hello, i am new here and am inches from buying a 89' vette. i just wanted to know a few things about em like how would they do performance wise vs a mustang cobra, 90's camaro/transam, '10 camaro (v8 model), hows the handling on stock suspension, any common problems, gas milage and how is it for driving in 2 inches of snow (not that im going to just curious). anyways thanks.
-corwin

 

What year?
No.
Definitely Not.
Depends on condition.
Yes.
Not much.
I wouldn't even try.

 

I'll give my $.02 that most here won't want to admit...

You'll likely be disappointed with the performance if the corvette is stock and you're running against a 98-99 LS1 powered F-body with a few bolt ons - Heck even the earlier LT1 F-bodies had 275 HP stock and since you're only about 200 LBS lighter than the camaro/firebird platform they'll be ahead - plus there aren't a lot running around that are bone stock anymore - if it's got exhaust, filter, tune and maybe a cam it'll run away from a stock '89 'vette in a straight line like it's standing still - in the twisties the corvette will shine with it's better weight balance, better suspension, etc.

That said - the same bolt-ons and 'tricks' / tips that make the camaro/firebird faster makes the corvette faster. Put the corvette on a diet and loose as much weight as you can and then do the same power enhancers and you'll always be ahead of "like" model year cars.

With the L98 in the '98 you've got almost 55 HP to make up to even equal the LT1 model's 300 HP and it won't be cheap as it'll require the common intake and exhaust bolt-ons plus either an expensive intake or a cam change to get there (or a 383 stroker will get you there plus more!)

Common problems - not really anything on the L98 that's a huge concern over the typical old car problems - there are a lot with 150 to almost 200k miles on the stock engine that I've seen (and there was one that I called on the guy said is at 223k on the factory engine and a replacement trans - I didn't look at - I just couldn't even imagine that being able to hold up to driving hard for many more miles...)

 

High performance limited slip Dana 44 rear axle.

Full engine rebuild @ 79,000 miles by Wagamon Brothers in MPLS - 75,000 mile warranty on engine.

New clutch at time of rebuild.

Injectors flow tested by TPIS.

New full HP stainless steel exhaust system from manifolds back (including cats).

K&N Air Filter

Adjustable HP Fuel Pressure Regulator, High Output Cap & Rotor.

these are the upgrades, its a 1989

 

If its anywhere near a stock rebuild (on the engine)my answers remain the same..

 

ohh. i always assumed that mostly any vette would take a trans am/camaro. what do they top out at? how much are the performance parts for these and what are some ideas that will get the most bang for your buck

 

You're comparing apples to oranges. 89 vette vs 89 F-body (Camaro/Firebird), you win(especially since most were 305's with some 350's), 89 Mustang 5.0 would be a close(r) call.
89 Vette vs 93 F-body, No.
89 Vette vs 98+ F-body, more No.
89 Vette vs 2010 Camaro SS,

 

80s car yes .. Gen4 Fbody it will be close but you loose. Bottom line.. the mods the PO did are not worth any HP. Have you driven a C4 yet. If you drive it you will be hooked. I doesn't take much to make these cars fast.

 

no i have not driven a c4 vette in my life. im 18 years old and wanted a change from my audi a4 i just wanted something realllllyyy fast, at first my heart was set on a 96 trans am but my dad really wanted me to find a vette because he told me they are faster and kind of compared it to a harley vs a suzuki 1800, the suzuki can be faster cheaper rides better but a harley is still a harley. and when people asked me what kind of car i drive i want to proudly say a corvette anyways how would she do in a q/m against a 98 mustang gt with a 4.6 with cobra parts

 

You'll lose. Not sure how you missed that in my previous replies.

It's a 21 year old car. The technology is outdated...by more than a little.

But you WILL have fun with the 89 if its well maintained and everything working as it should (i.e. suspension).

If I recall correctly I remember seeing an article in Car and Driver or some similar magazine that dubbed the corvette the best handling American car in the 80's.

 

Actually, I stand corrected. The vette placed second. Beat by the Camaro Z/28.

http://www.thirdgen.org/besthandling...driver-may1984

But I've onwed both. And from my perspective, the vette handles better. And the numbers from the article seem to agree, but the authors don't.

 

They ar full of it, I have owned a bunch of 3rd gens and the Vette out performs them by a very big margin.

 

I owned an 85 z28 Comparing the handeling is a joke...
The z28 leaned everywhere..... and handels like a top heavy tank.

The vette is tight and holds the turns great.

Anywho... I think your 89 can take a 93 lt1 camaro.. They are junk there is no other word for them.

 

No, it wont.

 

275hp / 340ft lbs tq 3500lbs. Crappy suspension and thiner tires.

245hp / 345ft lbs tq 3200 lbs Good suspension and wider tires.

I take the 2nd choice all day long.

Ah i see your an Lt1 owner no wonder why lol.

I think lt1s were 2nd worst of the v8s right behind the 305.

 

That pretty much covers it. About the only thing he did not ask was "how would it do against a city transit bus, or a F-16 "

 

I think you have to define "take" - straight line drags or a road course?

Straight line in the drags I'd say if I were to bet on the race I'd take the F-body

Since it sounds like you're looking at the corvette for the right reasons and if you're really wanting to "run with the newer cars" then start looking at least at the LT1 versions - the 1st gen OPTI is a little bit of a common trouble spot, but if it fails replace it with good GM unit or GOOD aftermarket setup (MSD) and they're reliable enough. The engine design makes better power, there are plenty of things to get a lot more HP out of it and the same mods on the LT1 will always have more HP than the L98 engine until you start talking about doing complete drivetrain builds... The same bolt-ons to the LT1 will add about the same overall HP but you're starting from a higher base.

Stock for stock - the L98 intake doesn't flow enough air and has long runners that don't allow for high RPM horsepower And the LT1 beats it out hands down so you're starting with a much better piece. The reverse flow cooling in the LT1 can be beneficial in keeping detonation at bay too.

Given that you've got a 75k mile warranty on that reman I'd say that it's a completely stock engine rebuild...

 

LMFAO !!

The intake is the issue Change the L98 intake... Now it's faster then an Lt1 .. lol... And it is a gen 1 small block so much more out there to build it.

Same small block GM has been useing since the mid 50s Parts are everywhere for it...
UNlike the Vortec crap the lt1 has which is harder to find and cost more for that reason.

 

a wisw man once said: " a camaro is not, and never will be, a corvette".

let me add: "neither will a mustang".

 

I think this line should go more along the lines of:

"Oh, I see that YOU are an L98 owner. No wonder why you think what you do."

My statements aren't based on opinion and they are definitely not based on what I own.

L98<LT1<LS1. End of story.

AS far as 305's go, I have one in my 85 Trans Am. It's an LG4.

LG4<L69<LB9, with the LO3 in the middle somewhere. I've got the worst of that run and I would never try to say it would be faster than any of the others.

Its not commonplace for auto manufacturers to step backwards. (70's and 80's being the exception). Especially in performance cars.