My 1989 vette is very difficult to start when cold, hot starts fine. (Just got this car from my pop that just passed away). Any thoughts?

Have you tried parking it horizontally, instead of vertically, standing on it's nose? 🤣 (sorry...it had to be said...🤡)

I would suspect a problem with the cold start injector, which is supposed to allow more fuel into the airstream when cold....like a choke on a carburetor. Depending on the build date of your car, it may or may not have the cold start injector...'89 was the year it was deleted, and the software reprogramed to fire the injectors longer when cold to help with the cold start. That being said, fuel pressure, engine temp sensor(s), ignition signals(crank signal to ECM), oil pressure, and anti-theft systems can all create cold start issues. Do you know if there are any codes in the ECM that would help diagnose the issue? How long does it take before it fires off when cold? Does it run rough on a cold start once it does fire off?

Joel Adams  
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Hello, I guess one of the moderators took the opportunity to reconfigure the photo! Maybe the car will start now that gas can enter the fuel pump. 

Runs perfect once it starts. Sometimes it takes several attempts before she’ll start, other times one or two attempts. 

IKR?!

I would suggest first checking fuel pressure when cold. I know from experience that the fuel pumps on these cars can work fine once they get going, but sometimes....they just don't wanna spin. If fuel pressure cold checks out, I would then start looking at injector control, ignition, etc. You did not state if there were any codes, or if you had check for any. I would also recommend getting the Factory Service Manual for the car, if you plan on keeping it, as the manual(s) is a must to help diagnose, and repair the car. 😁

Joel Adams  
My Link

    
(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"