New Owner---1990 Black LPE 368 475hp zr-1 43k miles #699 ---

[alwayscode390]

I bought a Black LPE Topend 475hp 1990 ZR1 Tuesday ... YAY!!!
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Its 1990 car #699 .
Lingenfelter 465hp topend package with Watson coated headers, and LPE Big Front Brake Kit.
43k miles.
Clear and black targa tops.
Every option including electronic air conditioning ( was this rare? )
New fuel pumps, regulator, slave cylinder, injectors, heater core, headlight motors, and speed sensors (for airbag)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrulW0XEWGY cold start idle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ESq4xpNY88&feature=youtu.be idle and small revvs ---
Thanks for the help everyone, its been a BLAST so far!!! ---

[alwayscode390]

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[Kevin]

congrads, looks like a nice ride.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks :)

I think I may do a wheel swap sometime, the rear offset is wrong on these. Does anyone know the spacer I could use to get the wheels from being so tucked in (does 5/8" sound right)?

Tint will be the first mod. Beam-plates are next ---

[efnfast]

I blacked out my rear window, it looks so much better.-Steve

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for the tip Steve ---

[LGAFF]

I have the 1990 Cam cover emblems (Repos) for $19 per emblem if interested.....car is a great find!

[alwayscode390]

Thanks LGAFF , PM sent. I feel SO lucky to find this car. Its exactly what I was looking for , and ended up being 10 minutes up the street!!! ---

[Paul in SC]

Welcome to the family and the LPE experience. :handshak: Great looking car!

It's a Permagrin with an attitude as all the guys know with any modified Z. :D

I am excited for you...enjoy the rush. :dancing

[alwayscode390]

I appreciate it Paul , that got me excited!!!

I love the "powerband" feeling of the secondaries opening up at 4k rpm!!! ---

[Kevin]

that car was probably driven by john himself after it was built.

[alwayscode390]

That would be pretty amazing :) ---

[Paul in SC]

That is something I think about ever time I get in the driver's seat. :dancing

John had his hands on the wheel and, as Phil DeJohn tells me, beating the snot out of it down the track...many times! Just to get it right... :worship:

Our cars, with all the LPE monsters, share quite a history. :handshak:

[alwayscode390]

OK , NEWB EDIT ... the car isn't a 368 , I thought that was the CODE for Lingenfelters 465hp package, lol ... I didn't realize that was the stroker cubic inch.

I still hope for 475 engine horsepower, the LPE 465hp package + the headers.

I will throw her on the Dyno after I get the tint and beam plates installed :) ---

[Kevin]

a LPE ported car is still a fun ride.

[alwayscode390]

Its definitely an experience :) ---

[WB9MCW]

Congrats and welcome to the ZOO!

[alwayscode390]

Thanks :) ---

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Welcome! Beautiful "Z"!:handshak:

[alwayscode390]

I appreciate it ---

[ghlkal]

I bought a Black LPE Topend 475hp 1990 ZR1 Tuesday

Every option including electronic air conditioning ( was this rare? )



Welcome ... nice looking Z with great mods.


The C68 option (electronic air) was not rare - 22,500 Vettes had this option in 1990. Only about 1,000 didn't have it. (Of course, these are figures for all C4s, not just ZR-1s)

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for the info :) ... the compliment ... and the welcome ---

[alwayscode390]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMdFUoaL6R4

Just got back from the Dyno ... put down 402 rwhp / 380 rwtq ... which is around 475hp / 450 tq at the crank ... exactly what I was hoping for :)

Shes running good!!!

Also bought some Fikse FM-5 17" wheels for it , yay!!!

Installed the beam plates too ---

[Fully Vetted]

Nice numbers.

What causes the smoke on the first second or two of decel before he pops it into neutral at the end?

[Hammer]

Nice numbers.

What causes the smoke on the first second or two of decel before he pops it into neutral at the end?

Just a guess, but probably exhaust valves seals. 90's didn't have them and I don't know if LPE installed them.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks.

Its pretty cold out ... but the car definitely smokes a bit when you get on it.

I have been told it is exhaust valve seals also ... they weren't installed in the 90's ... Hammer is correct :)

My Mechanic didn't think it was a problem, the last owner told me to expect it ... and my 91' GMC Syclone does the same thing too ---

[Hog]

Almost every LT5 I have seen on a chassis dyno have done this on decel. High rpms, closed throttle body equals high manifold vacuum equals burnt oil.

peace
Hog

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for the confirmation Hog ... makes me feel a little better :) ---

[alwayscode390]

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New shoes just arrived for the ZR-1

Polished 17x13 Fikse FM-5's wrapped in 335/35/17 Michelin rubber ... YUM!!! ---

[alwayscode390]

http://i47.tinypic.com/2q38x9y.jpg

Polished up the Fikses and added the custom c4 center caps ... cant WAIT to get these mounted!!! :) ---

[Paul in SC]

The wheels look great...you'll love them on the Z.

[alwayscode390]

Thanks Paul :) ... Just got the car tinted today too. Its almost the way I want it!!! ---

[efnfast]

Doesn't it look great tinted?

[Mystic ZR-1]

Too bad you can't see out at nite...
Looks good though.

[alwayscode390]

It looks so "sinister" tinted!!!

All my other vehicles are tinted , so I am sorta used to how you cant see to back out at night HAHAH. Just scope the parking lot/area before you get in when you are ready to back out ;)

It makes the interior feel more like home.

It was like pulling teeth with the tint guy though, and cost me a pretty penny. I guess that back window is a MFer to get right with the thick vertical defroster lines.

I will post pics of it tinted soon ---

[USAFPILOT]

those center caps are sweet, who made those?

[efnfast]

Too bad you can't see out at nite...
Looks good though.
Yea, but I never have to flip my rearview mirror at night.

[alwayscode390]

I don't know who made the caps ... I bought them off someone who isn't a board member. He just said they are super rare, and only a few sets were made a long time ago ---

[Kevin]

I wish I could find the proper emblems for my center caps. I have the late model ones. always annoys me

[alwayscode390]

Carter on here makes a pretty cool "ZR1" engraved cap ... if I didn't find these, I was going to go that route ... real quality stuff.

By late model you mean the newer Corvette emblem, or they say FIKSE on them? ---

[vilant]

Sweet ride. Congrats on the pick-up. I see you caught the bling bug already:thumbsup:.

[alwayscode390]

HAHAH yeah ... have to give it a few "personal touches" so she feels comfortable to me :) . Thanks ---

[alwayscode390]

Just got the x-pipe installed today ... sounds AWESOME compared to the rattling sound it was making HAHAH.

Waiting on custom hubcentric spacers to be made for the Fikses ... will be another week until they are installed.

Are the wheel sensors at the valve or wrapped around the wheel? My shop seems to think cars from 1990 should have it wrapped around the wheel ... but they are at the valve (which is where I think they should be).

The car clunks good on idle from the "dual mass flywheel" . I need to do more searching for information on that. Not sure if it needs replaced, or if its typical to make that sound when the car LOPES more than stock (from the LPE mods).

Also there is a slight hesitation at 3500-4500 rpm if I am not "on it" ... is that when the secondaries are about to open up ... and is that typical? Thanks :) ---

[ZZZZZR1]

Just got the x-pipe installed today ... sounds AWESOME compared to the rattling sound it was making HAHAH.

Waiting on custom hubcentric spacers to be made for the Fikses ... will be another week until they are installed.

Are the wheel sensors at the valve or wrapped around the wheel? My shop seems to think cars from 1990 should have it wrapped around the wheel ... but they are at the valve (which is where I think they should be).

The car clunks good on idle from the "dual mass flywheel" . I need to do more searching for information on that. Not sure if it needs replaced, or if its typical to make that sound when the car LOPES more than stock (from the LPE mods).

Also there is a slight hesitation at 3500-4500 rpm if I am not "on it" ... is that when the secondaries are about to open up ... and is that typical? Thanks :) ---

Nate

Sounds like you have original fuel injectors. Did the owner give you service records? Ay idea what's been done?

:cheers:

David

[efnfast]

The sensors are baneded around the rim.

The dual mass flywheel should keep it from clunking. Maybe LPE installed a one piece.?

[Kevin]

Just got the x-pipe installed today ... sounds AWESOME compared to the rattling sound it was making HAHAH.

Waiting on custom hubcentric spacers to be made for the Fikses ... will be another week until they are installed.

Are the wheel sensors at the valve or wrapped around the wheel? My shop seems to think cars from 1990 should have it wrapped around the wheel ... but they are at the valve (which is where I think they should be).

The car clunks good on idle from the "dual mass flywheel" . I need to do more searching for information on that. Not sure if it needs replaced, or if its typical to make that sound when the car LOPES more than stock (from the LPE mods).

Also there is a slight hesitation at 3500-4500 rpm if I am not "on it" ... is that when the secondaries are about to open up ... and is that typical? Thanks :) ---

the dual mass shouldn't make noise, it's designed to absorb it which is why detecting a bad injector is so hard.

[alwayscode390]

Its had the LPE ported 465hp kit installed ( ported heads/plenum/cam lobes/valve job/Borla exhaust ) ... and he showed me a receipt for new injectors. He also gave me a bag full of the old injectors.

Is there a way the sensors are tuned out? When I start the car it says CHECK TPSM while running diagnostics for a second or two and then the light goes OFF.

The Flywheel sound is like knuckles cracking when the rpm goes low, then raises a tad until the car warms all the way up. I was told by the previous owner that this is ok ... but I hate the sound. Do the dual mass flywheels go "bad" and need replaced? If so, how much are they?

I may have to take a video of the sound and post it up for you all

Thanks ---

[Kevin]

check the lpe receipts, or the receipts in general for a single mass flywheel. I've heard them from no sound when paired with a balanced and blue printed bill b tranny, to marbles in a can, to a rod coming out of the block in a LSV

[alwayscode390]

You may be onto something ... it almost sounds like a rod knock or marbles. I will double check ... my receipts are super old and faded ... from 93' ... and LPE says they didn't start keeping records until 95' ... just my luck LOL ---

[efnfast]

I've considered doing a Fidenza flywheel (one piece), but I'm afraid the knocking noise will drive me crazy. I already don't like the way the chain tensioner rattles at start up.

[alwayscode390]

Does it seem like I have nothing to worry about? The car runs strong , just dyno'd it the other day (good a/f ratios) ... and it feels solid while driving it. No weird noises while rolling down the road, its just while at idle ---

[ZZZZZR1]

I agree with the single flywheel theory (thought you knew you had a dual mass flywheel).

I think they used Mcleod and or a special lightweight flywheel.

My car @ idle isn't too bad, but I have a sprung hub clutch (catches the rattle pretty good)

David

[alwayscode390]

I just went through the paperwork ... no flywheel paperwork.

16 new Bosch ZR1 primary/secondary injectors purchased in 2007.

The previous owner told me I had a dual mass ... hence the sound I was hearing , he may have been confused. Is there a way to notice when the car is up in the air and you are looking at it? I can try to snap pics when I get the wheels installed in a week.

What is actually making the clunk, are these engines not balanced? ---

[ZZZZZR1]

Bosch injectors are likely rebuilt injectors and have issues. We have seen numerous failures and that could be a cause.

I'm hoping you have a single mass flywheel!

:cheers:

David

[alwayscode390]

The Bosh injectors say "BRAND NEW" next to the order ... he paid $672.50 for them!!!

Also bought an AC Delco fuel injector pressure regulator for $120 and PCV valves at the same time.

So, Im guessing ... its not supposed to hesitate at 3500rpm when you are babying the throttle? I could have sworn that was just because the secondaries were about to open and its dumping more fuel in there ... but I get off the throttle too soon for a shift? Is the secondary engagement supposed to be smooth? Its not throwing any codes ---

[alwayscode390]

Here is my recent dyno from a few days ago. SMOOTH torque/horsepower curve ... expected power output even with a fubar center resonator.

Shouldn't be producing enough sound to show up as knock on the computer right?

I drove her today, and NO sound. Seems to happen after I drive it ... park it about an hour , then restart it. I had my vid camera and everything waiting for it to happen. I will get a vid soon enough.

Let me know if everything seems reasonable. Thanks :) ---

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[efnfast]

Air to fuel looks a little high. From my experiance, which is very limited, I would expect to see peak hp around 6800.

[alwayscode390]

With this being a ported / tuned engine, Im pretty sure it could be a little off from a stock Dyno.

My tuner said it IS a little lean, but its still in the safe zone ... he was impressed with it being an OBD1 car that it was running so well.

Thanks for the input :) ---

[alwayscode390]

I called Lingenfelter Performance earlier today. They dug deep in the records and verified the work done to my ZR-1. He said it has some history , and will send me all the paperwork ... with 2 Polished Aluminum LINGENFELTER badges for the fenders. They REALLY keep those on lockdown. They had me verify the car was in my possession in multiple ways before even considering selling me one, then dug deep in their 1993 files ( they told me before they only had records back to 95' ) to verify the car was actually worked on by them, and didn't just have a Lingenfelter kit installed. It took the 5th person I contacted to actually have the pull to do this.

I really just took the previous owners word on it, considering the throttle body tube was the only thing with Lingenfelter on it. The paperwork he gave me was in POOR shape, it was a copy that was crooked, faded, and without Lingenfelter written on it anywhere. Im STOKED!!! :)

Now to get the wheels installed later this week after waiting on some custom front hub-centric spacers to come in ... then I will post some pics.

I have some questions on the injectors that came with the purchase on the car, I want to make sure they are stock and used ... starting to wonder if I have new injectors in a bag that need to be installed. I will take pics of them and post up later. I found the fuel pressure regulator ... new, uninstalled that I previously thought was installed with the injectors ;) . This may answer the stutter problem I have been having ---

[WB9MCW]

Looks like you are on the right trail now.

Congrats on the Badge(s) coming to you very nice.

How would you compare/contrast your Viper with the Z?
What do you like about the one vs the other?

[alwayscode390]

Thanks :)

The easiest way to compare them is torque vs high rpm.

The Viper is putting out 120 more ft lbs torque ... and you can really feel it down low. The engine tops out at 6k rpm and with 3.73's that seems quick.

The ZR-1 is a blast to keep revving to the moon ... especially with the 3.45's

The ZR-1 seats are WAY better , because I am a thin guy ... they hold my sides better.

The ZR-1 actually rides smoother in performance mode vs the Viper.

The Viper and ZR-1 both shifted around the same until I put a short throw in the Viper ... and now I prefer the notchiness of the Viper , they use T-56's ... so installing the short throw setup includes an improved gate setup, not a shorter shift rod.

The Viper actually has angled pedals for the heel - toe , which felt weird to me at first, but I am getting used to it. I prefer the pedals on the ZR-1 for sure.

Driving the ZR-1 is a lot more comfortable ... the Viper seems to demand a lot more respect.

They both feel confident in the twisties. Both should be high 11 second capable cars.

Honestly ... seems like they are almost as opposite as you can get when comparing two domestic "supercars". I prefer the v8 rumble ... but the v10 high lift crackle is growing on me :) ---

[alwayscode390]

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Got the Lingenfelter badges on today ... pretty cool pic with the tree shadow :) ---

[WB9MCW]

Yes a nice photo indeed!

[Paul in SC]

Badges look great! :thumbsup:

Paul

[alwayscode390]

Thanks guys ... it was warm yesterday and they are planning on rain for the next couple days.

I wanted them to be on the car when I get the Fikses installed Wed afternoon FINALLY (after waiting 3 weeks for spacers to clear the Lingenfelter front big brake kit). ---

[alwayscode390]

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[WB9MCW]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeet

[alwayscode390]

Thanks Bryan :) Im real happy with the way the car came out !!! ---

[ZZZZZR1]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's HOT....

:saluting:

David

[alwayscode390]

Thanks for all the help David !!! :) ---

[t5irocz]

Looks amazing!!!! Well done man!!!!

[alwayscode390]

I just found out the original owner of my car is the owner of Jegs Mail Order Performance Parts.

Then I spoke with a guy at Lingenfelter that said John Lingenfelter drove the car, and put the finishing touches on the tune. I guess he did this with most ZR-1s until 1997.

I was told the car had "history" , I just had to do a little digging to find it out.

Neat stuff ---

[WB9MCW]

Wow that is very interesting info indeed.

That Jegs is a big operation. Maybe someday you can talk with that owner and find out even more. I wonder what he drives these days?

Plus that is KOOL that JL actually drove it and did the final adjustments to your ride.

[alwayscode390]

Maybe someday he will want to buy it back ;) HAHAHA jkjk I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon ---