Issue or not?

[RichS]

New to me 94Z 24,000. I posted on my test drive I was unsure if the car was really pulling that hard, but was smooth. Thought maybe I didn't have the valet key on. Monday I brought the car home on a trailer since I didn't trust the 22 year old tires. Found out it does have a chip so it is always on. After work and washing it, I ran it up the street with the wife in the pass seat. Once I hit the main road I pulled out in 1st then floored it. It pulled ok and smooth but nothing crazy? No traction issues or asr active light. Hit 2nd at 7500, chirped the tires enough to see the asr active light flash. Then I left off, wife said "that's it?" lol

I did try turning off the power key in 3rd and floored it. Pulled slower as expected. So my question is if you stomp on a stock car in 1st should it spin the tires a bit at least? Been a long time since my GS was stock to remember how it was stock, but before the stroker it was 367RWHP and pulled pretty hard and spun the tires at will and went 11.80's. I figured this car should be a bit squirly on the bottom end with the old tires.

I pulled the wheels to get new tires mounted but, I changed the fuel filter (looked original) old one had a little resistance blowing thru. Going to replace the plugs, clean airfilter, all the fluids, brakes rotors ect before I take it out again. The vaccum pump runs for only a few seconds with the key on, if I unhook the line it turns on. So think I have a issue or am I desensitized with all my other high hp cars?
Thanks!

[GOLDCYLON]

Rich did you verify the green LED to the right bottom of the key is on? When you put the key in run mode but don't start the car does the Service Engine Soon light illuminate briefly In the DIC before going out once you start the car ? Other lights will also illuminate I am trying to verify the bulb is not burned out or been pulled. IF a SES code is present the car will not go into full power mode. GC

[RichS]

Green light is on, goes of and on with the key. Pretty positive the check engine light is on with the key. I just got the OBD1 plug for my Snap-on scanner yesterday. I will check for codes tomorrow, The battery was low when I first looked at the car and it wouldn't start. (a Thursday) then drove it the following Sat after they charged it up and put some gas in it. I also wondered if they filled it with regular gas?

[GOLDCYLON]

Green light is on, goes of and on with the key. Pretty positive the check engine light is on with the key. I just got the OBD1 plug for my Snap-on scanner yesterday. I will check for codes tomorrow, The battery was low when I first looked at the car and it wouldn't start. (a Thursday) then drove it the following Sat after they charged it up and put some gas in it. I also wondered if they filled it with regular gas?

Hmm if the chip has the key always on then the green led should stay lit whenever you start the car. As the key module behind the key is bypassed. OK All C4s are battery whores and strange things happen if they are not fully charged. So I'm back to verifying the SES light is present as stated before and then check for codes. You should feel a notible difference even though you used to Fast cars. Reg pump gas can't just be the issue

[RichS]

Just made sure. Check engine light on with the key. I'll scan it tomorrow after work. Thanks!

[GOLDCYLON]

Just made sure. Check engine light on with the key. I'll scan it tomorrow after work. Thanks!

Ok yeah scan for codes but my concern is not a hard code is being set.

[Kevin]

could be a vac leak, could be bad injectors. on 22 year old rubber you should be spinning them.

[Racinfan83]

My 90 won't just light em up on a first gear stomp. I have nearly new Nitto 555's and am basically stock. It will break traction on a first gear stomp - just won't light em up and go sideways or anything like that... ??? No codes and pulls hard. I have a Haibeck chip

[XfireZ51]

You are now in the world of higher rpm torque and power peaks. Things start to happen after the first 1/8th mile.

[rush91]

You are now in the world of higher rpm torque and power peaks. Things start to happen after the first 1/8th mile.


I totally agree with Xfire.....These cars were designed to be ultra smooth and powerful at the higher RPM range. Unlike your Grand Sport, when stock, ran out of steam around 6000 RPMs? A 1996 Grand Sport also won't go 180 MPH from the factory.......Totally different power bands. I have never driven a 1992 or up Z, so I don't about about traction control or anything that went on later Corvettes. But my 1991 is 100% stock, besides the injectors...... And when I floor mine say in 1st, it will throw the back end out ( making me smile ear to ear ) and spin the tires. The tires will just silently spin until you let off or shift. You should feel a big surge at about 3000 RPMS. Anyone who rides in my car usually says Oh my God when I get on my Beast. I echo the thought of a bad injector or vacuum leak.

[RichS]

No codes stored. Pulled plugs and they look decent but I was replacing them anyway. I did notice the vacuum pump runs then shuts off, but does cycle for a second every 10-15 sec. I hood up my mity vac and pulled a vacuum on the line going under the plenum. It falls pretty quick once I pull it down to 25". Are the actuators suppose to hold the vacuum, or guess I'll be pulling the upper plenum.

I do realize these are an upper rpm motor, but I really expect to be pulled into the seat up top and really don't feel that.

[Dynomite]

No codes stored. Pulled plugs and they look decent but I was replacing them anyway. I did notice the vacuum pump runs then shuts off, but does cycle for a second every 10-15 sec. I hood up my mity vac and pulled a vacuum on the line going under the plenum. It falls pretty quick once I pull it down to 25". Are the actuators suppose to hold the vacuum, or guess I'll be pulling the upper plenum.

I do realize these are an upper rpm motor, but I really expect to be pulled into the seat up top and really don't feel that.

Pump on for a second or two and off for 10-15 seconds is rather normal (and very functional). Unless the vacuum connectors are replaced you will always get some leaks in the various connectors.

You can check Secondary Operation without removing the Plenum.

With the key on, ground the pink wire in the green connector (third from drivers side) on ECM. Use a small finishing nail stuck in alongside the wire connector with an alligator clip pigtail attached to the end for grounding. This will activate the Secondaries which you can watch between the Plenum Runners without removing the plenum. See Secondary Functional Test and Reconditioning the Secondary Actuators (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-4.html#post1581665189)

You should eliminate TB coolant so you do not have to mess with coolant every time you remove the Plenum.
See Blocking TB Coolant, Fluidyne Radiator and Thermostats (http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-12.html#post1590759179)

[RichS]

Did the check, Actuators move smoothly, vacuum pump does the same when activated. Runs for a second or so while activating, then a quick 1/2 second after a minute or so. Actuators hold open the whole time.

[Dynomite]

Did the check, Actuators move smoothly, vacuum pump does the same when activated. Runs for a second or so while activating, then a quick 1/2 second after a minute or so. Actuators hold open the whole time.
Secondaries and associated vacuum system are NOT an issue :thumbsup:
Could be injectors ;)

[Z51JEFF]

If you romped the pedal in 2nd gear on 22 year old tires that thing should spin like its on ice. My 91 had the original tires on it when I got it in 07. It was fun to hook it sideways at will when ever I wanted UNTIL I needed to haul @$$ to get around a stalled car at a stop light. I literally went through the intersection sideways looking through the pass window to see where I was going. Must have looked bitchin from the outside😁,it was beautiful,hooked sideways through the entire length of the intersection.Now not stupid sideways sawin wood,just this very nice front wheels cocked with the @$$ end of the car kicked out to keep it going forward. After that,not so much fun.

[RichS]

Once I get it put back together I'll have to check it further. Figure check fuel pressure and scan it while driving. Windows getting tinted today. Debating on doing the 4:10 gears this weekend too, along with a lowering kit, brakes and rotors, hid fog light, head lights and molded splash guards once they get painted. :-D

So far I replaced the fuel filter, oil and filter, Plugs (easy), Belt (sucked), clutch fluid. Plugs were NGK iradium gapped at .060.

[Z51JEFF]

Did somebody saaaaaaaaay,lowered?http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a136/FLYTYM/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmvab8aou.png

[RichS]

Checked the fuel pumps, 9.8 amp so they both run.... Starting to think it might be me, lol. I just used the bolts and wedges lowering the GS and it's pretty low..

[BigJohn]

Once I get it put back together I'll have to check it further. Figure check fuel pressure and scan it while driving. Windows getting tinted today. Debating on doing the 4:10 gears this weekend too, along with a lowering kit, brakes and rotors, hid fog light, head lights and molded splash guards once they get painted. :-D

So far I replaced the fuel filter, oil and filter, Plugs (easy), Belt (sucked), clutch fluid. Plugs were NGK iradium gapped at .060.

Tinted windows so you don't want to be seen driving it!

;)

[BlackSheepz]

Here is a strange non mechanical suggestion. Drive her more.

When I got my 90 ZR-1 I was a little disappointed as well because my 92 literally whips my head back in the seat off the line. The ZR-1 does no such thing even though according to the Dyno it's not all that far behind in Torque, and it absolutely will spin the tires in first and second gear. My wife had the same response that yours did until we needed to pass someone on the highway one time. She then knew why this car was special. Just recently I also met another guy at Marc Haibecks shop who bought a 90 ZR-1 while owning and racing a 96 Grand Sport. He had the same experience as you and I.

Move to just shy of a year and 4500 miles later. (Including 2100 miles driving her home).

I can now tell an incredible difference in driving them. I still love driving my 92 around town and have zero interest in selling her, but she runs out of breath soooo fast and when she is at the top of her RPM range she just feels like she has nothing left to give. If my Z is up to any speed at all whatsoever she drives and accelerates like ghost rider just lit his head on fire and now that I know where to look for it, I can definitely feel it. The LT5 is just significantly more smooth than the LT1/LT4 which is a blessing and a curse IMO. On any on ramp in a LT1 you'll feel the visceral push back all the way to 60 when she runs out of breath but in the same space you'll be up at 90+mph in the Z and not only will she will feel like she isn't even breaking a sweat but you'll be wondering how you are going so fast. You'll still only be in 2nd gear.

After a few hundred miles of driving your Z, you'll go back to the other car and you'll see the difference. Guaranteed. Easiest way to do this is to take her on a road trip of some sort for a weekend.

Another thing to note. The shift light comes on early in stock form. You can run her all the way to 7200 no trouble. Shift light comes on at 6500 stock I think? I don't remember, but I bet someone on here does.

Just my thoughts. My 90 has 30k miles and is stock including the injectors.

Edit: I forgot your GS is far from stock, yea your Z will feel slower than your 11 second GS but I'll stand by what I said. Drive her for a while and you won't be disappointed.

[GOLDCYLON]

Did somebody saaaaaaaaay,lowered?http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a136/FLYTYM/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsmvab8aou.png

There is lowered and slammed. That Z is slammed :cheers:

[BigJohn]

Here is a strange non mechanical suggestion. Drive her more.

When I got my 90 ZR-1 I was a little disappointed as well because my 92 literally whips my head back in the seat off the line. The ZR-1 does no such thing even though according to the Dyno it's not all that far behind in Torque, and it absolutely will spin the tires in first and second gear. My wife had the same response that yours did until we needed to pass someone on the highway one time. She then knew why this car was special. Just recently I also met another guy at Marc Haibecks shop who bought a 90 ZR-1 while owning and racing a 96 Grand Sport. He had the same experience as you and I.

Move to just shy of a year and 4500 miles later. (Including 2100 miles driving her home).




I can now tell an incredible difference in driving them. I still love driving my 92 around town and have zero interest in selling her, but she runs out of breath soooo fast and when she is at the top of her RPM range she just feels like she has nothing left to give. If my Z is up to any speed at all whatsoever she drives and accelerates like ghost rider just lit his head on fire and now that I know where to look for it, I can definitely feel it. The LT5 is just significantly more smooth than the LT1/LT4 which is a blessing and a curse IMO. On any on ramp in a LT1 you'll feel the visceral push back all the way to 60 when she runs out of breath but in the same space you'll be up at 90+mph in the Z and not only will she will feel like she isn't even breaking a sweat but you'll be wondering how you are going so fast. You'll still only be in 2nd gear.

After a few hundred miles of driving your Z, you'll go back to the other car and you'll see the difference. Guaranteed. Easiest way to do this is to take her on a road trip of some sort for a weekend.

Another thing to note. The shift light comes on early in stock form. You can run her all the way to 7200 no trouble. Shift light comes on at 6500 stock I think? I don't remember, but I bet someone on here does.

Just my thoughts. My 90 has 30k miles and is stock including the injectors.

Edit: I forgot your GS is far from stock, yea your Z will feel slower than your 11 second GS but I'll stand by what I said. Drive her for a while and you won't be disappointed.



Who's head did you light on fire?

[Dynomite]

There is lowered and slammed. That Z is slammed :cheers:

I would like to see how much clearance between the Transmission Drain Plug and Ground is ;)

Poor Transmission Drain Plug.........It will never be the same :D

[XfireZ51]

Well said. The ZR continues to accelerate and feels as though it's running away from you. Any dyno sheet will show a power peak and then a drop off BUT THE
LT-5 drops just a few HP after peak while a OHV will bleed off HP rapidly.

[Z51JEFF]

There is lowered and slammed. That Z is slammed :cheers:

It's not as low as it looks,just the why I took the picture and the drain plug is in next to perfect shape. The one time I drained the trans fluid I did have to take a small file and clean up one of the flats in the bore. I don't do speed bumps. Now Mike Gills car is slammed,love the way his car sits but it's just too much of a gamble going that low and running over something on the road. http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a136/FLYTYM/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps9k8tqhcu.jpeg

[RichS]

Got the car back together after taking it apart from the first post. Since then I did:
Rebuild the rear with 4:10s, replace all the bushings with polly, lower and scrub it all. Put in new FX shocks to replace the regular ones the PO put in.

Replaced the shifter with a B&M, changed the fluid to Amsoil syncro and put in Marc's speedo gears.

Replaced the tires, rotors, pads, braided lines and flushed the system. Lowered the front end and scrubbed some more.

Replaced the belt, plugs, and fuel filter then dumped the tank and put in 7 gal 93 and 3 gal 104. I think the dealer filled with 89.

Went thru all the secondary stuff to ensure it's all ok.

Had the windows tinted, replaced the pass window motor, hid fogs, better headlights, changed the oil, replaced the trucker mud flaps with molded painted ones, and spent some time with the buffer.

Finally got the speedo gears in and the cat back, back on tonight to take it for a ride up the mountain to the dam. It's a windy back road with some nice straight shots. First off gears are quiet, and no lights with the new shocks.:dancing

Right of the bat the car felt much better. Pulls nice and smooth and pretty hard. 30-100 pretty effortlessly. Really felt a lot better then the first ride I posted about. Kept it in 2nd and 3rd on the back road really felt good on power! Don't know if it's the gears only or the other maint done. Hope to drive a bit before the roads get their first salt bath to settle the suspension to get it aligned later.
Now debating on the winter mods, want to do upper port work and headers defiantly, thinking of the heads to for porting, then the snow ball starts thinking about cams.....$$$$$


http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff81/JaymieShuleski/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3321_zpsf8cpdqgx.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff81/JaymieShuleski/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3322_zpsqfnn3oy7.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff81/JaymieShuleski/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_3323_zpsc2kmitu1.jpg

[XfireZ51]

Yes u should stop while you're ahead.

:dancing:dancing:-D

[GOLDCYLON]

Yes u should stop while you're ahead.

:dancing:dancing:-D

Its a Disease Dom he cant stop. He mods em till he likes em then buy another one to mod. Wait am I talking about me or RICH lol ?

BTW Congrats to your Cubs Dom !

[XfireZ51]

Its a Disease Dom he cant stop. He mods em till he likes em then buy another one to mod. Wait am I talking about me or RICH lol ?

BTW Congrats to your Cubs Dom !. :proud::salute:

[RichS]

Defiantly a disease.....
I bought this one to keep long term though. I've had the GS for 16 years, in that time a lot of other cars have come and gone 2-C5s, 3 C6, and a CTSV. They were all nice cars, Fast cars too! I'm attached to my Lightning to and never will sell that one either. But there's something about the late C4. I just love the look of them. I know they get looked down on but I'm not one to give a crap what others think. I do eventually want to add a C6 Z to the collection which is what I was looking for when I came across the ZR-1 for sale.:fahne: