Shopping for 1st ZR-1

[SpeedGeek]

Hi fellow enthusiast,

I'm in the market for my 1st ZR-1. Found a '90 with almost 90k miles at a dealer, and '92 with just over 20k miles from individual owner. I'm leaning towards the '92. I'm aware of the injector issue, so I will verify if been addressed with service records and negotiate accordingly if it hasn't. Other than that, what else should I be aware of that would've needed to be repaired or replaced either based on the high mileage or age regardless of mileage. Any other pros & cons of high mileage vs low mileage ZR-1s I should be aware of, please advise. Both cars within my budget so not too concerned with footing the maintenance bill if required, just any inconveniences and headache the fix might bring with it. I'll negotiate off price any maintenance not yet done that is required based on mileage or age anyhow. Any additional feedback always greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance! :)

[mike100]

Is it the white one? Did you drive it? and... the last question is: "Have you ever had a C4 before?"

[SpeedGeek]

Is it the white one? Did you drive it? and... the last question is: "Have you ever had a C4 before?"
Yes, it's the white one. Have not driven yet. I reached out to him but still waiting on response. I'll probably call him later this afternoon. Are you familiar with it?

No, never owned a Vett. I have an '02 Trans-Am WS6 back home in Texas.

Thanks!

[PhillipsLT5]

Buy one that is driven regularly with records, preferably one from a member here, even better one that has been modded, especially 500 or more HP, lots for sale on this site

[XfireZ51]

Try Lgaff. He has a very nice lo mile 92, w nice mods and in clean shape.
Here in Illinois. Red/black.

[Vette73]

Bought mine sight unseen back in Nov of 14.....Got a nice deal " at least I think" and it is a solid car, well taken care of.....This is an excellent site with many knowledgeable members...Was not familiar at all with the LT-5 but have learned a great deal since...

Like the previous post says, check out the for sale section on this forum..Some nice deals out there....Whichever Z you purchase check and see if any maintenance records....Also if you can get one already modded that's a plus...The Z responds well to modifications....These motors were choked in my opinion from the factory so any added air flow is a plus of course....

Now is a great time to buy....As far as dealing with a dealer,set your price and stick to it..Gaurantee you will get a phone call back accepting your offer if at first they don't bite...A few stories on this forum of that happening...

[Billy Mild]

Buy from a forum member. For some reason every time I don't do this, the car needs a whole lot more than usual.

[Z51JEFF]

The only Z specific item would be the injectors and check the vacuum pump. Now C4 items that fail are the seat bladders,stereo components and a few other items I can't thisnk of. One very important item to check is the underside of the floor pan,lots of cars out there with holes in the floor pans.

[gen2rt]

I have a red/red 94 20,000 miles, for sale with the haibeck 500 hp upgrade in Reno, nv. $25k

[SpeedGeek]

Thanks for all the feedback! Plenty of info to chew on. Yes, there are definitely plenty of good examples out there but I'm limiting myself to ones within a reasonable distance to me. I'm one of those who has to see it in person and unfortunately don't have the luxury of time to fly out somewhere. gen2rt's ZR-1 might've been a contender if travel was an option.

[George Maz]

Buy one that is driven regularly with records, preferably one from a member here, even better one that has been modded, especially 500 or more HP, lots for sale on this site

I like this approach as well.

Last night I added up a previous owner's 2inch pile of receipts... $22,000 not including any labor, and a few big ticket items that had no receipt. I've personally spent another $12,000 (all I care to admit to). Others have spent this much and more I'm sure.

Find a car that has been gone through completely, not just one that the paint shines. Look at as many Z's as you can, just to compare condition. Spend the extra money up front.

[rush91]

Be patient in your search. And don't be afraid to ask ANY questions on here. The members on here, and their knowledge and love of everything ZR-1, was a major factor in my decision to buy my Beast. Just an amazing group of men and women.......
I would agree and go with one that has good service records and is a driver. No offense to those low, low mileage ZR-1's. But in my mind, a low low mileage Z would just take to much $ to get it running good. Replacing injectors, tires, plugs, and I'm sure something vacuum related. I went with a '91 that already had those issues fixed. It all comes down to what you want. But what amazing machines these ZR-1s are!!!!

[GOLDCYLON]

Hi fellow enthusiast,

I'm in the market for my 1st ZR-1. Found a '90 with almost 90k miles at a dealer, and '92 with just over 20k miles from individual owner. I'm leaning towards the '92. I'm aware of the injector issue, so I will verify if been addressed with service records and negotiate accordingly if it hasn't. Other than that, what else should I be aware of that would've needed to be repaired or replaced either based on the high mileage or age regardless of mileage. Any other pros & cons of high mileage vs low mileage ZR-1s I should be aware of, please advise. Both cars within my budget so not too concerned with footing the maintenance bill if required, just any inconveniences and headache the fix might bring with it. I'll negotiate off price any maintenance not yet done that is required based on mileage or age anyhow. Any additional feedback always greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance! :)

My advise to you is to buy the best ZR-1 you can afford. That simple. If you have a particular color combo in mind be prepared to travel. My first Z I traveled to Houston TX and drove it home. My second Z I traveled to Snow hill, North Carolina and also drove it home. Ask for lots of photos and the maintenance history and if any and what modifications have been done. You might be able to ask a member here to look at it for you if its close by. So if you live in SOCAL a quick drive or fly into Las Vegas seems to be a pretty simple arrangement in my mind.

[Jagdpanzer]

I have a red/red 94 20,000 miles, for sale with the haibeck 500 hp upgrade in Reno, nv. $25k

Great deal on a low mile 94 Haibeck 500.
Shouldn't last long.

[Dynomite]

I have a red/red 94 20,000 miles, for sale with the haibeck 500 hp upgrade in Reno, nv. $25k
Great deal on a low mile 94 Haibeck 500.
Shouldn't last long.

Can't go wrong with a Low Mileage Haibeck Restoration and the color is perfect for 500 hp.

gen2rt's ZR-1 might've been a contender if travel was an option.

Just fly to Reno (get a friend in your area that is familiar with Zs to fly up and drive it to Southern CA). Like Phil suggests......this is a great deal :thumbsup:

Give Marc Haibeck (http://www.zr1specialist.com/) a Call......he can fill you in on this Z and you will not have to see it in person first ;)

Marc is the best call you can make and absolutely the most reliable source of information on any particular Z he has worked on.

[PhillipsLT5]

Great deal on a low mile 94 Haibeck 500.

Shouldn't last long.



I agree appears to be a great value to me


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[Z51JEFF]

There's a 93 floating around that has all the documentation,NCRS crap that's at a smokin price. Wanting to see the car in person is going to severely limit your choices. I'm in Ca and my car was in Ga and wasn't possible to fly out and look at the car. Several members here knew the car which made it easier for me,I had it inspected but still a little unnerving to send a stranger a whole lot of money and hope for the best.

[tccrab]

I live 2 hours away from Reno.
Be glad to meet you there.
Probably won't be driving my Z tho, this time of the year the roads are wet and icy, and snow can happen pretty much any time of the day or night.
I'm pretty sure they don't make tire chains for ZR1's.

Crabs

[SpeedGeek]

You'll have given me a lot to consider. Thanks for all the feedback. Definitely need to way my options. I'll for sure ask followup questions as they come up.

Thanks again!

[Vette73]

Consider that 94 with the Haibeck 500 package ...I'm not a red guy but red on red is a great combination..Plus the 94 has the five spoke ZR-1 wheels which to me look better than the saw blades which I have on my 91...Dont think they were standard on the reg C-4 but specific to the ZR-1...

If you drove a 510 Haibeck car I gaurantee you would not want a stock one, believe me.....Remember, to mod a Z especially to get into the heads properly the motor has to come out, so it can get pricey...

Ask for plenty of photos and make a fair offer...If your worried about shipping costs do what I did.I went on U ship .com..Different companies will bid for your service .....I used Montway transport to ship my Z from Chicago....They gave me the lowest quote and I checked out the company before delivery and everything worked out.....I shipped my Z over 800 miles for 425 dollars,open trailer top slot..Just something to consider..

[Helium3]

All I can say is that:

1. You need to have a devout love for these cars, and be 110% sure you want a ZR-1.

2. These cars are going on 30 years old and operations and maintenance support for long term reliability is getting smaller. We have a couple shops that know what they're doing and a good parts supplier plus regional club meetups where people work on each others cars. In the last 5 years several shops that were working on them only do C5 and newer or retired.

3. If you're thinking of getting a bigger cube engine, buy it now instead of waiting until later. 390+ CID engine work can exceed 20k easily. Only 2 crank makers (Bryant and Moldex) and both are 5k just for the crank. Neither crank are much lighter than factory one. Only 2 long tube header makers (OBX and Stainless Works). Neither are top notch like American Racing, Borla of Pfadt. Especially OBX. If you love to mod get a newer C5Z or C6Z, way cheaper and massive support for LS engines. The day support for LS engines stops is that day the last drop of gasoline is refined on planet earth.

4. If you're looking to use this as a long term investment I would shy away from that. I recall a gentlemen who had a 95 wrapped in plastic the day he bought it from the factory and held onto it for 20 years expecting value to appreciate. He barely got original MSRP for it. 2015 dollars are not the same as 1995 ones. At least a 60% inflation factor. Maybe one day these cars will command sky high prices like Ferrari Testarossa (512M especially) or air cooled Porsches.

5. Like others have stated; buy from a forum ZR-1/Corvette member if possible. Dealerships charge too much and their mechanics will take one look at the engine and say "heck no, I ain't touching this thing!"

6. Again refer to #1; devout love of these cars who seeks the thrill to improve upon and keep running in top shape.

7. I own 4 of these cars with one being a world challenge with full race bodywork and aero with Jeal headers. Love these cars. Sometimes I regret it and think I must be a real dumba$$ for buying them relative to newer Vettes. When they run right, you add horsepower or put them on a Snake Skinner diet they come alive.

[A1990]

Helium3, would love to see a few pictures of the world challenge car.


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[zrfast1]

Pete has a white 90 at the house that a customer left it behind to sell, after Pete did some work to it...I've seen it ...very nice car but not perfect. Needs TLC. diamond in the rough! And the seller is motivated.
His Name is Pete on this forum.

[ghlkal]

OP, lots of great advice in this thread.

All I can say is that:
1. You need to have a devout love for these cars, and be 110% sure you want a ZR-1.


I agree with Helium3 _except_ you only need to be 75% sure you want one (as I was). It will convince you after you have it ;)

[SpeedGeek]

Not completely married to idea of getting ZR-1 but I have the ring already, 😁. But yes, I've narrowed down my choices and leaning heavily towards one as long as I find the right one for me. So yea sorta like marriage, lol. Long story short, I finally have the opportunity to get another car that's just for me and not the family. I prefer that it be a "rare" car that was considered special for the time and still significant to this day. In terms of upfront affordability, nothing else but the ZR-1 immediately came to mind. Plus, I've always wanted a Vette, so 2 birds 1 stone. 😉

Appreciate ALL the input! Thanks again!

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[edram454]

Think it through carefully. You must be committed to maintain this car and become very knowledgeable with the mechanics around you who can work on it and its vulnerabilities it has. Some parts are readily available and some parts are discontinued and in demand. It is a rare car but it is a two edged sword also. This site is one that you must belong to if you want any chance in being able to maintain and care for the car correctly.

Most people who can tell the difference from a run of the mill c4 appreciate it and the ones that do appreciate it like looking at it but would never consider owning it since it is rare and a unicorn among corvettes and the chances of recovering your money will be kind of slim unless you buy real low. always get the best car you can. buy a modded car from a great owner. there are a few here who are selling great modded cars. there is a 368 stroker with a polished engine that has been for sale a while but I find to be an excellent value. It has extensive great mods and is in mint condition. If you want less risk then buy a c5 or c6 z06. I wish you good luck in your search. It is a historic car and it holds up well despite it being over 25 years old in some cases. It is still relevant performance wise but with the new cars like camaros and mustangs pushing 440hp in stock condition dont be surprised to be smoked in a race unless you have a well modded, head ported, long tube headed, intake plenum and injector housing ported and stroked LT5. Just my opinion. If you are in love with the history and mystique then this car is for you.

edram454

[Vette73]

Think it through carefully. You must be committed to maintain this car and become very knowledgeable with the mechanics around you who can work on it and its vulnerabilities it has. Some parts are readily available and some parts are discontinued and in demand. It is a rare car but it is a two edged sword also. This site is one that you must belong to if you want any chance in being able to maintain and care for the car correctly.

Most people who can tell the difference from a run of the mill c4 appreciate it and the ones that do appreciate it like looking at it but would never consider owning it since it is rare and a unicorn among corvettes and the chances of recovering your money will be kind of slim unless you buy real low. always get the best car you can. buy a modded car from a great owner. there are a few here who are selling great modded cars. there is a 368 stroker with a polished engine that has been for sale a while but I find to be an excellent value. It has extensive great mods and is in mint condition. If you want less risk then buy a c5 or c6 z06. I wish you good luck in your search. It is a historic car and it holds up well despite it being over 25 years old in some cases. It is still relevant performance wise but with the new cars like camaros and mustangs pushing 440hp in stock condition dont be surprised to be smoked in a race unless you have a well modded, head ported, long tube headed, intake plenum and injector housing ported and stroked LT5. Just my opinion. If you are in love with the history and mystique then this car is for you.

edram454

Yes I believe the 368 stroker if I'm not mistaken is at gateway classics right now...I believe it's on consignment......I saw this car after I bought mine and I believe the asking price was around 25,000 when the forum member was selling privately....

Worth every penny of 25K, plus owned by an enthusiast.....If you go on gateway classics website they have a video of the car in motion.....Not a big fan of the white stripe but when I saw the video it looks great.....Car is showroom with the right mods......The mods alone were probably close to if not more than 25K....Something to consider if we are talking about the same car...

[randy ransome]

The red car with the white stripe is mine and yes it's at Gateway Classic Cars.

It's a great car with no issues. It has the best of everything when it comes to modified parts. The Only reason I'm selling is I've got another ZR-1 and I bought a 67 427 coupe.

If interested give me a call.

Thanks,
Randy 901-573-3406



:USFlag:

[HAWAIIZR-1]

The red car with the white stripe is mine and yes it's at Gateway Classic Cars.



It's a great car with no issues. It has the best of everything when it comes to modified parts. The Only reason I'm selling is I've got another ZR-1 and I bought a 67 427 coupe.



If interested give me a call.



Thanks,

Randy 901-573-3406







:USFlag:


Whomever buys the Randy Ransome car is going to get an awesome car. I remember when you bought that car. Wow, a 67 427!! GLWS and glad to hear you'll keep one.


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[XfireZ51]

Randy,

Did Ligenfelter do the 368? I'd LOVE to see what that motor does if
Pete were just to breathe on it a bit.

[randy ransome]

Randy,

Did Ligenfelter do the 368? I'd LOVE to see what that motor does if
Pete were just to breathe on it a bit.

The owner I bought the ZR-1 from is a personal friend of Cory Henderson. The owner told me he built the motor with Cory Henderson literally looking over his shoulder. If I kept it I was thinking about getting Pete to put some bigger cams and a super tune on it. It's making 442 RWHP now.


:USFlag:

[XfireZ51]

Randy,

I gotta think that with the extra displacement and bigger cams w a little massage could be "tickling" 500rwhp. I'll do the tune.