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Not quite ready to add to my collection yet but I think I have found the C4 I want.
LED dash with a ZF6 transmission.
I just love the LED dash and while the Doug Nash tranny looks kind of fun and quirky I would rather have a ZF6.
That means... 1989 is the only year that meets those two criteria. Searching nationwide on autotrader, cars.com and carfax - I have found exactly 1 - I know we are in mid November so it's not the best time to be looking.
Black book says there are 4,113 of the 89' that is a manual.
Again, not ready to buy yet but of course, I want to get one that is hard to find.
That number includes 32 1989 ZR-1 that were never retailed.
There were 2800 Coupes and 1288 Convertibles with Manual in 1989.
Yes, I see that the numbers I posted are 7 more than the Black Book number. I don't have an explanation. You're still looking for a low-ish production combo.
Well coupe I guess would be the third thing I would want so just sliced my available prospects down a bit.
When looking for rare cars like this, you have to be ready to buy, at asking price basically, when they come available. You'll probably end up paying more for.it than you would an lt1 6 speed car too. Rarity and all.
I agree. I have owned both a 3.42 and a GH0 3.54 6-speed. I can tell the difference, and prefer the 3.54 as 6th gear is more tenable at lower road speeds than 6th is with 3.42. In 1989 the "other" ratio was 3.33. With 3.33, the way I drive, I wouldn't be using 6th until mid-70MPH.
The GH0 was installed in 843 Manual trans Coupes in 1989. (Excluding R7F Challenge Cars, and Z49 Canadian Equipment). The book I'm using for these figures (Robert Casey) suggests that in 1989 all pre-February manuals were GH0 3.54 and all post-February were 3.33. VIN 12,189 and prior should be GH0. VIN 14593 and later should be 3.33. Those in between were built in February, and may be either ratio. (This is the way I interpret Mr. Casey's numbers. Don't hold me to those VINS, have the seller give you the RPO from the SPID.)
Cheers
And what number of those were true z51 cars? How many are even on the road still? How many are low mile, or in a nice color, or whatever else...
Very rare car..Might be easier to just build it if you find something somewhat close to what you want, provided.ypure not a purist.
I had the 3.33s so post February if info. is correct. Agree with not using 6th alot then. I do now since I changed the complete rear end and have 3.73s.
When looking for rare cars like this, you have to be ready to buy, at asking price basically, when they come available. You'll probably end up paying more for.it than you would an lt1 6 speed car too. Rarity and all.
Yeah when I get to that point where I am ready to buy I figured it's going to be "See it, buy it ASAP".
Originally Posted by IHBD
The OP did not say he is searching for a 1989 Z51. But of course, the 89 Z51 w/out FX3 is the holy grail of all FE7 (The HD suspension included with Z51) Atari Dash Coupes. There were (2224) Z51 which includes the (1569) FX3/Z51 ( In 1989 FX3 was only available with Z51.) So (655) 'pure' Z51 1989's.
EDIT/ADD: I offered my opinion regarding the preference for GH0 3.54 because I've owned one. I have a thought regarding the FX3/Z51. Why not? (Other than maintenance and obtaining obsolete parts for a 35 year old system.) I've owned a 1985 Z51, 1988 Y07 Z52 Automatic, 1990 ZR-1 (includes FX3) and the 1992 FE1 base suspension no FX3 with Bilsteins, Hands-down my favorite of these 4 for the way I drive (street, canyons, and highway) was the FX3 car. I used the FX3, and liked it.
A 'pure' 1989 Z51 is the holy grail because it is the only Atari Dash FE7 suspension C4 with the ZF transmission. But the FX3/Z51 is probably damn good as a road car. I don't think the OP should disregard the Z51/FX3; its a good compromise. AND there were (1569) of them built. Almost 3 times as many as the 'pure' ones.
You are right I did not say it. To me those things, including the gear ratio would just be a bonus. I lucked out and my 2000 has the G92 (3.15 gear for auto) and it was not even something I was looking for, but I can tell a difference on a C5 that does or does not have it.
I have been spending all summer going back and fourth on what kind of C4 I want to get and even drove a few.
- I drove a 96' LT4 CE which some people say is the best C4 (I get that for engine performance and interior comfort) Silver sure is an awesome C4 color.
- Then drove an 89 that was an auto but it was white with BLUE interior which is just friggin awesome to me and still sits in the back of my mind... and is still for sale - but not manual.
- I drove a 93' with a ZF6 and it was a beautiful polo green with the sawblades which are my favorite wheels on a C4 and that was just as fun to drive as the 96 but if I wanted that body style / interior I would be a fool not to go for the 96 LT4 - just too many improvements from 93-96.
- Lastly I drove a 95 auto that was a bright aqua metallic (amazing color in person) being sold by a guy here on this forum. Good guy, awesome car and I was close to buying but could not talk myself out of the LED dash and a manual. Which I told him before I drove it I really was looking for an earlier C4 but wanted to look at his because I liked the color so much and it was a very tough decision to walk away from that one.
SO...
- Coupe
- LED Dash
- ZF6
Meaning it has to be an 89. Once I get one I will throw sawblades on it. Red is really the only color I would not want but heck if it checks those 3 boxes and is in good shape and is mostly original I may not be able to pass it up.
The OP did not say he is searching for a 1989 Z51. But of course, the 89 Z51 w/out FX3 is the holy grail of all FE7 (The HD suspension included with Z51) Atari Dash Coupes. There were (2224) Z51 which includes the (1569) FX3/Z51 ( In 1989 FX3 was only available with Z51.) So (655) 'pure' Z51 1989's.
EDIT/ADD: I offered my opinion regarding the preference for GH0 3.54 because I've owned one. I have a thought regarding the FX3/Z51. Why not? (Other than maintenance and obtaining obsolete parts for a 35 year old system.) I've owned a 1985 Z51, 1988 Y07 Z52 Automatic, 1990 ZR-1 (includes FX3) and the 1992 FE1 base suspension no FX3 with Bilsteins, Hands-down my favorite of these 4 for the way I drive (street, canyons, and highway) was the FX3 car. I used the FX3, and liked it.
A 'pure' 1989 Z51 is the holy grail because it is the only Atari Dash FE7 suspension C4 with the ZF transmission. But the FX3/Z51 is probably damn good as a road car. I don't think the OP should disregard the Z51/FX3; its a good compromise. AND there were (1569) of them built. Almost 3 times as many as the 'pure' ones.
I completely agree with your assessment. I would absolutely want z51 and gh0. While you could modify the car to them later, that's extra expense and many aren't into modding.
My point I was getting at is really that Amy way you slice it, the OP is looking for a super rare car.
I went through this same exercise, though I originally wanted a 91 6 speed, that proved difficult to find. I did find a few 89 6 speed cars but none were close, the closest was in Vegas and I am Central Texas, kind of a long trip in an unknown vehicle. There is an 89 6 speed vert a few hours from me but the condition is horrid with probable transmission issues, it is still for sale but I wouldn't offer more than $1500 for it.
I got lucky after almost a year of looking and waiting, an 89 6 speed vert popped up 30 minutes from me. The condition wasn't bad but also not good and they had an asking price of 10K on it. It needed a new top, carpet, cluster rebuild, seat covering and lots of cleaning. I drove it home for $4500 after going over the parts replacement costs with the owner. The engine and tranny are strong or I would have walked away. I paid more than I should have but no towing bill, no airline needs, no trailer or fuel for towing so I came out ahead. No Z51 and the only real option was TPS that is inop. 3.33 axle ratio was a bummer but we do have high speed interstates here so maybe 6th gear will have a use at some point.
I would say keep waiting and check daily for what you want, it will pop up.
I went through this same exercise, though I originally wanted a 91 6 speed, that proved difficult to find. I did find a few 89 6 speed cars but none were close, the closest was in Vegas and I am Central Texas, kind of a long trip in an unknown vehicle. There is an 89 6 speed vert a few hours from me but the condition is horrid with probable transmission issues, it is still for sale but I wouldn't offer more than $1500 for it.
I got lucky after almost a year of looking and waiting, an 89 6 speed vert popped up 30 minutes from me. The condition wasn't bad but also not good and they had an asking price of 10K on it. It needed a new top, carpet, cluster rebuild, seat covering and lots of cleaning. I drove it home for $4500 after going over the parts replacement costs with the owner. The engine and tranny are strong or I would have walked away. I paid more than I should have but no towing bill, no airline needs, no trailer or fuel for towing so I came out ahead. No Z51 and the only real option was TPS that is inop. 3.33 axle ratio was a bummer but we do have high speed interstates here so maybe 6th gear will have a use at some point.
I would say keep waiting and check daily for what you want, it will pop up.
In 1989, one could only get Z51 with a Coupe. Same with Sport Seats and FX3, if those options were of interest.
In 1989, one could only get Z51 with a Coupe. Same with Sport Seats and FX3, if those options were of interest.
Really, the 6 speed was what I really wanted. I prefer the 91 for the exterior and interior and the L98 and I did find exactly what I wanted a few hours from me but it was kid owned with transmission issues that I did not want to deal with. I am retired and was looking for my next project, this one fits the bill. The convertible was fine so it worked out. This car has issues but none are horrible, but I suppose almost all C4's have issues.
Really, the 6 speed was what I really wanted. I prefer the 91 for the exterior and interior and the L98 and I did find exactly what I wanted a few hours from me but it was kid owned with transmission issues that I did not want to deal with. I am retired and was looking for my next project, this one fits the bill. The convertible was fine so it worked out. This car has issues but none are horrible, but I suppose almost all C4's have issues.
Yes, due to cafe standards, the 1989 Corvette was limited in options for some models. Coupe was the only way on the Z51... Also, no automatic Z51 cars that year.
I know how you feel. I think the 89 is the best year and because of the rarity I settled for an automatic when I bought mine. Probably for the best, I’d probably have to shrink to operate the clutch
I know how you feel. I think the 89 is the best year and because of the rarity I settled for an automatic when I bought mine. Probably for the best, I’d probably have to shrink to operate the clutch
Thats a fair point. The 95 and 96 I drove were noticeably more comfortable to sit in. C4's for any manual are definitely more cramped for a 6'2" person such as myself.
I love how comfortable my C5 is and I can stretch my legs out almost completely. If I get a C4 it won't be a long trip kind of car for me though so not too worried about it.
That number includes 32 1989 ZR-1 that were never retailed.
There were 2800 Coupes and 1288 Convertibles with Manual in 1989.
Yes, I see that the numbers I posted are 7 more than the Black Book number. I don't have an explanation. You're still looking for a low-ish production combo.
This is the first time I've ever run across specific numbers for coupes/convertibles with ZFs. Any idea what those figures are for 1991?
Not sure about unicorn, but ZF6 1989 cars, coupes and verts combined, have comparable but slightly less production numbers than all LT5 ZR1 cars from 90-95 combined, and similarly less but comparable production numbers to all the 1996 LT4 cars.
In my opinion the draw is two fold... Atari digital dash with the 80s styling in and out, and the firmer suspension (especially if a pure Z51 non FX3 car) as compared to later cars.
Then there is the nice bit with the GH0 RPO code corresponding to the shortest rear end gear ratio available in a factory C4 of any year I believe at 3.54
The fact that they are the last MAF L98 cars, and that they have the 113 heads.
Don't forget some came with the NS cap fast ratio steering rack.
All in all, in my opinion a holy grail 1989 is a ZF6 Coupe, non-FX3 but true Z51, GH0 rear end, fast ratio NS cap steering rack, and were sport seats available with that combination of parts?
Considering the production numbers, depending on how patient you are, you might just have to settle for the first decent shape 1989 ZF6 that you come across, rear end ratio, suspension, steering, colors, and seat options aside...
I was shopping for a 1989 ZF6 car myself for basically all of 2021. I had only two must have criteria, coupe, and red exterior. In that year I trolled various Craigslists cities, and all the big auto sales websites, and I saw only two cars for sale that met my criteria. One was an FX3 sport seat car that was a bit outside my budget, and the other was the base suspension standard seat one that I ended up with. As a luck of the draw (I didn't know this at the time) it was a GH0 3.54 rear end car with the NS cap fast ratio steering rack.
Last edited by yakmastermax; Nov 19, 2023 at 02:42 AM.
Looking for a unicorn?
