C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1

[weneversleep]

As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car.

However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well.

My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform?

I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one. :) I just like talking about the cars.

[cvette98pacecar]

I can tell you this as I own both a C5, and two ZR-1 my C5 is a lot more comfortable to drive. I have no clue what mods you have done to your car. however, if your C5 is stock you have 405HP, the 93 to 95 ZR-1 have 405hp with the torque and power curve of a monster big block.
In lay mans terms at a track you are going to get away from the Z at the gate, but once the Z starts coming there is nothing you can do to stop him from blowing bye you before the traps. Go Drive a ZR-1 and you will understand the true meaning of Permagrin.

I think we should patent that term as a group.

FYI. when you hit 5500 RPM and the car is still pulling hard you have another 1700 RPM before you have to shift.

[ZZZZZR1]

As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car.

However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well.

My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform?

I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one. :) I just like talking about the cars.

Drive a few and decide! There are quite a few ZR-1 owners in Houstin and I'm sure they wouldn't mind you driving or being a passenger.

What in particular are you looking for? Have you researched them alot and know about what you are looking for? (color? modifications? year?)

When I looked for a ZR-1 it took almost a year and I was all about color....

There is nothing like a Permagrin in 2nd and 3rd @ 7k RPM!

:cheers:

David

[USAFPILOT]

As the previous owner of a 2004 Z16...when it came time to choose one of the two Corvettes I owned at the time the ZR-1 stayed and the Z-16 was let go. I do miss it though. If you want to see a ZR-1 in person drop me a pm...I am in Spring.

[ScottZ95ZR1]

I had a '95 ZR-1 and sold it 3 years ago (damnit).

A few months later a local dealer took a low mile, lightly modified '04 Z16 in on trade and let me have the car for a weekend.

It was fast but just didn't feel right. No offense intended but driving that car was almost boring to me.

I bought another C4 ZR-1. You really should drive one for yourself.

[USAFPILOT]

yeah the C5's are quick...but I can understand the underwhelming feeling you get behind the wheel of a stock C5 Z06 after a few months with it. What those cars really need is a Heads and Cam upgrade and a short throw shifter, plus exhaust. Once you wake them up they are a BEAST as well. Whats fun about the ZR-1 is all you really need is nothing. 3" Exhaust and Stainless Works headers sure sounds incredible though.

I am by no means putting down a C5 owner, they probably are the better performing car, but if I can gently nudge one into a ZR-1 I think that owner would be happy and surprised with just how sweet the KOTH is.

[mike100]

difficult comparison since I have a C6 and it has an extra 1/2 liter and nearly 300 lbs less heft to push around.

C5Z's do sort of beg you to 'beat-me beat-me' everytime you get it it, but the ZR-1 is a little less athletic from a dead stop, but just beg to be wound up to the top of third for some reason. It has a unique power delivery- the curve is more useful up high than the LSx engines.

[jcruz]

I used to own a 97 C5 but I sold it after a few years. I loved the styling and performance but I just didn't enjoy the driving experience like I do with my ZR-1's. One thing that always bugged me with my C5 was the cheap feeling doors, hood, and seats. I don't miss it...in fact, I got rid of my C5 to get another ZR-1! :)

[JThomas]

The two cars are no comparison. I have owned two C5's and liked them both, a '97 automatic coupe and an '03 Z-51 equipped 6-speed coupe.

But my first Corvette was an '89 coupe so I too have a love of C4's.

I currently own a '95 ZR-1 and it is my second ZR-1 and I love it. Yes it is not as comfortable as the C5 or my current C6 Z06, but I love the history of the car and what it meant for Corvette development. It is still a joy to drive and so unique. And when people ask, "Is that a REAL
ZR-1?" I love to open the hood and watch them stare. :cheers:

[RyanChappel]

My almost stock (Haibeck mild chip, Sumis) '91 ZR-1 is my third corvette, following a '69 427/390 and a '69 350 (highly modded)...I absolutely love the car, and as others have stated, third gear is unreal.....but the car is a lot of work to drive. Don't know if it is the concentration required or the stress of sitting on/in a stick of dynamite, but there are times I just hop in my daily driver and go, leaving the Z sitting under the cover....Although I do love to see the look on the wife's face at WOT.....!! I wanted one forever, and now I have it....about the only other car I would consider would be a low mileage fixed roof coupe..

[tomtom72]

I would just add one thing about owning a C4 ZR-1. Oh, I have never even been in a C5 much less ever owned one....but back to the ZR-1. IMHO owning a ZR-1 is not so much a buying decision as it is a calling.

If I owned a C5 or a C6 I can think of at least five tuner shops I could use to keep the car in top shape, if I wanted to be that type of vette owner. I can't even find many shops that even want to work on a C4 where I live; let alone that I would trust working on an LT5. So add to the "calling" aspect the willingness to get your hands dirty. To me owning a C4 ZR-1 requires that the owner be willing to be hands on. Oh, and you also have to be willing to put up with all the quirks of a 4th generation car to boot!

This sounds like I'm trying to talk you out of buying a ZR-1, or that I am one disgruntled ZR-1 owner? Absolutely not! I want you to have your eyes wide open. As for me, well my car spoke to me before I even bought Her, and She continues to speak to me every time I get in Her. I would not trade Her to acquire any other corvette. :mrgreen:

:cheers:
Tom

[BigJohn]

tomtom,
Do you want to race???
;)

[tomtom72]

tomtom,
Do you want to race???
;)

Hi ya Big John! Ya know I just got me some new runnin' shoes by New Balance that I've been dying to test out.....:sign10:

:cheers:
Tom

[Hib Halverson]

I've got one of each–95ZR1, 04Z06, 12Z06. Ok I actually have four Z's but the ZR2 is a truck and you certainly don't care about that.:-D

Both the ZR1 and the C5Z are modified, ZR1 at 500-hp, C5 Z06 at 430-hp. They run about the same in the quarter because the C5 weighs less and hooks better. 12 Z06 is stock except for colder spark plugs and Red Line fluids.

The 12 Z06 is a tiny bit heavier than the 04 but weighs less than the 95. It beats both in acceleration because of the 427s 505-hp, it's better torque curve and that it has launch control.

The ZR1 rides nicer than the 04 Z06 because of the SRC, but the 12 Z06 has Magnaride so it rides nicest of all. Interestingly because of the 95 ZR1's soft control arm bushings, it has the least harshness. 04 and 12 Z's are about the same as far as harshness and I attribute that to their stiff control arm bushings.

12 Z06 has the best at limit handing..much better than the 95 ZR1 and somewhat better than the 04 Z06. The Michlin Cup tires have a lot to do with that. I have Goodyear F1 Supercars on the other two.

The 12Z has the best steering feel of the three. 04 Z is a close second. ZR1 is a distant third but is still not bad.

The 04Z06 has the most cargo room of the three.

The 12Z06 is the quietest on the highway because of the bypass exhaust system.

12Z06 has the best sounding audio system and it's not even the Bose system. Since I ordered the car 1LZ, I have the base sound system. It sounds better than the 95's and the 04's Delco-Bose systems.

Gas mileage on the highway is best with the 12 Z06.

My Wife, the Fairest Sandra the Red, Duchess of Goleta, likes the 12 best because it rides nice and is easiest for her to drive..the transmission and shifter mods along with the very low clutch effort are why she feels that way.

Hope that helps.

[jcruz]

I've got one of each–95ZR1, 04Z06, 12Z06. Ok I actually have four Z's but the ZR2 is a truck and you certainly don't care about that.:-D

Both the ZR1 and the C5Z are modified, ZR1 at 500-hp, C5 Z06 at 430-hp. They run about the same in the quarter because the C5 weighs less and hooks better. 12 Z06 is stock except for colder spark plugs and Red Line fluids.

The 12 Z06 is a tiny bit heavier than the 04 but weighs less than the 95. It beats both in acceleration because of the 427s 505-hp, it's better torque curve and that it has launch control.

The ZR1 rides nicer than the 04 Z06 because of the SRC, but the 12 Z06 has Magnaride so it rides nicest of all. Interestingly because of the 95 ZR1's soft control arm bushings, it has the least harshness. 04 and 12 Z's are about the same as far as harshness and I attribute that to their stiff control arm bushings.

12 Z06 has the best at limit handing..much better than the 95 ZR1 and somewhat better than the 04 Z06. The Michlin Cup tires have a lot to do with that. I have Goodyear F1 Supercars on the other two.

The 12Z has the best steering feel of the three. 04 Z is a close second. ZR1 is a distant third but is still not bad.

The 04Z06 has the most cargo room of the three.

The 12Z06 is the quietest on the highway because of the bypass exhaust system.

12Z06 has the best sounding audio system and it's not even the Bose system. Since I ordered the car 1LZ, I have the base sound system. It sounds better than the 95's and the 04's Delco-Bose systems.

Gas mileage on the highway is best with the 12 Z06.

My Wife, the Fairest Sandra the Red, Duchess of Goleta, likes the 12 best because it rides nice and is easiest for her to drive..the transmission and shifter mods along with the very low clutch effort are why she feels that way.

Hope that helps.

Great information! On a price-point basis it seems the ZR-1 comes out on top??? I may be biased there :)

John

[BigJohn]

Hi ya Big John! Ya know I just got me some new runnin' shoes by New Balance that I've been dying to test out.....:sign10:

:cheers:
Tom

Ok!!!
Then I will let you win!!!
:cheers:

[RyanChappel]

TomTom's point about service is a very good one. Although I don't care for the pejorative sense of the term 'waxer', I must admit that, due to age and time constraints, I don't wrench, so must take my car into the marketplace for support. Soon after buying my car, I took it to a Penske dealership locally for a simple oil change and to convert the A/C to modern spec. The bastages underfilled the oil by three quarts, but I caught them right away, so no damage done. A good, reliable service shop is paramount to owning one of these cars if you are not a serviceable mechanic.

[tomtom72]

TomTom's point about service is a very good one. Although I don't care for the pejorative sense of the term 'waxer', I must admit that, due to age and time constraints, I don't wrench, so must take my car into the marketplace for support. Soon after buying my car, I took it to a Penske dealership locally for a simple oil change and to convert the A/C to modern spec. The bastages underfilled the oil by three quarts, but I caught them right away, so no damage done. A good, reliable service shop is paramount to owning one of these care if you are not a serviceable mechanic.

Ryan, please allow me to apologize. :o I actually was thinking of all my C5 & C6 buddies that avail themselves of the verity of services offered in my local. I was actually, in a way, just a wee bit envious of the laundry list of services they have to choose from. I am the token C4 in the small group I run with on a regular basis. They turn wrenches on their cars by choice; us ZR-1 owners turn wrenches by necessity, well most of us ZR-1 owners do anyway. JMHO I feel that every corvette owner is a waxer to one degree or another, como no? :)

:cheers:
Tom

[RyanChappel]

I am actually envious of the guys who can diagnose and twist on their own cars...some of the pictorials on the forum have been awesome..

regards...RC

[c4zr1]

wenerversleep,

I have a 92 ZR-1 Red with Black interior if you are still considering a ZR-1.
PM me and I will send you some pictures. It has 18,000 miles and is in showroom condition. I will make you a good deal. Stock except corsa exhaust.

[4CAM LT5]

I would just add one thing about owning a C4 ZR-1. Oh, I have never even been in a C5 much less ever owned one....but back to the ZR-1. IMHO owning a ZR-1 is not so much a buying decision as it is a calling.

If I owned a C5 or a C6 I can think of at least five tuner shops I could use to keep the car in top shape, if I wanted to be that type of vette owner. I can't even find many shops that even want to work on a C4 where I live; let alone that I would trust working on an LT5. So add to the "calling" aspect the willingness to get your hands dirty. To me owning a C4 ZR-1 requires that the owner be willing to be hands on. Oh, and you also have to be willing to put up with all the quirks of a 4th generation car to boot!

This sounds like I'm trying to talk you out of buying a ZR-1, or that I am one disgruntled ZR-1 owner? Absolutely not! I want you to have your eyes wide open. As for me, well my car spoke to me before I even bought Her, and She continues to speak to me every time I get in Her. I would not trade Her to acquire any other corvette. :mrgreen:

:cheers:
Tom

Very, very well-put, Tom...!! I got out of a 2004 C5 (modded by ECS) almost three years ago for my 1991 ZR-1. I have no regrets.

[tcz062]

93 ZR1 with the street skinner package will roast any stock C5 Z06 and will give a C6 Z06 a run for their money. The street skinner package added about 70 HP to the stock LT5. I know a guy that has a a torch red with that package 409 gears and power effects exhaust system all done by Auto Masters. That car is fast considering the weight disadvantage, think he said it was about 400 lbs heavier than the later Z06's.

[4CAM LT5]

93 ZR1 with the street skinner package will roast any stock C5 Z06 and will give a C6 Z06 a run for their money. The street skinner package added about 70 HP to the stock LT5. I know a guy that has a a torch red with that package 409 gears and power effects exhaust system all done by Auto Masters. That car is fast considering the weight disadvantage, think he said it was about 400 lbs heavier than the later Z06's.

=D>=D>=D>=D>=D>=D>....YUP....!!