New Member, future ZR1 owner

[pologreenvette]

Hello, I just joined the forum. I'm an engineering student from Mass and a Corvette enthusiast, my car is a 1992 Corvette, completely stock 6-speed, and it's Polo green and in mint condition :D

I bought it in May and have driven it over 13k miles already, not a single regret. It has 113k miles on it, but still runs strong! I had a new clutch put in and changed the water pump myself (I'm sure some of you know how bad LT1 water pumps are).

Anyways, there is only ONE car I'd rather have than my car, and it's a '90-'95 ZR1 6-speed. I'm starting to save now, only three more semesters of college until I hopefully buy one. I'll be here trying to learn as much as possible about the LT5 until that point. If any of you are in Mass and are willing to meet up and talk about your ZR1 let me know :thumbsup:

[ZZZZZR1]

Hello, I just joined the forum. I'm an engineering student from Mass and a Corvette enthusiast, my car is a 1992 Corvette, completely stock 6-speed, and it's Polo green and in mint condition :D

I bought it in May and have driven it over 13k miles already, not a single regret. It has 113k miles on it, but still runs strong! I had a new clutch put in and changed the water pump myself (I'm sure some of you know how bad LT1 water pumps are).

Anyways, there is only ONE car I'd rather have than my car, and it's a '90-'95 ZR1 6-speed. I'm starting to save now, only three more semesters of college until I hopefully buy one. I'll be here trying to learn as much as possible about the LT5 until that point. If any of you are in Mass and are willing to meet up and talk about your ZR1 let me know :thumbsup:


I dreamed of a Z for almost a decade before owning one myself....

There are many z owners in your area but most are hibernating now

Once you drive a ZR-1 you will be hooked!!!!

:cheers:

David

[vilant]

Welcome to the group. If your looking to learn about the LT5, you've come to the right place. I've learned alot already and have only been here 6 months. :cheers:

[Paul Workman]

Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Beast! Lots of Z pilots in your area, tho most of 'em are "wintered up" just now. No matter. You've come to the right place!!

P.

[Fully Vetted]

Welcome to the board, Polo. There is much to learn. But not to worry. You can't come up with a question that can't be answered here.

You should visit the ZR1netregistry website. Here's the link:

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/

There is a ton of info there.

Again, welcome aboard...

[zr1mom]

Hello, I just joined the forum. I'm an engineering student from Mass and a Corvette enthusiast, my car is a 1992 Corvette, completely stock 6-speed, and it's Polo green and in mint condition :D

I bought it in May and have driven it over 13k miles already, not a single regret. It has 113k miles on it, but still runs strong! I had a new clutch put in and changed the water pump myself (I'm sure some of you know how bad LT1 water pumps are).

Anyways, there is only ONE car I'd rather have than my car, and it's a '90-'95 ZR1 6-speed. I'm starting to save now, only three more semesters of college until I hopefully buy one. I'll be here trying to learn as much as possible about the LT5 until that point. If any of you are in Mass and are willing to meet up and talk about your ZR1 let me know :thumbsup:

Welcome! You're in my backyard so anytime you want to talk ZR-1's let me know.

[RICKYRJ1]

As an engineer you will appreciate what the ZR1 has to offer. First thing in the spring you need to hook up with some fellow members and go for a ride. If your ever down the Jersey Shore you are more than welcome to drive mine.

[pologreenvette]

Thanks for all the replies guys and girls, I appreciate it. I know a few people around here that have ZR1's and I've talked to them before, none of them have a bad thing to say about the car. From what I hear they're pretty reliable too?

In the spring I definitely plan on meeting a few ZR1 owners and hopefully going for a ride :) Buying a Z will be a great graduation gift to myself someday!

The LT5 is truly a feat of engineering, an engine way beyond it's time. It's amazing that a ZR1 went 175mph for 24 straight hours, now THAT'S endurance!

Just a quick pic of my car!

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Beast! Lots of Z pilots in your area, tho most of 'em are "wintered up" just now. No matter. You've come to the right place!!

P.


What Paul said..............

[Fully Vetted]

Thanks for all the replies guys and girls, I appreciate it. I know a few people around here that have ZR1's and I've talked to them before, none of them have a bad thing to say about the car. From what I hear they're pretty reliable too?

In the spring I definitely plan on meeting a few ZR1 owners and hopefully going for a ride :) Buying a Z will be a great graduation gift to myself someday!

The LT5 is truly a feat of engineering, an engine way beyond it's time. It's amazing that a ZR1 went 175mph for 24 straight hours, now THAT'S endurance!

Just a quick pic of my car!


Wow. For a minute I was like, "Oh, crap! That's not a ZR-1. This dude thinks he has a ZR-1. He's gonna be shattered!" Then I reread your post that this is your CURRENT car and your saving for a Z.

Whew! That was close...

[pologreenvette]

Wow. For a minute I was like, "Oh, crap! That's not a ZR-1. This dude thinks he has a ZR-1. He's gonna be shattered!" Then I reread your post that this is your CURRENT car and your saving for a Z.

Whew! That was close...

Don't worry I can tell the difference! I at least know what the LT5 looks like :P

I don't know many other differences though, that's why I joined the forum :-D

[GOLDCYLON]

Welcome aboard

[efnfast]

Hey polo, where in Mass? I'm in NH, but frequently in MA. Grew up there. -Steve

[pologreenvette]

Hey polo, where in Mass? I'm in NH, but frequently in MA. Grew up there. -Steve

I'm from Peabody, but go to school in Worcester. What a dump Worcester is...

[BigJohn]

Don't worry I can tell the difference! I at least know what the LT5 looks like :P

I don't know many other differences though, that's why I joined the forum :-D

Bigger, wider, faster and funer-er!!!


:cheers:

[efnfast]

I'm from Peabody, but go to school in Worcester. What a dump Worcester is...

My wife was born and raised in Worcester. What a dump. I lived there with her for 13 years.

Peebiddy (for those of you not from this area, that's how it's pronounced), I'll keep that in mind if I've got the Z down that way next season.

:Eagle:

[BigJohn]

My wife was born and raised in Worcester. What a dump. I lived there with her for 13 years.

Peebiddy (for those of you not from this area, that's how it's pronounced), I'll keep that in mind if I've got the Z down that way next season.

:Eagle:


Yah like Woosta!!!
:cheers:

[efnfast]

What's wrong with Woosta Bigjohn, isn't that how everybody says it?

[BigJohn]

What's wrong with Woosta Bigjohn, isn't that how everybody says it?

Yep!!!
Unless you are not from New England!!!

:cheers:

[BigJohn]

Do you want to ride in my caw or go hoss back riding???
:cheers:

[cvette98pacecar]

Welcome to the group, I can remember the days when I wanted a ZR-1 but could not buy one because of College tuition. Those days are now long gone as all my children are grown and out of the house. If you have not figured it out it was college tuition for my children.

[mike100]

I actually didn't particularly dream of getting a ZR-1 when they were newer as I had been able to drive one when they came out, but later on I got an LT1 coupe for a daily beater and really enjoyed owning a C4.

I decided to just get the best C4 and that's how I ended up with one.

[pologreenvette]

My wife was born and raised in Worcester. What a dump. I lived there with her for 13 years.

Peebiddy (for those of you not from this area, that's how it's pronounced), I'll keep that in mind if I've got the Z down that way next season.

:Eagle:

Let me know if you're ever around, I'll be trying to get some test drives in during the spring for sure.

Do you want to ride in my caw or go hoss back riding???
:cheers:

Lol sounds just like my grandma... :p

Welcome to the group, I can remember the days when I wanted a ZR-1 but could not buy one because of College tuition. Those days are now long gone as all my children are grown and out of the house. If you have not figured it out it was college tuition for my children.

I'm going to have a $120k+ loan to pay after college, hopefully engineering works out and I pay it off quick! The ZR-1 will be bought before the loan is paid though, I need to reward myself for 4 years of hard work :thumbs:

I actually didn't particularly dream of getting a ZR-1 when they were newer as I had been able to drive one when they came out, but later on I got an LT1 coupe for a daily beater and really enjoyed owning a C4.

I decided to just get the best C4 and that's how I ended up with one.

That's exactly what I want, the best C4. Some people think I'm crazy, but I think the C4's looks are second to only the C2. My LT1 is my daily beater now and I love it, but a ZR-1 is probably the only car I'd rather have.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

I actually didn't particularly dream of getting a ZR-1 when they were newer as I had been able to drive one when they came out, but later on I got an LT1 coupe for a daily beater and really enjoyed owning a C4.

I decided to just get the best C4 and that's how I ended up with one.


I never dreamed of owning a ZR-1 either. I always liked them though. I've always liked and owned limited production or fairly rare Corvettes.

When I decided I wanted a ZR-1, I wanted something rare and that hardly anyone else had. Hence the 1988 EX5023 Prototype, thanks to Tyler's help. After that, I wanted one to drive and enjoy. Now I have both and REALLY enjoy the 91, thanks to Pete. I have to thank both Marc Haibeck and Jerry Downey (Jerry's gaskets) for their help with parts and lending an ear.

When you get your first ZR-1, you'll be hooked for life. Permagrin takes over...

[dredgeguy]

My first Vette was a 86 red/grey interior with the 4+3 stick. Had it when I was single and it was a blast. Then I got married a few years later my son was born. Sold the car when he was 1 but told my wife I will replace it someday. Here we are 18 years later and I did a little upgrade.............92 red ZR-1.
Yup, permagrin..........

[pologreenvette]

I really want that permagrin you speak of.... :D

[Fully Vetted]

Be very careful when administering Permagrin. It is VERY addictive and has been known to cause permanent damage. :-D

[efnfast]

Be very careful when administering Permagrin. It is VERY addictive and has been known to cause permanent damage. :-D

Yea, damage to the wallet.;) I wanna go faster than I can afford.

[pologreenvette]

Yea, damage to the wallet.;) I wanna go faster than I can afford.

Don't we all, don't we all..... :neutral:

[bans25]

I am in Dover, NH. I grew up in Norwell, MA and went to Northeastern - electrical engineering.. doesn't seem that long ago but been out of school 15 years now.. time really starts to fly!

I was just in Peabody this past weekend as the wife wanted to go to Cheese Cake factory for her birthday.. I am sure we will make more trips down there in the spring!

[dredgeguy]

I am in Dover, NH. I grew up in Norwell, MA and went to Northeastern - electrical engineering.. doesn't seem that long ago but been out of school 15 years now.. time really starts to fly!

I was just in Peabody this past weekend as the wife wanted to go to Cheese Cake factory for her birthday.. I am sure we will make more trips down there in the spring!

I purchased my 92 ZR-1 in CT this past summer. Also went to Northeastern but switched to Bentley and graduated in 79. Wife is from Newton, MA and we live in MD.

[batchman]

Hey Polo, I'll chime in with another local welcome and point out you're a brave man going year-round if you're not staying on-campus!

A friend I race with DDs his 89 year round too - and he's out in the boonies.

Look up autocross at Devens sometime next spring (dates are not set yet). Your M6 would be some good fun just as it sits - then the Z well y'know....

Best,
- Jeff

[pologreenvette]

Hey Polo, I'll chime in with another local welcome and point out you're a brave man going year-round if you're not staying on-campus!

A friend I race with DDs his 89 year round too - and he's out in the boonies.

Look up autocross at Devens sometime next spring (dates are not set yet). Your M6 would be some good fun just as it sits - then the Z well y'know....

Best,
- Jeff

I don't go year-round by choice, I'm too broke to afford a winter car!

One of my friends autocrossed his Volvo at devens this past fall and said it was really fun, I can't even imagine how fun it would be in a Vette. If you're ever going to a local car show let me know!

[BigJohn]

What?

[Kevin]

Yea, damage to the wallet.;) I wanna go faster than I can afford.

years ago i priced out what a top end/heads job at marc haibeks, $15,000

[WARP TEN]

years ago i priced out what a top end/heads job at marc haibeks, $15,000

Actually Marc's 350/510 HP package of porting top end, heads, injector housings plus larger throttle body, cam timing, chip etc. is priced just under $10k. Still a lot of wallet damage! You will need a low restriction exhaust as well (like a Corsa) but can save a bit if you don't need things (I kept my dual mass flywheel so didn't need the lightweight flywheel). And you can spend more (like I did) to have Marc refinish the engine, add cats, etc. Very wallet painful but very much looking forward to getting the car back! --Bob

[Kevin]

Actually Marc's 350/510 HP package of porting top end, heads, injector housings plus larger throttle body, cam timing, chip etc. is priced just under $10k. Still a lot of wallet damage! You will need a low restriction exhaust as well (like a Corsa) but can save a bit if you don't need things (I kept my dual mass flywheel so didn't need the lightweight flywheel). And you can spend more (like I did) to have Marc refinish the engine, add cats, etc. Very wallet painful but very much looking forward to getting the car back! --Bob

the total of everything it would cost to get the car to him, worked on an back to me was $15,000.

[Paul Workman]

Been where you are. Longed for the ZR-1, but too far out of range. So, I settled for a beautiful black/black 95 LT1 Vette. It was pristine and ran perfectly when I came across what is now my '90 ZR-1. I took the Z for a test drive, and left the keys to my 95 with my dealer friend, and never looked back! I recon you will too!

And, guess what? The LT5 has gobs of unrealized potential. GOBS! And, if you're on a budget, and can do some work yourself, you can do it in a logical set phases. For example:

I did my "500" package in two phases. Phase -I was the top end P&P:

I ported the plenum and IHs and port matching the heads myself. And I added headers + X-pipe, and Marc's chip. I spent (including tooling) about $1400, and ended up with about 400 rwhp...not bad for a low budget project!

I wanted more... Who doesn't??

Phase II was porting the heads.

For that I relied on some expertise, as heads can be tricky. For that, Pete and Marc shared in the effort, supplying expertise, and specialized skills; cam timing and valve job, tuning and minor repair work as needed. In the end I wound up with 432 rwhp, at a total cost of under $4k (...or would have been if I hadn't messed up one head and opted to replace it rather than compromise my efforts to that point. Education cost money too, I recon!)

Oh, and I tell ya...there ain't nuttin like blowing away some ricer or some sanctimonious LS3 driver by doing a 5-2 downshift at 50 and a 7200 rpm run-up!:dancing Thats where I got my permagrin from!!

Phase III?

Sleeves and stroker crank and cams? OR, boost E85 to established(?) limits?

At present, I'm intrigued by recent developments with the latter. There's news of possible new ECMs on the horizon, ECMs possibly with coil on plug capacity... Lots of new and exciting stuff to keep the newcomers at bay!:-D

Welcome to the Brotherhood! We'll keep an eye out for a nice car for ya. And if it ever need parts or work, don't hesitate to ask!

P.