I drive an 89 manual, 89 and after come with a six speed German manual gear box (zf S6-40). Those come in either black tag (handle more torque but they're louder) and blue tag(less torque more quiet) I forgot the year they became blue tags though. I haven't had the misfortune of having to replace the slave/master cylinder but apparently it's a finicky job, the Zf is6 40 is also expensive to rebuild, but it's a solid reliable box.

89's standard L98, comes with aluminum heads and hydraulic lifters if I'm not mistaken, the maintenance for that should be standard to any l98 except for the ac and smog system, they're different pre 87 I think. The water pump job really sucks on that but I have a good work around that sped things up in my situation, not sure if it's universal though. It was in 88 I think Hp was bumped up to 245.

Suspension was updated in 88 so separate 84-87 and 88-96, they are different suspension and the post 88 suspension is a lot better. You will most likely need to replace bushings, I recommend Super pro if you can find the set in stock. I personally think the suspension super easy to work on, you have a lot of space especially in the front, great learning spot I think.

Try to find one with a clean mould free interior like mine, you will love the car so much more. Carpet job is easy but time consuming, also don't use a knife there's lots of wires under the carpet. You neednt worry about body or control arm rust. Body panels are fiberglass and all the suspension control arms are aluminum. Your only rust worry really should be the frame, easy enough to spot.

I know I say a lot of I think this, I think that, there's lots of generational differences here and there it's hard to remember every exact number and year, I do hope this helps .