Let me introduce myself, my name is Lynn (the male version) and I just purchased my first Corvette. A 1988 with a 6-speed, targa top, three position ride control, it is red with a black leather interior. It has 49,300 miles on it and the Eagle GTs are barley broke in. I cannot wait for it to warm up so I can drive it.

Here is my question to the experts out there. In all my internet research it lists the manual transmission on the 1988 as the 4+3. I thought that 1987 was the last year for that trans??? In the specs why do they not list a 6 speed?? Am I missing somthing?? I triple checked the VIN and it is a '88. Was it so late in the year that it got the 6spd as what the '89s got???

Also what is the difference in the two seating options for that year, what is the "sport" seat??? I did send away for the build sheet and window sticker, but it takes 4 to 6 wks and I am getting curious.

One other question---this car is in very nice shape with the body being about an 8 out of 10 and the interior about the same. I can only find two little spots on the entire car where there needs a little painting from rock chips, very small. Do I keep the car original in hopes of selling it to maybe make a profit or do I tweak it a little by adding aftermarket exhaust and a stereo that is 10 times better than facotry, and maybe add a keyless entery/alarm so that I can enjoy the car a little more?? My goal is to get into a C-5 in a few years.

Thanks,
LJ

 

1989 is the year the ZF6 manual was introduced, your 88 came with a 4+3 manual, but apparently somebody changed it. It may not be a ZF, it could be a Richmond unit. Now that I think of it, your car should not have selective ride control if its an 88, thats an 89 option to my knowledge....but I could be wrong. Doublecheck that VIN.

A Sport seat has several lumbar and siderest options, and is shaped a little differently, like a racing seat.

Its your car, do what you want to it. I would never buy a car for its resale value.

 

when reading your post my first thought is 89 all the way...i know that was the first year for the 6 spd and i think the first for the ride control...now a few people have replaced the 4+3 with the six spd, but to also add the selective ride is strange...

as to the exhause and radio...go right ahead. i consider that pretty standard things that people won't twist their nose at when resale comes around

 

Hi, post or e-mail the VIN and the list of 3-character codes from the center of the label on the bottom of the console lid, between the seats and I'll tell you anything I can about it. The codes usually start with AC1 AC3.....and end with a couple of 3-digit numbers. I'll send you an autocheck report also.

 

I'm putting the wager on the table...
`89 coupe ZF6-sp Z-51 FX-3, with the tenth digit of the VIN being the letter "K".

 

The VIN is 1G1YY2189J5105709

The car is presently sitting at my parent's place in North Dakota so I will try and call to get the RPO codes. I was hoping for an "odd duck" that came out of the factory that way but it does not sound like it.

Thanks for the info. I am excited about this forum as it looks like it is well set up and there are plenty of 'Vette veterans out there.

Lynn

 

The VIN is 1G1YY2189J5105709

 

The VIN is 1G1YY2189J5105709

 

The VIN is 1G1YY2189J5105709

The car is presently sitting at my parent's place in North Dakota so I will try and call to get the RPO codes. I was hoping for an "odd duck" that came out of the factory that way but it does not sound like it.

Thanks for the info. I am excited about this forum as it looks like it is well set up and there are plenty of 'Vette veterans out there.

Lynn

 

I had an 88 red coupe with red interior and it was a Z51 with the 4+3 manual tranny and sport seats. Put 135 K miles on the odo and the only major failure was the AC compressor. Was a sweet little Corvette.

Good luck with yours and enjoy the ride.

 

I would like to see a picture of the "three position ride control" in an `88.
If you can get the RPOs to us (a picture would be great), we'll figure this out.

 

The J after the 89 indicates it was built in 1988.The 5 after the J indicates its assembly plant=Lakewood.Should be RPO codes under the center console lid-those determine what options.

I love the after market keyless entry alarm-mines a AVITAL 2200-with
a ton of options. I also like my after market stereo, but kept the stock one for when I eventually sell it.

 

5= Bowling Green, KY

There is some good info here: http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...988/index.html

 

Indeed the VIN says it's an '88; if the RPO codes don't clear up the options issues consider getting a copy of the build sheet from the NCM (link on my site).

That doc. contains detailed description of all factory options on your car and the assembly date.

BTW, just for S&Gs, next time you pop the clam, check to see if the L98 has a 9th fuel injector in the bottom of the left runner base, between #3 and #5 positions.

 

check to see how late in the year it was built it could be an 88 but was biult in later 88 wich some people call an 88and half or could be an early 89 with 88 vin whats the title say?

 

Hi Lynn, My vette is an 88 4 speed,as far as I know 6 speed came after 88 maybe 89 anyways enjoy it

 

I think I broke the code on your 6-speed and the 3 position ride control. Someone has changed the 4+3 over to a later 6-speed, and when doing so they also changed the shifter boot and console panel. On a six-speed, the boot opening is about 3/4" wider to facilitate the shifter throw. There is a ride conrol switch mounted on the panel left side rear. I doubt if the ride control switch is connected to any thing, it just came with the shifter console. Pull the console up and see if the switch is just filling the hole.

 

Just when I thought I might have something, I get an e-mail from another member indicating there may be an issue with the title. I am sick. When I read the e-mail I about yakked all over the keyboard. My first Covrvette experience is not going so well. Now I am worried that when I go to sell it I might take an A#@ Kicking. I wish the car was here so I could inspect it. I called my dad to have him look for the RPO tag and he cannot find it. Something is starting to stink real bad!!! I did send away for the build sheet and window sticker last week but it takes 4-6 weeks and I figured I could get the ball rolling with the 6spd issue in the forum. Looks like I opened a can of worms.

Do I try and get my money back and try again or do I wait and see what happens as for the short 30 miles I put on it, it appeared to drive fine and go on with life. I guess it is what ever I am comfortable with.

 

i wouldn't worry about the resale...if you bought it as an investment, it's not a good one at this time...my thought is you bought it to drive, my advice is to "drive it like you stole it" and don't sweat the year thing as not too many things changed from 88-89. the things that did change are those disputed here

 

I would not sweat the installation of a six-speed in an'88. It is definitely an improvement over the 4+3 as long as the speedo sender etc. was also changed over as I imagine it was. I have an'88 with 4+3 O/D, and it works well. The reason I know about the 6 speed console being different was because mine was cracked when I bought the car and a guy in the salvage yard assured me the one he had was correct. So, I bought it and guess what? Wrong part for an'88, but right part for a later 6-speed. The ride control switch came with the console panel. When I saw your post, a light came on ("check data storage"). I hope everything works out with the title check. Sometimes people "assemble" a vette from numerous models and years, and sell them as original cars with a dubious title.When you get the opportunity, you might take it to a knowledgeable 'vette guy in Bismark or Grand Forks and let him put it on a lift and then you can check numbers. A Helms manual is a must.