How smooth is smooth

[cash's90]

Still getting used to my '90.
How smooth is the feel of the idle, typically, in these cars.
Smooth in a Lexus is no indication of a running engine.
Smooth in my '97 Suburban (w/454 & owned since new) lets you know the engine is turning over by slight irregular vibration.
My '90 has a similar but more pronounced irregular vibration at idle. No sign of a miss and actually smoother with A/C running. It feels like the engine is bolted directly to the frame with no dampening.
It's not bothersome but is it normal?
:duh

 

[Rabbit]

My 95 is smooth as glass, but my 90, since gone, was a little bouncy, but ran like a top. Might be time for a tune up.

 

[fixvet]

Mine idles with just alittle "lumpy" feel, which I like. It's letting me know that I'm not driving my old Buick Riviera anymore!!!!! :L

 

[LarryBible]

Yes, if you want "smooth" you're driving the wrong car. To begin with the basic engine design is now over 45 years old, no computer aided design, no balance shafts and with a Vette "smooth" was not at the top of the design goal list.

My $0.02,

 

[90coupe]

smooth idle

I've only had my 90 for a month now. Did complete tuneup, cap, rotor, wires (fun job), plugs. It runs very nice but not a real smooth idle. True that it wasn't designed with smooth as a priority but it has a very mild cam etc. so I'm also surprised. Some wierd noises also. Some is clutch noise, (push in and viola...it goes away), but not the quiet engine rumbly exhaust I expected. the tuneup really made a difference in smoothness and power driving. Anyone have suggestions for an aftermarket cat back that won't drive you out of the car with resonance at 1800 - 2200 RPM?
It's a great car, good brakes, great handling (FX3). I think I'll have fun improving it and it is a blast to drive.

 

[cash's90]

90coupe,
I did the same thing to mine shortly after purchase i.e., new ignition parts, to fix a persistent miss at idle and under acceleration. The plug wires were the problem.
I asked the question to try to establish a baseline as my other toys are MGs. My 6 cylinder 1968 "C" is very smooth while my 4 cylinder 1974 "B" is, well, a 4 cylinder.
Your answer, and the and the responses that proceeded yours, convince me that my '90 is perfectly normal.
Cheers

 

[vigman]

My 88 idle

Is slightly lumpy...... just a gentile shake.. and it hunts between 550 & 600 rpm....

Vig!

 

[compyelc4]

My '95 is very smooth too! Very very slight vibes at idle.