ZR-1/ LT5 value

[lcfman]

I've been a "car guy" for nearly 50 years and still can't understand the
"current market" prices of ZR-1/LT5 equipped Corvettes. Come on people
this engine was the only one that was exclusive to the Corvette in all its
storied history. Even the Camaro gets the basic superscharged newer
LS. I just don't get it. The LT5 cars are just so unique in the Corvette options they should be commanding twice the price as they are.

[efnfast]

Love it, lets double the price. LT5 is also a non GM engine. Only GM car to not have a GM engine, ina weird sorta way.

[BigJohn]

Love it, lets double the price. LT5 is also a non GM engine. Only GM car to not have a GM engine, ina weird sorta way.

Funny!!!
The company that designed the LT5 and the company that built the LT5; both belonged to "GM"!
:cheers:

[efnfast]

Funny!!!
The company that designed the LT5 and the company that built the LT5; both belonged to "GM"!
:cheers:
Mercruiser Big John?

[vilant]

Mercruiser Big John?
Lotus was owned by GM at the time, I believe.

[efnfast]

Lotus was owned by GM at the time, I believe.
Partly but not wholy, I believe. Again, Mercruiser?

[mike100]

Some of the greatest cars are being made now and can be modified affordably. How much is that 20 year old car really worth to the average driver when you can get great deals on 5-10 year old cars.

A lot of people dislike the C4- many haven't driven one. Also as is always pointed out, these cars aren't really that rare yet because everybody took real good care of them.

[Z51JEFF]

Love it, lets double the price. LT5 is also a non GM engine. Only GM car to not have a GM engine, ina weird sorta way.

How is this not a G.M. motor,explain that one to me.

[efnfast]

How is this not a G.M. motor,explain that one to me.

It was designed by Lotus (still up in the air how much of Lotus was GM's) and built by Mercury Marine. All under GM supervision. Like I said, ina weird sorta way. I didn't mean to imply it was a Ford or something.:)

[tomtom72]

I have to agree with Mike. I would think that there must be at least 80% of the production still in road worthy condition? I'm including all the time capsule cars too, not just the drivers. That's a lot of ZR-1's.

This is JMHO as an addition. The first Q I get asked after I explain the How, by Whom, and the Why of an LT5 is "What do you do if it breaks?" I give our group as an answer, and you should see the looks of "Yea, sure!" I get. LOL

I think the rarity of our LT5 in even the most hardened Car Guy's mind translates into "own one, but don't drive it so you don't break it" thought. You have to acknowledge that it is a bit daunting not to be able to get parts from the standard places, no? I mean even if you own a 58 Testa Rosa you can call Ferrari and they will make you anything for that car. I think the thought of not being able to get support for our LT5 through standard means creates the thought that if it breaks it stays broken. :dontknow:

:cheers:
Tom

[efnfast]

Tom, I agree. I just hope "the board" doesn't get tired of all the complaining and deside the registry isn't worth the effort. Cause we it.

[DaveK]

Kind of reminds me of something an investment guy I once knew told me "Anything that's sold as a limited number/collectors item will never become a real investment."

His argument was that anything sold that way, whether it was cars, dinner plates or anything was bought by people who would take care of them and so you would end up with almost as many left as were originally made and so they never really became rare.

Stuff that was "ordinary" - used, abused and thrown away in great numbers was the kind of thing that became the real collector pieces because so few survive.

To me my ZR-1 is priceless. I dreamed of owning one for 17 years and never thought I would be able to. I had multiple posters on my bedroom wall that I stared at until they faded with sun exposure :) When I finally realized I could afford one and went looking it was with the full intention of driving it and I have (and do!).

Before I bought it I heard all the usual rubbish about parts/reliability yada-yada. So what - I knew about the registry too and that the community would help me if I struggled with anything. The people here are just fantastic! Thanks to everyone who has ever shared information or offered advice or help to anyone. :cheers:

Dave

[BigJohn]

Mercruiser Big John?

When you own all rights and privileges to an item and pay someone to make it for you that item is still yours.
So the LT5s are GM engines!!!!
Kind if like my trucks diesel engines!
:cheers:

[A26B]

Tom, I agree. I just hope "the board" doesn't get tired of all the complaining and deside the registry isn't worth the effort. Cause we it.

That won't happen. Constructive complaints are part of the process and necessary feedback. There are only a very few whiners with a personal agenda or vendetta who take it too far. The silent majority knows and ignores this. It's also where the leadership for future administrations will come from...

[Paul Workman]

When you own all rights and privileges to an item and pay someone to make it for you that item is still yours.
So the LT5s are GM engines!!!!
Kind if like my trucks diesel engines!
:cheers:

Technically, I agree with you. However, I kinda like telling ppl the engine was designed by Lotus; part of the uniqueness allure of the LT5.

But, as long as we're puzzling over the going price, I'll toss the '96 GS on the fire: 'Splain to me the logic in the $$ those things demand!? :jawdrop::icon_scra Maybe BLING trumps ZING - at least for some, but not this lead-foot Z driver!

Because of it's uniqueness, I wouldn't trade my ZR-1 for either the C6 Z06 or the ZR1 .

P.

[Paul Workman]

Tom, I agree. I just hope "the board" doesn't get tired of all the complaining and deside the registry isn't worth the effort. Cause we it.

You must have our Club confused with that "other" :censored: board...

P.

[FU]

Me , I bought the ZR1 for it's awesomeness , and all the great friend's and people I have met and enjoy are just another huge added bonus. Agree or not :cheers:

[tomtom72]

Oh, Oh, I think I have the answer to "why is a 96 GS worth so much?" They only made 1,000 right? Do I win the free LT5 427????? :icon_boun

Oh, no free LT5 427.....:cry: :sign10:

On another note, Doug ( MysticZR-1 ) said something in another thread that rang very true. How come the guys that own the foreign super cars know more about the ZR-1 than most "corvette guys"? Did ya ever figure that one out?

:cheers:

[BigJohn]

Oh, Oh, I think I have the answer to "why is a 96 GS worth so much?" They only made 1,000 right? Do I win the free LT5 427????? :icon_boun

Oh, no free LT5 427.....:cry: :sign10:

On another note, Doug ( MysticZR-1 ) said something in another thread that rang very true. How come the guys that own the foreign super cars know more about the ZR-1 than most "corvette guys"? Did ya ever figure that one out?

:cheers:

Yep!!
:cheers:

[Paul Workman]

...snip...Oh, How come the guys that own the foreign super cars know more about the ZR-1 than most "corvette guys"? Did ya ever figure that one out?

:cheers:

Sheeeeiiiitttt! Most of the RICERS know more about the ZR-1 than most Corvette people, methinks! At least that is what I've seen at local car shows round here. Go figger.

P.

[Mystic ZR-1]

TomTom
you mean they painted 1000 cars...:)

[lcfman]

I thought all the comments were interesting for my post. I didn't buy my
ZR-1 for investment . I bought it because I thought it was a great car. I have 2 other Corvettes, one is a 57 270 car I have had for over 40 years. So I will
probably not sell the ZR-1. My thought was that there are some cars Corvettes included that are selling for big bucks while the ZR-1/LT5 is going down in price. It just doesn't make sense to me.