Buyer questions

[va beach biker]

Hi guys

New here and just have some general questions. I'm considering buying a ZR1 for my next car and need some insight.

Bottom line, the car will be my daily driver (it will probably see about 6000 miles a year). How well are they to live with on a daily basis? As a note, my last ride was a '99 Camaro SS, and I've had several other muscle cars so I've got no problem with putting the emphasis on horsepower, and less on user-friendlyness. This will be my first Corvette, though.

Checking current prices, I would probably end up looking at a lower milage 91 - 92. Any special year to avoid, or try to get instead?

Thanks for the help.

[Z Factor]

Hello and welcome to the forum.:handshak:

I only have enough time to leave this greeting, but others will be in soon enough to give some advice. In the mean time take a look through some of these links.

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_faq.htm

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_sale.htm

:cheers:

[va beach biker]

Wow, that helped a lot.

[tomtom72]

:hello: & welcome to the asylum!

Yes there is some great info over at the netreg site. It's worth going over before you make up your mind. You also may want to go over to CorvetteForum.com and Corvette Action Center.com to look at the C4 sections to get a feel for the issues that all C4's have....a Z has them and the stuff that is particular to the LT5 motors.

I used mine as a DD this past summer and it was a two edged sword. I enjoyed the car more but it spoiled me to drive any other car....normal cars just don't measure up compared to a sports car...let alone a ZR-1!:mrgreen:

Good luck in your search!
:thumbsup:
Tom

[WB9MCW]

HI VABB,,,,WELCOME TO THE FORUM...

I think any year is fine not much difference only 25 hp...the 93-95 will cost more too. If it is to be a DD go for one with 50k+ miles and $ave. Plenty of parts avail thru the forum networks and many ideas on how to fab or find any discont. parts so dont worry...best part is the engine is bullet proof so u should not have many problems with the LT-5 and plenty of help here if ya do! Better to spent a bit more and buy from a member here and get one that was cared for with respect and tlc than to buy an ebay one that was beat up on...jimo penny wise and pound foolish will cost in the long run. You will luv the 7200 red line..she pulls forever and will beat a c5 zo6 on top end pulls but not qm. the c6 z06 is the only vette better than a KOTH imo but i'll wait a decade till I can get one of them for a bargin and park it next to the king someday!!! If u do get a ZR-1 it will make you a believer in the LT-5 luv affair we all have here. I truly believe it to be the best engine ever put in any american ride ever period even the new zo6 pushrod engine will not prove out in the long haul to be as durable as the LT-5...see my web page for more ZR-1/LT-5 details on the love affair with the KOTH,,,,
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/390224 <<<< click here

[Z Factor]

: You also may want to go over to CorvetteForum.com and Corvette Action Center.com
Tom

Tom,

I know you are just trying to help a newbie out but we want more posters to stay here rather than go to CF. Needless to say we have some catching up to do activity wise, but lets try to encourage everyone to come here rather than suggest they go elsewhere.:thumbsup:

:cheers:

[va beach biker]

All great stuff to hear, and thanks for the insight. I'm currently overseas for a few months, so this is going to be a purchase after Christmas. As I think of more tech questions (and I'm sure I will), I'll hit you guys up. I think I may have gotten "bit" by the ZR1 bug, since I'm not even looking at other kinds of 'Vettes that I had been considering before.

Thanks again for the help.

[tomtom72]

Tom,

I know you are just trying to help a newbie out but we want more posters to stay here rather than go to CF. Needless to say we have some catching up to do activity wise, but lets try to encourage everyone to come here rather than suggest they go elsewhere.:thumbsup:

:cheers:

:o :redface: "Caution: be sure brain is in gear before using keyboard!"
Sorry Z, you're correct and I'm workin' on that brain in gear thing!:mrgreen:

:redface:
Tom

[evl_twn]

I think I may have gotten "bit" by the ZR1 bug, since I'm not even looking at other kinds of 'Vettes that I had been considering before.

Wait until you drive one :mrgreen:

What area of VaBeach are you located? I lived there (Ocean Lakes, out by Dam Neck) for several years until '93 when I got out of the Navy.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Ditto what Bryan said. All ZR-1s are awesome and really your personal preference and budget. I would stay away from too good to be true, cheap ones.....especially if you don't have the opportunity to see or have it checked out in person. You will see from the info you were pointed to of the difference in years, options and quirks.....get the right color combo that will make you happy and don't settle for anything less.

[Corvette95]

FYI, the ZR1 is one of the all time best cars, but honestly, a daily driver AND your first corvette...may not be the way to go, they do take some general corvette knowledege to keep it in top condition and finding someone other than yourself to work on them can be a pain.

[UKZR1]

FYI, the ZR1 is one of the all time best cars, but honestly, a daily driver AND your first corvette...may not be the way to go, they do take some general corvette knowledege to keep it in top condition and finding someone other than yourself to work on them can be a pain.

I don't think thats so. My Zr1 was my first vette and I have to work on mine as I'm in the UK. I guess it depends on how into working on cars you are. There are always peolple around on here to give advise.

[LeoLily]

:hello: & welcome to the asylum!

Yes there is some great info over at the netreg site. It's worth going over before you make up your mind. You also may want to go over to CorvetteForum.com and Corvette Action Center.com to look at the C4 sections to get a feel for the issues that all C4's have....a Z has them and the stuff that is particular to the LT5 motors.
Tom

I agree! I visit this forum AND corvetteforum daily and have received INVALUABLE info from both sites. The best option for keeping our babies running and looking good :pray is to know HOW to keep them running and looking good. The more sources the better!!

[GrayZ]

Hey va. biker dude...welcome to the zoo...IMHO...try and find a already
modded zr1....it'll save you a ton of money later on...there are some real nice one's for sale right now..they won't ever be this cheap again...
I'll be buried in mine...:mrgreen:

[WB9MCW]

HEY Gixer Good to see ya postin over here buddy! WB9MCW aka "ChicagoZR-1" on CC

[tomcat]

I don't think thats so. My Zr1 was my first vette and I have to work on mine as I'm in the UK. I guess it depends on how into working on cars you are. There are always peolple around on here to give advise.

:thumbsup: There are ZR1 owners in your area that do touch their Zr1's & will help you. The Registry & the Corvette Forum is a good source of information. I don't drive my ZR1 to work, but my ZR1 is not a garage Queen. Come on board you will not be alone. I use to stay in Red Barn Farms by in Virginia Beach during the 80s'.

Tomcat
1991 ZR1 #906

[rkreigh]

there is a strong contingent of ZR-1 owners in VA. I'm in Alex VA and would be happy to help get you into a ZR-1. IMHO, they make great daily drivers, I drive mine all the time and probably have some of the highest miles logged in modified ZR-1s of anyone. just don't get one with the BIG cams as they can get a little obnoxious in traffic.

if you really want a hot one as mentioned, buy one already modded.

I did some write ups on the "mods" in last months ZR-1 Net Registry magazine and you should join up and snag a copy to read all about it.

I'm the VP so if you need anything, just give me a shout. I've had 4 ZR-1s and advise you to buy the nicest "no issues" car you can afford. the ZR-1 is a very durable and strong running car even stock. let me know if you are in Northern VA and we can go for a ride, but let me warn you. one ride in the beast and you are going to be obsessed just as I have been.

the ZR-1 is one of the most unique and special corvettes out there. good luck in your search.:mrgreen: