1989 Corvette
Closing out the decade, the previously optional Z52 package was made standard for the 1989 Corvette, with all models now including its fast-ratio steering, 17-inch wheels and tires (the 16-inch wheels were dropped entirely), Delco/Bilstein gas-charged shocks, and fortified front-end structure. The heavy-duty engine oil cooler, heavy-duty radiator, and auxiliary radiator fan were also now included on cars equipped with the six-speed gearbox. Also new for 1989 was an optional tire-pressure monitoring system (actually it was delayed from '87) that could detect a drop of as little as one psi below the preset limit via a pressure sensor within each wheel; the sensor was combined with a small radio transmitter that in turn activated a dashboard light. Also, the new Multec fuel injectors designed for the coming LT5 ZR-1 powerplant were applied to an otherwise unchanged L98 engine. A nostalgic removable hardtop was a new convertible option for the 1989 Corvette. It included an electrically heated rear window and fit earlier rag-roof C4s. |
Inside, both the standard cloth seats and the extra-cost leather-covered sport versions had been restyled; the latter were restricted to cars with the Z51 option. Overhead, a bolt-on hardtop was newly available. Made of fiberglass-reinforced polyester resin over rigid urethane, it was molded around a steel/aluminum "cage" and coated with polyurethane inside and out. A cloth headliner and window weather-stripping were included, as well as an electrically heated rear window (which plugged into a special rear-deck socket). On soft-top models, the convertible mechanism was simplified for easier operation.
Nineteen eighty-nine would be the last year for the SCCA's Corvette Challenge, and Chevy would build 60 cars for the series. Thirty of them would have their stock engines swapped with higher-output motors from the CPC engine plant in Flint, Michigan.
Sales for 1989 would rise for the first time in years, now totaling 26,412, of which nearly 10,000 were convertibles. The Callaway twin-turbo option, now priced at $25,895, was ordered for a mere 69 cars.
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1984 Corvette | 1985 Corvette | 1986 Corvette |
| 1987 Corvette | 1988 Corvette | 1989 Corvette |
| 1990 Corvette | 1991 Corvette | 1992 Corvette |
| 1993 Corvette | 1994 Corvette | 1995 Corvette |
| 1996 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
1989 Corvette Specifications
The 1989 Corvette featured performance upgrades including 17-inch tires and computer-aided gear selection, as well as cosmetic improvements including restyled seats and a removable hardtop option for the convertible. Here are the specifications for the 1989 Corvette:
 Corvette showed an increase in sales in 1989 for the first time in years to 26,412. |
| Vehicle Specifications | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Wheelbase, inches | 96.2 | 96.2 |
| Length, inches | 176.5 | 176.5 |
| Width, inches | 71.0 | 71.0 |
| Track, inches | front: 59.6 rear: 60.4 | front: 59.6 rear: 60.4 |
| Height, inches | 46.7 | 46.4 |
| Curb weight, pounds | 3,229 | 3,269 |
Mechanical Specifications (2-door hatchback/convertible)
Suspension
front: Independent; unequal length upper and lower A-arms, transverse fiberglass leaf spring, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
rear: Independent, upper and lower trailing arms, lateral arms, tie rods, halfshafts, transverse fiberglass leaf springs, tubular hydraulic shock absorbers, antiroll bar
Wheels/Tires
P275/40VR-17
Brakes
front: anti-lock 12.0-inch disc
rear: anti-lock 12.0-inch disc
Transmission
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Standard axle ratio
2.59:1 (auto) 3.33:1 (manual)
Engine Specifications
| Type | ohv V-8 |
| Displacement, liters/cu inch | 5.7/350 |
| Bore × Stroke, inches | 4.00 x 3.48 |
| Fuel Management | Tuned Port Injection |
| Horsepower @ rpm | 245 @ 4,300 |
| Torque @ rpm, pound-foot | 340 @ 3,200 |
Published Performance Numbers
| Acceleration | 245 hp, 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 mph, second | 5.4 |
| 0-100 mph, second | 14.42 |
| 1/4-mile, second @ mph | NA |
Vehicle Production and Base Prices
| Car Type | Production | Price |
| 2-door coupe | 16,663 | $31,545.00 |
| 2-door convertible | 9,749 | 36,785.00 |
Options and Production
| Option | Production | Price |
| Power Passenger Seat | 20,578 | $240.00 |
| Power Driver Seat | 25,606 | 240.00 |
| Sport Seats, leather | 1,777 | 1,025.00 |
| Base Seats, leather | 23,364 | 400.00 |
| Callaway Twin Turbo (not GM installed) | 69 | 25,895.00 |
| Radiator Boost Fan | 20,281 | 75.00 |
| Auxiliary Hardtop | 1,573 | 1,995.00 |
| Dual Removable Roof Panels | 5,274 | 915.00 |
| Removable Roof Panel, blue tint | 8,748 | 615.00 |
| Removable Roof Panel, bronze tint | 4,042 | 615.00 |
| Electronic Air Conditioning Control | 24,675 | 150.00 |
| Illuminated Driver Vanity Mirror | 17,414 | 58.00 |
| Selective Ride and Handling, electronic | 1,573 | 1,695.00 |
| Performance Axle Ratio | 10,211 | 22.00 |
| Engine Block Heater | 2,182 | 20.00 |
| Engine Oil Cooler | 20,162 | 110.00 |
| 6-Speed Manual Transmission | 4,113 | 0.00 |
| California Emission Requirements | 4,501 | 100.00 |
| Low Tire Pressure Warning Indicator | 6,976 | 325.00 |
| Stereo System, Delco-Bose | 24,145 | 773.00 |
| Heavy Duty Radiator | 20,888 | 40.00 |
| Luggage Rack (convertible) | 616 | 140.00 |
| Performance Handling Package (coupe) | 2,224 | 575.00 |
Color Choices and Production
| Color Choice | Production | Color Choice | Production |
| White | 5,426 | Medium Blue Metallic | 1,428 |
| Dark Blue Metallic | 1,931 | Black | 4,855 |
| Dark Red Metallic | 3,409 | Bright Red | 7,663 |
| Gray Metallic | 225 | Charcoal Metallic | 1,440 |
Learn about other Corvettes in this generation:
| 1984 Corvette | 1985 Corvette | 1986 Corvette |
| 1987 Corvette | 1988 Corvette | 1989 Corvette |
| 1990 Corvette | 1991 Corvette | 1992 Corvette |
| 1993 Corvette | 1994 Corvette | 1995 Corvette |
| 1996 Corvette |
Looking for more information on Corvettes and other cars? See:
- Corvettes: Learn about the history behind each model year and see Corvette photographs.
- Corvette Specifications: Get key specifications, engine and transmission types, prices, and production totals.
- Corvette Museum: The National Corvette Museum draws Corvette lovers from all over the world. Learn more about the museum.
- Corvette Pictures: Find pictures of the hottest classic and current-year Corvettes.
- Muscle Cars: Get information on more than 100 tough-guy rides.
- Consumer Guide Corvette Reviews: Considering a Corvette purchase? See what Consumer Guide has to say.
