advice needed

[captlwr]

I'm a previous Corvette Owner having owned a 63 Coupe (327/300 w 4-spd), an 86 Z51 Coupe with 4+3 Manual and an 06 Coupe with auto (terrible!!) - I was at a big Auction America Show today at the Ft Lauderdale Conv. Center - among the cars that did NOT sell was what looked like a pristine example of a 95 ZR-1 with 48,000 miles - black on black (and I've actually seen the car locally on the street a few years ago!) - pretty LO VIN # (in the lo 100's) - and the Owner was asking $29,900 which seemed almost like at steal to me! Always been enamored of the REAL ZR-1…………when I checked a few selling prices online the price asked seems "too high" - yet I fully remember the ZR-1's, when new, going for $90,000 at Dealers…………what should I be looking at with this car?? I know about the LT5 engine but as for "condition" not sure just "what" to look for - the car presented as pretty immaculate……………Larry

[We Gone]

Find a ZR-1 owner in your area and he will most likely go with you to look at one.

Here are some tips

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/BuyersGuide.aspx

[captlwr]

well …. many thanx for your advice - but after reading the link you sent me - I have to admit that it pretty much scared me off, lol!!!

[Dynomite]

well …. many thanx for your advice - but after reading the link you sent me - I have to admit that it pretty much scared me off, lol!!!

Typical Low Mileage ZR-1 Issues (Audio, Injectors, Clutch) (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-4.html#post1581644913)

[8cam]

Or you could do what I did. Show up, drive it, buy it. Worry about the consequences later. :D

[Dynomite]

well …. many thanx for your advice - but after reading the link you sent me - I have to admit that it pretty much scared me off, lol!!!

I just last week drove home a low mileage (38,000 miles) 1990 ZR-1. I did an inspection that took about 15 minutes and the first thing to note was the overall condition of the car (was it well taken care of). Then fire it up. If it was well taken care of you can usually assume the engine (LT5) is good to go as they are about as solid an engine as I have ever come across.

Injectors and clutch slave leakage are usually cause of frustrations of some previous owners as well as the Bose sound system/CD and speakers. ALL easily replaced/restored.

As an example ...... the Bose sound system on this 1990 did not work on any speakers and the CDM had been removed and just set back near where it was originally as someone gave up on the sound system restoration. I fixed the sound system including re-installing the CDM correctly for $20 in parts...all speakers work better than ever before with fade, base, treble working perfectly.

I have three Zs and all had small issues (big issues for previous owners) which frustration is probably why I am now the new owner of these ZR-1s :D

All were owned by guys who I am guessing did not do their own maintenance and that was the issues finding guys who could maintain a Z without breaking the bank. None of those ZR-1 previous owners were members of this forum that I am aware of.

It really is not about breaking the bank....it is about knowing how to fix the small stuff which on a well cared for ZR-1 is all that you really need to fix :sign10:

Or you could do what I did. Show up, drive it, buy it. Worry about the consequences later. :D
Exactly what I did :D

Typical Low Mileage ZR-1 Issues (Audio, Injectors, Clutch) (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-4.html#post1581644913)

[fletchusmc]

Or you could do what I did. Show up, drive it, buy it. Worry about the consequences later. :D

My experience started with a buddy looking at a C6 shooting me a text saying "there's a ZR-1 here". Six weeks later it was still there taunting me so, showed up, drove it, bought it! The small issues have been normal 19 year old car stuff.

[Z51JEFF]

What exactly scared you off?

[scottfab]

well …. many thanx for your advice - but after reading the link you sent me - I have to admit that it pretty much scared me off, lol!!!

well these cars are not for everyone . maybe you should stay with the early 60's model.

[Paul Workman]

well …. many thanx for your advice - but after reading the link you sent me - I have to admit that it pretty much scared me off, lol!!!

That list is fairly comprehensive, far as stuff found on a collection of 20 year old cars. If the specimen you've found appears to be clean and well cared for, chances are some or nearly all of the items listed are not an issue.

Just saying...The LT5 is bullet proof, and most of the stuff listed is superficial/simple fix stuff. OK, that said, being able to do you own wrenching is almost a per-requisit for any 20 year old car, especially one as unique as the ZR-1. This Registry, and the people on it is what gave me confidence to go ahead and purchase my Z. It turned out to be a wonderful experience; the car and especially the people!

I hope you reconsider. You'll never know what your missing!

[Dynomite]

That list is fairly comprehensive, far as stuff found on a collection of 20 year old cars. If the specimen you've found appears to be clean and well cared for, chances are some or nearly all of the items listed are not an issue.

Just saying...The LT5 is bullet proof, and most of the stuff listed is superficial/simple fix stuff. OK, that said, being able to do you own wrenching is almost a per-requisit for any 20 year old car, especially one as unique as the ZR-1. This Registry, and the people on it is what gave me confidence to go ahead and purchase my Z. It turned out to be a wonderful experience; the car and especially the people!

I hope you reconsider. You'll never know what your missing!

You concur with Cliff then :D
I will admit I concur completely with Paul :handshak:

I think that is what this Forum is about (as well as the ZR-1 section on CF). We help those that are hesitant on getting involved with a ZR-1 enjoy the driving, maintaining, and modifying of the ZR-1/LT5 with the least damage to their wallet.

That includes making sure everyone knows about Jerry, Bill (ZFdoc), DocDon, Marc Haibeck, Pete, Summit Racing, PowerTorque and many others that can supply parts and expert advice as well as expert modifications so everyone can enjoy this great hobby to the fullest without breaking the bank.

We often teach some that are unfamiliar with tools and doing their own maintenance to expand their horizons so they too can enjoy the driving as well as the maintaining and modifying the ZR-1 to the fullest. This effort on our part expands the enjoyable experience of driving, maintaining, and modifying the ZR-1/LT5 considerably :thumbsup:

I say to anyone that has a desire to own one of the greatest and most fun to drive, maintain, and modifiable cars on the planet.......Go For It....Do It.....we will make sure on this Forum and on the ZR-1 Section of CF your ownership experience is the greatest in SPADES....There is nothing that cannot be fixed on the ZR-1/LT5 :cheers::handshak::Eagle:

TOOLS
Scanner poll (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5887)
Wireless Bore Scope TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=191453)
Tool Rental TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17114)
Using Tech 1 TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=149765#post149765)
Tech 1 Repairs TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=144298)
Lifting The LT5 (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp.html#post1580070571)
Lifting the ZR-1 (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp.html#post1580070574)
Pick Up Tool (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=180750)
Scanners (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=101893)
Tools for ZR1 maintenance (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=25646)
Camshaft manual chain tensioners (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=94503)
Blind hole puller Blind hole puller (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=93813)
Tools for porting (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11263)

GENERAL
ZR1 VIDEO (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13287)
Typical Low Mileage ZR-1 Issues (Audio, Injectors, Clutch) (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-4.html#post1581644913)
Technical Issues Poll (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17014)
Classic Issues for New Owners Poll (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17014)
The Standard ZR-1 Restoration TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=197717)
Making Your Own Hydraulic Lines TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=189320)
Engine Oil Change TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=186780)
Parts TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=182072)
HVAC Display as Digital Readout TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=144455)
What To Do When You Buy A ZR-1 TIPS (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3312345-maintaining-a-zr-1-a.html#post1584515314)
Dash gage readings are off TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16604)
Gas without ETHANOL (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=97680)
Corvette Paint Codes (http://www.corvettepaintcodes.com/)
Car Covers (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3329204-car-cover.html)
LT5 Eliminated Systems (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/2942569-tech-info-lt5-eliminated-systems.html)
LT5 Added Systems (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/2942569-tech-info-lt5-eliminated-systems.html#post1579114180)
ZR-1 Operational Costs TIPS (http://ww[url=http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3104808-daily-driver.html#post1581590888)
ZR1 Parts For Performance (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/2494869-tune-up-time-parts-recomendations.html#post1572546233)
LT5/ZR-1 Fluids (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp.html#post1580070550)
OCTANE (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=118073)
Corvette assembly plant VIDEO (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13501)
Corvette Valley photos (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7939)
LT5 92' and 95' crate engines (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=103252)
LT5 cutout (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11317)
LT5 assembly project (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=6861)
Engine cleaning (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=73261)
Towing Instructions (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14308)
Amsoil 10W-40 (Engine) (https://www.amsoil.com/a/synthetic-motor-oil-engine-oil)
Castrol TWS 10W-60 (Transmission) (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=07510009420&utm_source=goog_product&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=07510009420)

NEW PARTS & SUPPLIES (BY MEMBERS)
New Items Designed and Fabricated TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=178181)
Pete's ZR-1 Garage (https://sites.google.com/site/peteszr1garage/)
Adams Premium Car Care (http://www.adamspolishes.com/)
Haibeck Automotive Technology (http://www.zr1specialist.com/)
Jerry's Gaskets (http://jerrysgaskets.com/store2/root/)
White Racing Products (http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/)
Jerry's PCV Connector (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19388)
Carter Bling (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=143676#post143676)
Copland SS Air Box (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17056)
cvette98pacecar Suede Headliners (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19187)
LGAFF MAP Sensor Cover (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=16140)
LGAFF 90-95 emblems (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15919)
LGAFF Tech Guides (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13558)
Pete's Custom Racing Parts (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=134455)
Pete's Rebuilt Clutch Pressure Plates (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=126610)
rhipsher Reverse Lockout (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17280)
VetteMed Valentine 1 Radar concealed (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17279)
VetteMed Review Mirror with Compass (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17529)

USED PARTS
Use of Facebook to find parts (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=98602)
Facebook buy, sell, trade parts (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139335809446130&v=wall&!/group.php?gid=139335809446130&ref=ts)
Buying, selling, trading ZR-1 (LT-5) parts (http://www.zr-1parts.com/)
Crags list (http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/sd.cgi?fil=corvette)
Corvettenutz (http://www.corvettenutz.com/)
Vette2Vette (http://www.vette2vette.com/)
ebay Justcorvette (http://motors.shop.ebay.com/justcorvette/m.html)
Justcorvettes (http://www.justcorvettes.net/)

USED EBAY STORE PARTS
eBay store: Corvette Salvage (http://stores.ebay.com/id=3418770&ss...STRK:MEFSX:SST)
ebay store: Dennys Corvettes (http://stores.ebay.com/Dennys-Corvettes?_rdc=1)
eBay store: Nook and Tranny LLC (http://stores.ebay.com/id=1737063&ss...STRK:MEFSX:SST)
eBay store: Redneck43 Corvette's Store (http://stores.ebay.com/id=8855715&ss...STRK:MEFSX:SST)
ebay store: slick300zx (http://stores.ebay.com/JC-Parts-LLC)
eBay store: vettepros.usa (http://stores.ebay.com/id=787285309&...STRK:MEFSX:SST)

NEW PARTS
Antenna Parts (http://corvetteamerica.com/cf/displaylearnmore.cfm?learnmoreid=325&idlist=67,168,p_51042,2521,169,170,261,4148,1530,1 69,261,2837,4480,p_50810,2647,p_30119,2647,2647,44 97,325,2145,373,374,342,374,5145&searchdest=%2Fcf%2Flearnmorelist.cfm%3Fkeyword%3Da ntenna%26Search%2BCatalog.x%3D0%26Search%2BCatalog .y%3D0&subcategoryid=&searchname=Keyword%3A%20antenna)
ARP (http://www.arp-bolts.com/)
Auto Parts Warehouse (http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/)
DeWitts Radiators (http://www.dewitts.com/pages/productdetail.asp?ProdID=325)
DeWitts Home (http://www.dewitts.com/index.asp)
Ecklers Corvette Parts (http://www.ecklers.com/)
Carolina Clutch (http://www.carolinaclutch.com/Content/corvette-lt.htm.aspx)
Clarks Discount (http://www.clarksdiscount.com/)
Corvette Central (http://www.corvettecentral.com/)
Corvette HID (http://www.corvettehid.com)
Doug Ripple Motor Sports (http://dougrippie.com/)
Guldstrand Racing (http://www.guldstrand.com/)
Mid America (http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-parts.html)
Power Torque Systems (http://www.powertorquesystems.com/Contact.htm)
Randy Woods (http://www.zr1products.com/)
RC Injectors (http://www.rceng.com/)
Ron Davis Radiators (http://www.rondavisradiators.com/)
SAMCO hoses (http://www.samcosport.com/)
Stainless Works (http://www.stainlessworks.net/cart/index.php?cPath=475_387_370&osCsid=dde21da6d38517d22b4f9701119dfb56)
Ebay ZR1 SKF BR930024 Rear Wheel Hub & Bearing (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SKF-BR930024-Rear-Wheel-Hub-Bearing-/171045043667)

REPAIRS
Marc Haibeck (Performance) (http://www.zr1specialist.com/)
Pete's ZR-1 Garage (https://sites.google.com/site/peteszr1garage/)
Doc Don's (Radio) (http://www.doctordons.com/)
ZF Doc (Transmission) (http://www.zfdoc.com/)
Gordon Killebrew C4 trouble shooting (http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/pages/800737/index.htm)
Rebuilt water pump (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13403)
TurnOne (http://www.turnone-steering.com/) (Power Steering)

[Paul Workman]

You concur with Cliff then :D
I will admit I concur completely with Paul :handshak:

I do concur, Cliff (AND DON'T THINK I AIN'T WORRIED!!):p:cheers:

[XfireZ51]

Frankly, doing the wrenching on a ZR-1 is part of the appeal for me. I had to do that w my 84 Xfire. The LT-5 is DIY even more so. Tinkering and tweaking it to make it run better and get more performance is a plus. Keeps me from going bat-sh*t crazy! especially in the winter. And the ZR-1/LT-5 platform is perfect because it responds so well to those tweaks. The motor is so underutilized in stock form. Once you've massaged it to 400+ rwhp! you really start to appreciate what a great car this is.

[Dynomite]

I do concur, Cliff (AND DON'T THINK I AIN'T WORRIED!!):p:cheers:

My last ZR-1 (1990) I drove back to Central CA just a little over a week ago from down Southern CA has Illinois Plates.....
(AND DON'T THINK I AIN'T WORRIED!!) :sign10:

[Z06scentair]

That fellow was scared off pretty easily?

[chriskinzel]

I bought my car as a project car. I have average mechanical abilities and I have had a great time working on it. I have overcome many of the items that are listed in previous postings. This car is a thrill to drive, and kind of fun to work on. I would be in REAL trouble if it where not for the brothers in the registry! They give you confidence and are always willing to help you get out of a jam. I don't post much, but I read EVERYTHING! Thanks for all you guys have done for me, and others.
Chris :handshak:

[USAZR1]

That fellow was scared off pretty easily?


Drive-by poster?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

If it runs and drives, your past most of the battle.

My first ZR-1 was squished from front to rear by a front end loader. :mrgreen:

[Z06scentair]

Drive-by poster?

I've heard volvo's are a real bargin currently.

[gbrtng]

I've heard volvo's are a real bargin currently.
ooo ooo soobarooo ...

[scottfab]

Maybe he went and got himself a nice mustang?

[Z51JEFF]

Maybe he went and got himself a nice mustang?

Or a C5.:o