Hello All!
Just bought my first vette! I have wanted one for 30 yrs. Midlife crissis? Possibly!
Was looking for a early to mid 90's. Saw, and drove several. There are a lot of potential money pits out there. Found an 89 that a 60 yr. old lady bought new. 89,000 miles, new motor, clutch, exhaust, cat, mufflers, power brake booster, master cyl. The seats were just recovered in leather. Six spd. car is in great cond. She handed me a file with receipts for everything!! She really hated to sell it, but she had a brand new one in the garage. Black w/ a six spd. also. She said that she just did not need two.
A couple questions please.
1. I know nothing about corvettes. Do 89's have any inherrent problems? I realize it is a little late to ask because I have been driving it for a month.
2. I have a light vibration (rotational) that shows up at around 1500 rpm. I had the car checked and was told that it could be from the clutch/pressure plate. Anyone experience anything simular. The car hauls butt otherwise.
3. When I sit in traffic (So. Cal) the temp. rises. The fan comes on at 230 deg. and it cools down gradually. On the road it runs around 195. Is this common for the Corvette.
Thanks in advance. Been reading this forum for about a week. A lot of knowledge here. :steering:

 

Welcome to the forum. :cheers: You have found the best place to come for answers to any question you have about 'Vettes.

I can't be of any help with your vibration problem but, your coolant temp is normal.

Again, welcome to the :party:


Mike.

P.S. Post some pics and let us know what you find out about the vibration issue. Don't forget to :seeya

 

Welcome to the forum :cheers: :seeya

 

Welcome to the rush!

Perhaps an early C4 guy will help with any inherent type problems. As for the vibration, I'd check have the tires rebalanced as a starting point if you haven't already. It's a bunch cheaper and easier than dealing with a cluth issue. Temps seem normal for stock too.

 

Welcome, great deal getting your vette from a little old lady.

I agree wiht suggestion on checking tires and wheels before anything else to adress vibe problem. Temp behavior seems to be the norm.

:seeya

PS, you have some great open roads out your way, have fun but take time to get to know the handling charateristics before pushing the envelope. These cars will suprise you and at speed that can be dangerous.


[Modified by Beautiful Beast, 5:36 AM 10/27/2003]

 

Welcome from the SouthEast :seeya

 

Welcome Aboard and Congratulations! :cheers:

 

Welcome and congrads: Tire pressure and alignment first... fan's ususallly come on at 220, but your temp is still normal... just worry if over 240... great pleace to learn and great people willing to help.... Welcome :thumbs:

 

Welcome :cheers:

 

Most guys like us always wanted one and when the time was right we buy one. It has nothing to do with mid-life at all, it has to do with the car always wanting, waiting, deserving, getting, and appreciating something you worked for! :auto:
Congrats on the new ride, enjoy! :hurray:

 

Welcome and congrats on finally getting your Vette. :cheers:

 

I guess I wasn't totally clear. I get this vibration moving or not! :steering:

 

How bad is the vibration?

Does it shake the car like a bad miss?

How's the vibration dampener?

With the new engine, maybe some of the old parts were transfered over (flywheel, etc)....

Give us some clues.

Welcome to the Forum! :thumbs:

 

Neat! Nice car! Lets see some pics of it!
Glad you could join! Please stop in at the tech section. You will really make your car a much more awesome machine than it already is over there!
Wave to other C4's, join the black sheep, look into getting Zaino polishes.
Are you mechanically inclined or care to get into the specific mechanicals hands on under the hood or under the car?
Disconnect your CAGS on the tranny so you don't grind gears.
Alternators are notorious on our cars, blown head gaskets......
change and flush that coolant on a schedule with distilled water,
change the thermostat to a 160*, clean between the radiator and condenser(doubt it has much with the mileage it has)
The auto climate control display goes nutty sometoimes.
Looks like you have found one of those amazing finds "a big block chevy owned by a little ole' lady" kind of car.
I want to make a personal invitation to you to join a bunch of corvette nuts drag racing in Palmdale Nov. 16th. Click the corvette-challenge link in my sig.

 

Welcome aboard :seeya On the temp issue, check the "Tech Tips" section of this forum (it's under "Tools" at the top of the page) you will find a 'how to' on cleaning the plenum area of your radiator. The C4 is bad about sucking up every bit of trash and leaves off the street. They get stuck in the plenum and block the air flow to the radiator. If this has never been done to your car you will be surprised at what you will find in there and at how much cooler the car will run. Enjoy your new ride.

 

Russ, I agree with what was said by everyone ahead of me. 1989 was a great year for corvette. I have the same motor as you, and my temps are about the same. You will love this thing! I have had mine two summers now and have done dozens of projects on it. If you are like me, this is your hobby, not your car.......either way, have fun and enjoy the ride!

Corvetteforum is the best value you will get anywhere for your new love!


Dan :seeya

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome and congrats :seeya :seeya

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to our forum where we can spend your money faster than Uncle Sam can print it.

When I bought my Vette, I,too, had a vibration. I bought new wheels and tires and the vibration went away. So, I'd go with a balance first and look closely at your tires, maybe a belt problem?