Questions/Help on buying a ZR1

[J-Bonez]

I am flying out to look at this 1992 zr1 with 42,000 miles. It has a chip and a tune, and a catback exhaust. "The car was completely stripped down and repainted with all new weatherstripping in 2010. The engine got all new gaskets and hoses and was painted along with the car. The work was done at Vettestorations in Southfield Mi." Everything else should be stock. I owned a 1994 LT1 and when I bought it the Adjustable suspension electronics were disconnected by the ABS computer under the rear compartment. So I plan on checking that. What else should I be looking for to make sure everything is in running order? I have a 600 mile drive home if I purchase this car and want to make sure I am not buying someone else's problems. I've waited my entire life to finally afford this ZR1 and I don't want my Dream Car to blind me of issues it may have. What advice can you ZR1 owners give me on what to test/ look for ? before handing this owner a ton of cash.

[Dynomite]

Welcome to the ZR1.net Forum :handshak:

ZR-1 inspection TIPS (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3426579-1990-zr-1-for-sale.html#post1586270680)
Initial Maintenance TIPS (http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=197508)

More information in Signature :cheers:

[J-Bonez]

Thank you dynomite. as to you reply :
Oil pressure idling?
Oil pressure at 3,000 rpm hot?
Stock Exhaust?
Do you know if the secondaries function with power switch ON?
What is the time between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on?

What should the oil pressure be idling? and at 3,000 rpm hot?

What are the secondaries that i need to check with power switch on?

and what time range am i looking for between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on?

I really appreciate all your help and hope to soon be in the ZR1 brotherhood!!

[Dynomite]

Thank you dynomite. as to you reply :
Oil pressure idling?
Oil pressure at 3,000 rpm hot?
Stock Exhaust?
Do you know if the secondaries function with power switch ON?
What is the time between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on?

What should the oil pressure be idling? and at 3,000 rpm hot? Gauge oil pressure is a bit varied between gauges but 50-60-75 psi

What are the secondaries that i need to check with power switch on? This is a bit difficult to explain and in any event if the vacuum pump cycles and then stops and the indicator light is on when you turn the power switch, your secondaries should be working which function at Wide open Throttle (secondary throttle ports.....32 valve of which 16 throttle ports are secondary)

and what time range am i looking for between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on? A bit varied again but 5-10 seconds to a minute or so is workable....just make sure the vacuum pump (under passenger head light) does turn off for at least a few seconds

I really appreciate all your help and hope to soon be in the ZR1 brotherhood!!

Look for oil leaks under the oil pan and water leaks around the water pump or radiator hoses.

Check the oil level and color of oil (should be light transparent NOT BLACK).
Check coolant level in overflow container under passenger head light.
Check brake fluid level and make sure clutch releases. It is hard to check clutch fluid level as reservoir is hidden under ECM just in front of drivers side behind left front tire high point on engine (should be removable flat black cover held on with Velcro on top of ECM)

Fire it up and listen for any knocks of any kind just in case.
Let it warm up until temperature stabilizes which should be mid gauge between 100 and 260.....around 180 more or less.
Idle should be around 800 after it levels out.
Idle should be smooth.
Rev it up and listen for any hesitation.
Just check overall condition of paint and interior for stains of any sort.

Actually.....Anything except a rare rod knock or other knock and except for any serious dents or exterior damage or interior carpet stains/trim breakage are easily fixable. But when you get it home...do a compression check for starters and then post up photos and any questions you may have :cheers:

Would be nice if someone from the Forum could stop by and look at the Z with you just in case.

If the fluid levels are where they should be and the items above check out with the clutch disengaging so you can shift easily, you should be able to drive it almost anywhere :p

Others I am sure will add suggestions....would be nice to post up photos beforehand so we can all take a look :thumbsup:

[alnukem]

I agree with dynamite, I would ask if a forum member was available to look at the car with you. I would also do a Compression check there! Unlike other V8's, these require the engine to be pulled to change a head gasket.

[Dynomite]

I agree with dynamite, I would ask if a forum member was available to look at the car with you. I would also do a Compression check there! Unlike other V8's, these require the engine to be pulled to change a head gasket.

I concur on the compression test but I usually delay that test after confirming it is running smooth until I get the Z in my garage. I definitely do a compression test then. I look for 210-230 lbs and within 5 lbs on each cylinder (ALL plugs removed.....three compressions with the starter on each cylinder with fully charged battery).

Priscilla (my wife) hands me tools and runs for parts (even suggests what might be the issue) when I am under/or in the Zs ;)

I just hand the Plugs to Priscilla as I remove them.
Priscilla is the one operating the starter when I do compression tests :D

[We Gone]

Good Luck, Let us know the outcome. If you buy it be sure to check out the tires before you drive home.

Don't know if you found this.

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

[Kevin]

I concur on the compression test but I usually delay that test after confirming it is running smooth until I get the Z in my garage. I definitely do a compression test then. I look for 210-230 lbs and within 5 lbs on each cylinder (ALL plugs removed.....three compressions with the starter on each cylinder with fully charged battery).

Dynamite is my wife (Priscilla) who has been banned because she shares same IP address. Dave was going to correct that but I guess got busy doing other stuff. Priscilla hands me tools and runs for parts (even suggests what might be the issue) when I am under/or in the Zs ;)

I just hand the Plugs to Priscilla as I remove them.
Priscilla is the one operating the starter when I do compression tests :D

Let me look into that today

[efnfast]

The timing chains on these tend to rattle on start up, this is normal. It sounds like a rod knock, it will quite in a couple seconds.

To check for secondary operation, floor it. Under load, not sitting still. If the motor falls on it's face at 5000 rpm, secondaries are not opening. The engine should fly to 7K, rev limiter is at 7250. In third, this will put you around 100, so you may want to do it in second, if everything is working properly, hang on.

Good luck.

[J-Bonez]

Thanks you all, pretty much know the general things to look for now I was just wondering if there was some common ZR1 problems I should be looking for. The car is just outside Detroit. Liviona Michigan I believe. I want to fly up a weekend in May. If any forum members live around there and would like to meet me I would love a little extra help. PM me and I will send you my number.

[J-Bonez]

I was a little worried that he had a mechanic paint the motor and replace all gaskets but that was done about 10k miles ago, so I figure he woulda had problems by now it they screwed anything up

[XfireZ51]

You may want to connect w cvette98pacecar. Robert lives in Frankenmuth and owns several ZRs. He's also pretty picky.

[Schrade]

Welcome onto the boards there.

I am flying out to look at this 1992 zr1 with 42,000 miles. It has a chip and a tune, and a catback exhaust. "The car was completely stripped down and repainted with all new weatherstripping in 2010. The engine got all new gaskets and hoses and was painted along with the car. The work was done at Vettestorations in Southfield Mi." Everything else should be stock. I owned a 1994 LT1 and when I bought it the Adjustable suspension electronics were disconnected by the ABS computer under the rear compartment. So I plan on checking that. What else should I be looking for to make sure everything is in running order? I have a 600 mile drive home if I purchase this car and want to make sure I am not buying someone else's problems. I've waited my entire life to finally afford this ZR1 and I don't want my Dream Car to blind me of issues it may have. What advice can you ZR1 owners give me on what to test/ look for ? before handing this owner a ton of cash.

Any paperwork showing this wrenching? Might be no warranty, but you KNOW what was done. And was it sold shortly thereafter, because the problem didn't 'go away', with the work?

Read these boards for a few weeks, and see the things that go wrong after 20 years, and that need work, to know what to look for, even for low mileage cars.

[Schrade]

...

Dynamite is my wife (Priscilla) who has been banned because she shares same IP address. Dave was going to correct that but I guess got busy doing other stuff. Priscilla hands me tools and runs for parts (even suggests what might be the issue) when I am under/or in the Zs ;)

I just hand the Plugs to Priscilla as I remove them.
Priscilla is the one operating the starter when I do compression tests :D

She got any sisters still at home?

[Dynomite]

She got any sisters still at home?

She is the only one that knows a crescent wrench from a vice grip. An Open End from a socket wrench. A 10 mm from a 3/8ths. A Torx from a Allen Head :thumbsup:

And she is great with simple green on my hands :handshak:

And....and....and.....she puts the tools right back in place where she found them :dancing

She even just the other day suggested the idle was too high on our 90' ZR-1 before it came back down by itself (early 90's have that issue) :D

[scottfab]

Thank you dynomite. as to you reply :
Oil pressure idling?
Oil pressure at 3,000 rpm hot?
Stock Exhaust?
Do you know if the secondaries function with power switch ON?
What is the time between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on?

What should the oil pressure be idling? and at 3,000 rpm hot?

What are the secondaries that i need to check with power switch on?

and what time range am i looking for between vacuum pump cycling with ignition key on?

I really appreciate all your help and hope to soon be in the ZR1 brotherhood!!


Good luck with the purchase.
I'd take all that you heard and prioritize a list.
Likely you won't have a few days to check it out
so knowing what the high $ fixes are and looking for
those first would be prudent.
FIRST:
Take a scanner and plug it in and dump the error codes the car has!

NEXT:

1. What mods has the car had and are they documented?
Ask owner for paper work (repairs, receipts) this tell a lot.
You're looking for both a well documented car life AND major repairs.

2. Go through all gears looking for how well it shifts.
Check out reverse. A tranny fix will not be cheap. A new clutch job is not that bad $ wise, nor is the clutch slave and master cylinder.
If it shifted ok chances are all of fine.

3. Warm it up good and hot. Test the AC and test how it starts when hot. (checks a lot of things) Smooth idle and quick WOT response.

4. peak at rotors for heavy groves. Test smooth braking.

5. Do a walk around pre-flight check. (headlighs, tail lights, break lighs blinkers) You don't need a ticket on the way home. (good time to look for scratches and other damage)

6. Incidentals: radio/amps, seats, FX3 settings, etc....

7. Remember if the fluids are totally clear/clean it may NOT
be a good sign. It could mean there was work done and could still
have a problem. If the any particular fluid looks ok but not new....
good sign.

Again good luck and be ready to learn stuff :-D

[msorenso]

Welcome,
I like yourself last April Joined the forum and in June of last year purchased my dream car that I have been love with since high school! Many great people here and the passion is very much alive!!! Good luck to you I hope it works out for the best 600 mile drive of your life. I drove mine from Alabama to South Dakota!!!

[J-Bonez]

I spoke with Robert on the phone aka vettepacecar and let me tell you I love the brotherhood already. He is going to give the car a good inspection for me since I am in NJ and I don't want to waste a 550 plane ticket. I can't believe how nice everyone is I just hope no one buys the car before me :( if all checks out.

[USAZR1]

Good luck with the car,Bonez

[cvette98pacecar]

If you don't mind,a few questions. How much is the seller asking for the car? If it's been repainted,is it the original color? What catback exhaust does it have installed?
How many ZR-1's have you looked at? What is it about this car that makes it The One?

Clint, I can answer that question. The big fat azz and LT5 engine.



Welcome,
I like yourself last April Joined the forum and in June of last year purchased my dream car that I have been love with since high school! Many great people here and the passion is very much alive!!! Good luck to you I hope it works out for the best 600 mile drive of your life. I drove mine from Alabama to South Dakota!!!

There is nothing better than getting in your Z for the first time and driving her home on a long distance trip and having no problems.
I have been on three of the ventures so far the shortest being 800 miles from Atlanta to Frankenmuth, MI. Total time door to door 10 hours 35 minutes with stopping for gas twice. I forgot to mention the LPE has 254K Miles.

[msorenso]

[QUOTE=cvette98pacecar;201977]Clint, I can answer that question. The big fat azz and LT5 engine.


Peferctly said!!!!:handshak:

[J-Bonez]

Car has a B&B exhaust, color is black it was repainted due to pin striping or moldings that looked like crap (owner said). I did not want to drop over 20K on a car which eliminated all the 20 and 30k mile ones, and I found this one for 18k and talked him down a little. I like the car, and the restoration he put into it like starter, weatherstrips, gaskets, powdercoated engine etc. Hopefully it will save me $$$$ down the road it i purchase it.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

J-Bonez, I truly hope you find the right car soon so you can enjoy the LT5 Premagrin experience.

Welcome to the Brotherhood!:dancing

[KILLSHOTS]

Oh yeah, Brett's telling you the absolute truth about the PermaGrin, J-Bonez...first time that thing crosses the 4000RPM threshold with the hammer down, your eyes are gonna get REALLY WIDE!! :dancing

[RICKYRJ1]

Hey Bonez, where in NJ are you?

[Paul Workman]

The timing chains on these tend to rattle on start up, this is normal. It sounds like a rod knock, it will quite in a couple seconds.

To check for secondary operation, floor it. Under load, not sitting still. If the motor falls on it's face at 5000 rpm, secondaries are not opening. The engine should fly to 7K, rev limiter is at 7250. In third, this will put you around 100, so you may want to do it in second, if everything is working properly, hang on.

Good luck.

J-Bonez,

Yep. IF the secondaries are not opening, it will die @ or near 5000 rpm, but so it will if the intake accordion "snorkel" collapses, BTW. But, NEITHER of these are difficult to remedy, in and of themselves - but if there is an Service Engine Soon light (SES), the secondaries will not come on and rpm may be curtailed until the cause of the SES light is corrected. So, when you turn the key to "ON", look for the SES light to come on (bulb test) for a couple seconds. If it does not come on, either the bulb is bad, OR removed...pretty rare (but it has happened).

This chart from Marc Haibeck's site will provide some more info, including clues about possible differential gear change, and/or tach calibration.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/tech%20files/ZF6MPH345vs410gearratio-Haibeck_zps837f03ef.jpg (http://s185.photobucket.com/user/6PPC_bucket/media/tech%20files/ZF6MPH345vs410gearratio-Haibeck_zps837f03ef.jpg.html)

(Note: After 20 or so years, the tach calibration often drifts by some percentage - to error some % higher than it should. It is not a big deal to fix it; a Do It Yourself (DIY) kind of project actually. But, I mention it because the mph vs. tach value chart values might not agree, and tach cal can make one think the differential gear is not stock. )

I agree, the best bet is to recruit one of the members here to check it out - maybe before you spend the $$ for transportation to see it yourself, no? Just a thought.

[batchman]

Here's a couple pointers from my wife's adventure flying out and driving back an un-seen car.

When you turn on the key (not starting) make sure you see all the warning lights (look for missing bulbs - a clue somebody fixed something the easy way)

On test drive make sure you put some miles and start cycles on it, so a code comes back if happened to be freshly reset.

Know your emissions inspection needs, chipped LT5 may be trouble on roller/sniffer test.

Fill the tank and use the trip odo - the senders in these degrade with alcohol in fuel.

Speaking of alcohol in fuel it may have been mentioned above or in links but look for fresh fuel injectors in the recent work or paper trail as these degrade with alcohol too, of course it may not be a problem in the fuel mix where the car is.

Other than that it's really just normal used car stuff, but for sure a local ZR-1'er would be great to have looking/listening and rendering opinion on what's "normal".

on edit - the more I think about it you probably already know to look for jacking damage as that's pretty popular on C4s. Other C4 things to consider are condition of suspension bushings as they're all aging, and the usual door/window/latch stuff.

Good luck!
- Jeff

[BigJohn]

I got $3.30 would that help?

[Mystic ZR-1]

I got $3.30 would that help?

You can put that $3.30 toward my breakfast on Saturday...
:dancing

[phrogs]

The car is in Detroit? I'm somewhat close in Kalamazoo

I also hear I worked on this car but it's not ringing any bells with me. I have had my hands on Amit of 1990 ZR-1s and a few 91s but don't recall a 92

[XfireZ51]

Take it to Pete.

[J-Bonez]

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=07081&endYear=1993&modelCode1=CORV&showcaseOwnerId=1376503&startYear=1992&makeCode1=CHEV&listingType=used&listingTypes=used&transmissionCode=MAN&transmissionCodes=MAN&searchRadius=0&showcaseListingId=0&mmt=%5BCHEV%5BCORV%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=325657326&Log=0

I am wondering why the car has a bolt right under the trip odometer button, a callaway sticker, and does anyone know what that black box is under the steering wheel going toward the pedals?

[Kevin]

I'd be leery of buying a vette docs car, the "bolt" I think is a light which could be anything from a shirt light to something for a radar detector. It's too hard to tell and guess. I'd ask the owner. I love the black engine and the car looks great

[cvette98pacecar]

I'd be leery of buying a vette docs car, the "bolt" I think is a light which could be anything from a shirt light to something for a radar detector. It's too hard to tell and guess. I'd ask the owner. I love the black engine and the car looks great

It is a radar light of some sort. Look at the photo of the rear view mirror you can see the adapter cord hanging from behind the mirror.
I am going to take a closer look at this car on May 26th.

[JThomas]

It is a radar light of some sort. Look at the photo of the rear view mirror you can see the adapter cord hanging from behind the mirror.
I am going to take a closer look at this car on May 26th.

Robert:

I know I'm late to the party, but if you could use a second set of eyes, I'm only an hour and twenty minutes away. Or just an hour! :cheers:

[ZZZZZR1]

Between Robert and Joe, you are in good hands!!!!

Good luck and keep us informed

:cheers:

David

[J-Bonez]

I can't thank you guys enough. I hope everything is as good as the owner says so I can bring this car home and stop dreaming about that dang ZR1 poster I had in my room since I was a kid.

[cvette98pacecar]

Robert:

I know I'm late to the party, but if you could use a second set of eyes, I'm only an hour and twenty minutes away. Or just an hour! :cheers:

Joe, first and foremost you are always welcome. If you and Jennifer would like to grab dinner somewhere in that area I can call Ron, Gary, Dave, Bob and a couple of the other ZOOM members and we can do dinner after we look at the car.

[JThomas]

Joe, first and foremost you are always welcome. If you and Jennifer would like to grab dinner somewhere in that area I can call Ron, Gary, Dave, Bob and a couple of the other ZOOM members and we can do dinner after we look at the car.

If you are doing it on the 26th, that's Memorial Day. Jennifer and Rachel will be in Schaumburg, IL., for volleyball, so it will be Evan and I for the inspection and possible dinner. :handshak:

[Schrade]

I spoke with Robert on the phone aka vettepacecar and let me tell you I love the brotherhood already. He is going to give the car a good inspection for me since I am in NJ and I don't want to waste a 550 plane ticket. I can't believe how nice everyone is I just hope no one buys the car before me :( if all checks out.

If someone else gets a headache before you do, not too much wrong with that.

Spending a few $C for someone local to look at the car, is cheaper than a few $K for repairs after bringing it home later.

Take time to buy!!! I spent 11 weeks looking for a Z...

[KILLSHOTS]

Joe, first and foremost you are always welcome. If you and Jennifer would like to grab dinner somewhere in that area I can call Ron, Gary, Dave, Bob and a couple of the other ZOOM members and we can do dinner after we look at the car.
The brotherhood is AMAZING!!!!

[J-Bonez]

Hopefully I'll be a part of it soon. I spoke with the owner. It is not a radar detector it is a speaker and a light for the hard wired phone it used to have from the 90's.

[J-Bonez]

Waiting to hear back about this ZR-1 is going to make it the longest month of my life.

[cvette98pacecar]

Waiting to hear back about this ZR-1 is going to make it the longest month of my life.

Month?? Come on it is 19 days. Speaking of which I am going to call Jeff on Friday and schedule a time to go see the car. We will take it for a short cruise see if anything is wrong with her and let you know.
Did I mention Joe and I finished first and second in the autocross last year at Bowling Green.

[J-Bonez]

Can I pay you guys anything for helping me? Or at the very least I have to buy you guys lunch.

[USAZR1]

Month?? Come on it is 19 days. Speaking of which I am going to call Jeff on Friday and schedule a time to go see the car. We will take it for a short cruise see if anything is wrong with her and let you know.
Did I mention Joe and I finished first and second in the autocross last year at Bowling Green.


Uhhh,Bob,,you probably should have left out that last part. http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s6/sherryle/Clint/anim_lol.gif

[cvette98pacecar]

Can I pay you guys anything for helping me? Or at the very least I have to buy you guys lunch.

Heck no. we don't need no stinking perks.

[cvette98pacecar]

Uhhh,Bob,,you probably should have left out that last part. http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s6/sherryle/Clint/anim_lol.gif

Joe and I both have one speed. "Very Fast"

[JThomas]

Joe and I both have one speed. "Very Fast"

Shhhhhhh! Amen Brother! :cheers:

[8cam]

11 weeks? 19 days? Sheesh.

In less than 24 hours I went from seriously searching for a 911...to...spotted a ZR-1 on craigslist about 5 miles from my house...to...test drive and WOW...to...black ZR-1 in my garage.

We don't need no stinkin' PPI.

:D

[J-Bonez]

I never could afford a 911 turbo, loved my 94 admiral blue Vette but LT-1 lacked top end power. After 60mph i felt a huge drop off compared to my fathers LS1 trans am and now my brothers 04 Z06. If I ride together with him it will be the Kings of the Hill of both generations. I feel like a kid on X-mas just thinking about it. Everyone has a vette but owning a special edition that most people don't even know existed, or forgot about would be awesome!

[J-Bonez]

As for Joe and Rob, by all means have fun! Just don't rip it so hard that the motor blows before I can enjoy it lol I really am saving at least a day by having you guys look at it and possibly another plane ticket if it has problems.

[JThomas]

As for Joe and Rob, by all means have fun! Just don't rip it so hard that the motor blows before I can enjoy it lol I really am saving at least a day by having you guys look at it and possibly another plane ticket if it has problems.

We will give you a detailed assessment.

[J-Bonez]

I am buying my ticket to DTW airport. I will be arriving and getting picked up by the owner at 930am. This is the only day both the owner and Bob are free as he offered to put the car on his lift give it a good look over, and show me how to maintain it. I will see you guys the 26th!!!

[JThomas]

I am buying my ticket to DTW airport. I will be arriving and getting picked up by the owner at 930am. This is the only day both the owner and Bob are free as he offered to put the car on his lift give it a good look over, and show me how to maintain it. I will see you guys the 26th!!!

This has the makings of a Great Memorial Day Event! See you then. =D>

[J-Bonez]

I just got a phone call from the owner who was upset I had his address and info on this forum. Please do not share any of that, I just deleted it. If you guys want to meet up for lunch later that is fine but there is not many parking spots at the owners complex. So I guess it would be best if just Rob and Joe came with me and we could always meet up afterwards if anyone else wanted to come.

[JThomas]

I just got a phone call from the owner who was upset I had his address and info on this forum. Please do not share any of that, I just deleted it. If you guys want to meet up for lunch later that is fine but there is not many parking spots at the owners complex. So I guess it would be best if just Rob and Joe came with me and we could always meet up afterwards if anyone else wanted to come.

For the record, I did not share his information with anyone.

[J-Bonez]

I did not expect anyone would share his info, it was my fault I should have just said PM me if anyone wanted to help inspect the car.

[JThomas]

My son and I just returned home from viewing this vehicle. I did not get the message that you were not going to make it today.

We had a beautiful drive and a really nice visit with the owner and his wife. Definitely car people!

Since I was there, the owner opened up the car for me and let me take a look. Gorgeous paint, very nice interior. He started the vehicle and it ran smoothly. We talked cars for a while and then my son and I left, because I didn't want to take up his day. I thought if I had asked for a test drive he would have let me take it out for a spin, but if I did that, I probably would have bought it! :cheers:

At least I know where it is.

Happy Memorial Day to all.

[J-Bonez]

Due to my neighbor backing out on letting me keep the car in his garage, I asked all my friends, family, and had a serious talk with my father telling him I'd let him drive it if I could just keep it in his garage, but he would not budge. I am so disappointed. I love this car and had a bank check made out to the owners name and everything. But I can't drop all that money and let it go to **** outside in NJ from 10-90 degrees. I guess I will have to wait until I have my own place and garage. I let Rob know that I was not going anymore when I found out the bad news. I wish I had my own GARAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[XfireZ51]

So you blew the airline fare as well? Please come back once you have all your ducks in a row.

[J-Bonez]

PM sent for JThomas

[JThomas]

Got your PM. Celebrating the holiday with family. I will try to give you a call tomorrow.

[Schrade]

Due to my neighbor backing out on letting me keep the car in his garage, I asked all my friends, family, and had a serious talk with my father telling him I'd let him drive it if I could just keep it in his garage, but he would not budge. I am so disappointed. I love this car and had a bank check made out to the owners name and everything. But I can't drop all that money and let it go to **** outside in NJ from 10-90 degrees. I guess I will have to wait until I have my own place and garage. I let Rob know that I was not going anymore when I found out the bad news. I wish I had my own GARAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The way I'm readin' this here, you're not buying a Z because you don't have a garage?

I'm a little obsessive about dirt and oil - more-so than anyone on the boards here... But I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a Z.

A car cover would be a little cheaper (and sooner), than buying the same size home with a garage, and then looking for another Z.
----------------------------------
My son and I just returned home from viewing this vehicle. I did not get the message that you were not going to make it today.

We had a beautiful drive and a really nice visit with the owner and his wife. Definitely car people!

Since I was there, the owner opened up the car for me and let me take a look. Gorgeous paint, very nice interior. He started the vehicle and it ran smoothly. We talked cars for a while and then my son and I left, because I didn't want to take up his day. I thought if I had asked for a test drive he would have let me take it out for a spin, but if I did that, I probably would have bought it!

At least I know where it is.

Happy Memorial Day to all.

How much do you think the car can be had for there JT? What would you ante up for it?
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Sure looks like he blew a ticket there Dom - I missed that part...As for Joe and Rob, by all means have fun! Just don't rip it so hard that the motor blows before I can enjoy it lol I really am saving at least a day by having you guys look at it and possibly another plane ticket if it has problems.

---------------------------------------------------------
I guess a little more dreaming is in order as well. Sure sorry to hear it there J-Bonez.
I can't thank you guys enough. I hope everything is as good as the owner says so I can bring this car home and stop dreaming about that dang ZR1 poster I had in my room since I was a kid.

[J-Bonez]

I'm assuming the car was not garage kept its whole life because of weatherstrips and various little things replaced. With the brand new paint job and weatherstrips which are easily over $1000, yes I would need a garage for the car. I can't park on the street in my town over night. My neighbor offered me a space in his driveway but I can't own a ZR1 and leave it outside. That is just cruel. I tried convincing my father to let me keep it in his garage since he sold his WS6 trans am but he said he would kick me out of the house if I brought it home. The owner would have gave it to me for $16000 but not that it matters now because he told me its sold. I'll just have to wait. The good news is hopefully I'll find one with lower miles in the future that was garage kept its whole life with only 1 or 2 owners so weatherstrips and hoses should all be in great shape. The car had a rebuilt tranny at 32k miles too so it was probably abused.

[8cam]

FWIW I paid less for my car with the same mileage (but have about $16k total in it) and it lives outside. I don't know the situation in your town, but I wouldn't let something like parking outside stop you. Just wash it frequently. :)

I do think these cars will rise in value over time, but right now when the most-stolen car in the US is a Honda Accord that costs TWICE as much, it's just not that valuable. Good luck!

[Karl]

Living in a big city I can understand how you would not want to park the car outside. Seems like in Chicago, the north side has the worst parking and people have no problem bumping your car to fit in a space.

Good luck!

And BTW the Vette gets em' Wet!

You may get a lot of new lady friends in that Z that you may not want to bring home to pop's place!!!!

Nothing like living on your own with a LT-5 to drive!

[KILLSHOTS]

Maybe I'm one of the rare ones who gets what J-Bonez is saying. When I bought my '87 vert, I had a place with only a carport. If I didn't cover the car, the filthy neighborhood cats were all over it...maybe they were attracted to blue, for some reason. (If your cat is in YOUR house, then it's a pet. If your cat is at MY house, then it's a stray. But I digress.) So it became an endless loop of uncover, drive, clean, cover, repeat. TOTAL PIA!!! Everyone does realize that covering a car without cleaning it first is a death sentence for paint, right? Go rub on a dirty car with a dry towel and you get the idea. I used one of those dusters and they're a little better about scratching but not much, and still a PIA.

I became fed up watching a beautiful, fully-restored car basically rot in the sun and elements, so I bought the Vette a new home with garage. I was extremely blessed to have the means to do so. If I hadn't, I'd have ended up selling the car in frustration, so I get his point.

[8cam]

So it became an endless loop of uncover, drive, clean, cover, repeat.

There's yer problem right there. It should be drive, drive, drive and then maybe drive. Then wash, rinse and repeat. :thumbsup:

[We Gone]

I will most likely get flamed for this, but here it is If you don't have the $ to take care of a ZR-1 you should look for a lesser Corvette. I value my cars way to much to let them sit outside, this does not mean they don't get driven to work almost daily.

[Karl]

What would you consider a lesser Corvette?

[Paul Workman]

What would you consider a lesser Corvette?

Oh, heck...That's an easy one!

ANYTHING OTHER THAN A ZR-1!!=D>...('cept maybe a black '63 SWC...[sigh])

[KILLSHOTS]

Oh, heck...That's an easy one!

ANYTHING OTHER THAN A ZR-1!!=D>...('cept maybe a black '63 SWC...[sigh])
Hey Paul, how about this one? I guy I know of has it for sale. Best of both worlds: an LT-5 powered SWC!

https://plus.google.com/photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273#photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273

[We Gone]

What would you consider a lesser Corvette?

Regular C4, C5, C6 as they are just Corvette's :handshak:

I would class C1 to C3 same as a ZR-1 ;)

[efnfast]

Hey Paul, how about this one? I guy I know of has it for sale. Best of both worlds: an LT-5 powered SWC!

https://plus.google.com/photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273#photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273

Nice, a 63 SWC with a 67 hood and a late model LT5. How could it get any better?

[Greg Z]

Nice, a 63 SWC with a 67 hood and a late model LT5. How could it get any better?

I can answer that. It could NOT cost 180k !

[efnfast]

I can answer that. It could NOT cost 180k !
Or it could be in my garage.:cheers:

[cvette98pacecar]

My Wife's Pacecar stays on the driveway all summer long. It gets washed and waxed weekly. I guess it is all how bad do you want it.

Also I would consider all of my corvettes no lesser of a Corvette than my Z's.

[Z06scentair]

Nice, a 63 SWC with a 67 hood and a late model LT5. How could it get any better?

They may have 180k in it, and thats realistic. What it's worth is a different story!

SWC cars bring that kind of money in Stock form, why would you take a 120k -200k corvette and turn it into that?

[KILLSHOTS]

Yeah, not sure what it's really worth, but it is a first-rate build, no expense spared. I don't know what sort of shape the car was in before he started the build, it may have been really rough. Phillip (PHILLIPSLT5) knows the owner a lot better than I do. He did tell me the sad story on the motor, though. When he told me he got the LT5 with only 200-some miles on it, I asked the story and he told me that a guy had bought a 1990 ZR-1 when new as an "investment" and it had remained untouched for many years. But then, he went out of town and his son decided to take the car for a joyride. The rest, as they say, is history. I have no idea if the kid made it through the wreck, but I'd bet the confrontation with the father was probably even more violent.

[Paul Workman]

Hey Paul, how about this one? I guy I know of has it for sale. Best of both worlds: an LT-5 powered SWC!

https://plus.google.com/photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273#photos/117207018972077553026/albums/5978273051242482273

Well, now... NOW yer talkin! (Not wild 'bout the 67 BBC hood tho....)

[We Gone]

My
Also I would consider all of my corvettes no lesser of a Corvette than my Z's.

Robert, no disrespect meant about other Corvette's I have also owned many of most of the other gens. Just my feelings about the ZR-1 in my eyes it will always be the panicle of the modern era and the start of all the performance Corvettes to follow.

[Mystic ZR-1]

They're all nice, but only the Z has more than one cam!!!
:)

[cvette98pacecar]

Robert, no disrespect meant about other Corvette's I have also owned many of most of the other gens. Just my feelings about the ZR-1 in my eyes it will always be the panicle of the modern era and the start of all the performance Corvettes to follow.

Steve, I know exactly what you are saying. Right now the ZR-1 is the best buy for the buck. I do not care if my Z's are ever worth any money. They are not an investment, they are a form of psychological therapy.

They're all nice, but only the Z has more than one cam!!!
:)

Doug, My ZHZ could have four cams.........I just have to put three additional cams in the trunk.

[Mystic ZR-1]

Small blocks, big blocks, LS series, you could get a version of each in a school bus...
but not an LT5!!!
:-D

[Mystic ZR-1]

Small blocks, big blocks, LS series, you could get a version of each in a school bus...
but not an LT5!!!
:-D

[XfireZ51]

Small blocks, big blocks, LS series, you could get a version of each in a school bus...
but not an LT5!!!
:-D

At the end of the day, that"s what those motors were built for. But without them, GM couldn't build a 53K C7.

[KILLSHOTS]

By the time I was done with it, my '87 vert was virtually perfect; spectacular in every way. (see pic attached) That being said, I definitely do consider it a "lesser" Corvette than my Z. I loved it and really miss it, but it was only a small block 350 under the hood.

[cvette98pacecar]

So hear is a photo of the car in question.

No I did not buy it.

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/rdemarco06/media/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg.html)

[JThomas]

So hear is a photo of the car in question.

No I did not buy it.

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/rdemarco06/media/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg.html)

Yep! That would be it. (You just couldn't crop out that beat up Impala) :cheers:

[cvette98pacecar]

Yep! That would be it. (You just couldn't crop out that beat up Impala) :cheers:

It was a good buy for the money. Kevin, ordered Injectors, Coil packs, plugs, wires, fuel pumps and fuel filter. We are going to change everything out next weekend.

[Schrade]

So who got it?

[cvette98pacecar]

So who got it?

A friend that I have been trying to get into a ZR-1 for a couple of years now.
Kevin Carnahan. He should be joining the registry shortly.

[USAZR1]

A friend that I have been trying to get into a ZR-1 for a couple of years now.
Kevin Carnahan. He should be joining the registry shortly.


:thumbsup:

[KevinPC]

So hear is a photo of the car in question.

No I did not buy it.

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg (http://s1199.photobucket.com/user/rdemarco06/media/Open/20140531_135337_zps0qfdluoa.jpg.html)

Hey That's my car!

[JThomas]

Congratulations Kevin! Looking forward to meeting you. I think you got a very nice car there, and the previous owner seemed like really good people and a true car enthusiast. Hopefully we can get together with Robert and others, but get your calendar ready for the Gathering next year in Bowling Green. ZOOM has a lot to live up to. :cheers:

[KevinPC]

Thanks to everyone for the fine welcome; my ZR-1 needs a little work which I hope to get completed with Bob in the near future so that I can see it ROAR! When and what is the Bowling Green gathering? Is there a calendar of events available? Joe...on a different note do you happen to know Darryl Smith possibly from work? He is a tennis friend of mine.