This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Vin verification was done by our team member in Highland, Ca. on 11-13-2025
This 1989 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Vin verification was done by our team member in Highland, Ca. on 11-13-2025
The 1989 Chevrolet Corvette is part of the C4 generation (produced 1984–1996). By 1989, the Corvette had matured into a more refined sports car, combining performance, technology, and handling in a package that appealed both to enthusiasts and more casual drivers. This year marked some significant upgrades, especially in transmission and ride control.
The Corvette C4 was introduced in 1984 as a complete redesign from the previous generation. Over its run, the C4 evolved significantly.
By 1989, Chevrolet was continuing to improve the car’s performance and technology, aligning the Corvette with more modern sports‑car expectations.
The 1989 model year saw the introduction of a new ZF 6-speed manual transmission and the Selective Ride Control (FX3) system for better handling. Production for 1989 totaled 26,412 units, split between coupe and convertible.
The 1989 Corvette C4 was powered by a 5.7 L (350 ci) L98 V8, featuring Tuned-Port Fuel Injection (TPI).
The engine produced 245 hp (for certain axle ratios) and 340 lb-ft of torque (or ~345 lb-ft depending on source) at ~3,200 rpm.
Compression ratio was 9.5:1.
Transmission options:
4-speed automatic (standard)
6-speed manual, built by ZF Friedrichshafen, introduced in 1989.
The 6-speed manual featured Computer Aided Gear Selection (CAGS): in light throttle conditions it could skip 2nd and 3rd for better fuel economy.
Performance: 0–60 mph around 5.6 seconds, according to Conceptcarz.
Body: The C4 is built on a fiberglass-reinforced body over a unibody frame.
Suspension: Front – independent with aluminum control arms and a transverse monoleaf spring; Rear – fully independent 5‑link with fiberglass transverse spring.
Brakes: Four-wheel power disc brakes; ABS standard (on many versions).
Wheels/Tires: 17″ × 9.5″ alloy wheels, with Goodyear Eagle ZR tires (P275/40ZR‑17).
Aerodynamics: Coefficient of drag is ~0.33 for the coupe.
Interior: Typical 1980s/90s sports car — digital dashboard cluster (pre‑1990), driver- and passenger-seat power options, leather seats possible.
Optional equipment in 1989 included:
Selective Ride Control (FX3), three modes – Tour, Sport, Performance.
Performance Handling Package Z51, required for FX3.
Low-Tire Pressure Warning Indicator (RPO UJ6).
Removable hardtop (RPO CC2) was offered for convertibles.
In 1989, the Corvette came in two main body styles: coupe and convertible.
There was a base model with standard equipment, and buyers could select several RPO (Regular Production Option) packages:
Z51 Performance Handling Package — for better handling.
FX3 Selective Ride System — only with Z51. Callaway Twin Turbo (RPO B2K) — very limited, high‑performance option.
Hardtop (RPO CC2) for convertibles.
Leather sport seats (RPO AQ9) also offered.
Brakes: Four-wheel vented discs + ABS.
Steering: Power rack and pinion.
Shock absorbers: Gas-pressurized front and rear, with Selective Ride system offering adjustable damping.
Warning systems: Low tire-pressure warning option (RPO UJ6).
Safety restraint: Typical seatbelts; no modern electronic driver-assist systems (very limited by modern standards).
According to CorvetteStory, the 6-speed with CAGS allowed an EPA rating of 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway.
Fuel tank capacity: 20 gallons.
Fuel requirement: Recommended premium unleaded.
In 1989, the Corvette competed with other high-performance sports cars like the Porsche 911, Japanese sports cars (e.g., Nissan 300ZX), and European GTs.
Its 6-speed manual and advanced (for the time) suspension made it more driver-focused compared to many American competitors.
The Corvette offered strong performance at a relatively lower price compared to many European exotic cars, which made it a value performance sports car.
Enthusiast appeal: The C4, especially 1989, is popular among collectors for being the first year with the ZF 6-speed and the FX3 ride system, plus the classic digital dashboard (pre‑1990). Also:
“1989 for the last year with the digital dash … first year for the six speed.”
Original MSRP:
Coupe: $31,545
Convertible: $36,785
Production: 26,412 total (16,663 coupes, 9,749 convertibles).
On the used / collector market: (Note: values can vary greatly) — well‑maintained ’89 C4s are valued by enthusiasts; pricing depends on condition, mileage, and options such as FX3 or Callaway package.
While I did not find major mainstream “Car of the Year” awards specifically for the 1989 model year, its significance comes from technological improvements:
Introduction of the ZF 6-speed manual, which improved driving dynamics and economy.
Adoption of the Selective Ride (FX3) system, giving adjustable damping (Tour/Sport/Performance).
It remains a beloved model among Corvette enthusiasts for combining 80s/90s style, performance, and a “last of its kind” digital era before the dash changed after 1989.