

I just bought a 89 as a stable mate for my 91 ZR1 and am due to get it next week being shipped from Orlando. It has 68K and has the Z51 and the FX3 options. I plan to drive it often a do a bit of Auto crossing (I'm a novice) for fun.

The car appears to be in good condition with all the accessories working and maintenance up to date. The owner seems to be pretty conscientious and took good care. All the records from day 1 accompany the car.

So, any Dos, Don'ts and things to look for specific for the 89? This is my first L89 and I'm looking forward to making a few tasteful upgrades, performance tweaks and maintenance projects.

So... 89ers... what the heck did I just get myself into?

Goldcylon

Well to me it looks little like you are getting yourself into a whole lot of fun.

JungleCat

That's a sharp looking '89! Congrats!

Cjunkie

Car looks like a nice find.

Patsgarage

From a fellow 89 owner, that looks like a very well cared for example. Some auto x guys have added the "X" brace from the vert to the their coupes to cut down on flex. Atari dash has its issues but the fixes are well known, speed parts/tuning for the L98 can be hard to find, but a cam/rocker/header swap is probably thee easiest most cost effective way to more power.

aklim

Unless done at a shop, if it is liquid, dump. Filters? See above. Injectors should be easy to do with a reman set since they will be crudded up or Multecs. Either way, not worth doing anything with them since reman is so cheap.

How much money are you willing AND able to spend? Long term or short term ownership? That will dictate things.

Churchkey

Nice score!

Had an 89 A4 vert it was a great car, had it for 10 years. Had sellers remorse watching it leave the driveway with 135K on the clock.

The exhaust system is very restrictive suggest headers first.
Next address the intake the long intake runners are great for mid range torque but the engine runs out of breath about 4800 rpm. It will be apparent with a 6 speed trans.
The heads: Small ports & valves. With stock heads .500 valve lift is max the retainers will hit the valve guides.

Add an extra qt of oil for track days a Canton pan is a better option.

Good luck.

1993C4LT1

What a nice 89 Z51 And I agree with GC

mazdaverx7

Looks like you bought a well cared for example! You have the best of everything in that car with the 6spd, Z51, and FX3! It really doesn't get better than that IMO! If you're going to autocross the car, I'd suggest a set of lighter wheels and some sticky tires. This way you don't tear up your every day tires and in the end the car will handle better on the track.

Do you know any history on the car or is the seller providing any service records? The L98 is a torquey engine and will pull nicely. Not as fast as the ZR1 but will still put a smile on your face. The L98 has very few issues and will provide years of reliable service!

aklim

I'd be suspicious of the FX3 as to whether it still is good or not since the shocks are 30 years old.

jdlclam

Looks like a beauty - always loved those wheels!

J.

BrandensBeast

You just got yourself into a sweet car. that's what you did!

billschroeder5842

Yep, I'm getting all the records from Day 1. That is a weird little affectation that I have; I will pretty much only go for cars with a complete history and complete service records. I need to know where it's been.

It is like getting the complete therapy records from your future wife's psychiatrist.

aklim

IDK. That is kinda like taking comfort in knowing that A service was performed. I would think that knowing WHOM did the service is more important. There is a diesel tech at the Ford dealership near me that I will ALWAYS specify "XYZ WILL NOT TOUCH MY CAR IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM.". Getting that record that he did work would not only not interest me but would be a negative.

Why? If my future wife needed a shrink, the girl is way too crazy for my liking. If I find out that the girl I am dating needs a shrink, she will be moved immediately to the FWB category at best.

billschroeder5842

They are all crazy; it is just a matter of degree.

Consider this:

aklim

True but if your degree is to the point of needing a shrink other than to get mitigation for a legal punishment, that is a little too FUBAR for my liking

1993C4LT1

LMFAOOO at the end