New member, former C5 Z06 owner, considering a ZR-1

[Patriot Dude]

New forum member here. I recently became interested in the ZR-1 mostly due to the 1990 ZR-1 that is currently on Bringatrailer, I've been reading the comments of current and former ZR-1 owners and I've been researching in my free time ever since.

I sold my 03 50th Anniversary Z06, a few weeks ago. It was a stock quicksilver metallic with 15k miles. I was attracted to the C5 Z06 because of the unique differences between it and the regular C5, and it's a great value as a Corvette generally is. I liked the car a lot but for some reason I did not love it. It's something I can't explain. It was an awesome car, I had it for 3 years, but it just didn't stick.

I've been thinking about trying to find a nice 94 because I do want a passenger airbag. This seems like a really good online community as well which makes owning a rare and unique car more fun and a bit easier.

I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. I attached a few photos of me and my old car, and my last drive. I took my 8 year old daughter for one last drive the night before the new owner picked it up.

Regards

[XfireZ51]

Get w our Registry President, Mark Horner nearby u. Takr a ride. I did practically the same thing between C5Z and the C4ZR. I would characterize it this way.
The C5Z is a quarterhorse, the ZR is Secretariat.

[gbrtng]

Glad to see you sold your Z06 ... it is a great one. Did it stay in the area? I'll be glad to assist you finding a ZR-1 ... just holler for help.

Cheers,
Glenn

[ghlkal]

Welcome to the madness.

In addition to many helpful ZR-1 owners here, you have a ZR-1 specialist in Corey Henderson nearby http://www.hendersonperformance.com

Good luck on your search.

[Patriot Dude]

Glad to see you sold your Z06 ... it is a great one. Did it stay in the area? I'll be glad to assist you finding a ZR-1 ... just holler for help.

Cheers,
Glenn

Hey Glenn, I've been thinking about reaching out to you, I remember you saying you had a ZR-1. It looks like you found me first! My Z06 sold to a guy in Houston/Tyler, fortunately I did not have to sell too cheap, but it took some time to find someone who was looking specifically for silver. He stalled it twice pulling out of my driveway :nono: It was killing me, I was cringing, but at that point, I had been paid.

I thought I was going to be able to be "car-less" for longer than a month but I think I got bitten by another bug.

I'm looking around, I'll be out of town for a few days with my kids for Spring Break, but I'll get in touch with you. Keep your eyes peeled for me if you don't mind.

[Patriot Dude]

Welcome to the madness.

In addition to many helpful ZR-1 owners here, you have a ZR-1 specialist in Corey Henderson nearby http://www.hendersonperformance.com

Good luck on your search.

Thanks for the suggestion, Corey swapped out the valve springs on my Z06 (preventative maintenance) and I learned from visiting his shop, and from Gbrtng that Corey is a ZR-1 specialist.

I can tell this is a great group.

[Kevin]

If you do get with Marc Horner, stay out of his black car, you'll never be happy with a stock car ever again

[rush91]

The C5Z is a quarterhorse, the ZR is Secretariat.

Yes!!!

All it takes is a ride or drive, and you will be intoxicated with the LT5...:fahne:

[32valvesftw]

Adam, A few us from Texas are going to head down to the Texas Mile on 25 March, drive on down and visit, you can check out some of our rides and see what you think. There are some great deals out there for C4 Zs right now.

[Paul Workman]

If you do get with Marc Horner, stay out of his black car, you'll never be happy with a stock car ever again

Ain't THAT the truth!!:dancing

[diamond zr1]

ADAM/I live just outside of San Antonio/Cibolo/Glenn,Mark and I get together often to work on cars/I have a large shop with lifts,so if you do get a car/Glenn sold his zr1/come on over/we also have a bbq and had 50 or so last Oct.//look forward to meeting you/Glenn really thought your z06 was special but bought a real clean 04/joe

[edram454]

Adam, I have recently sold my zr1 to buy a c5 2003 z06. Looks like we are going the opposite directions. I loved my zr1 but love my z06 better. I find it more user friendly, more powerful and kind of holds in value better but who cares about value at this point. try to get a modded zr1 so it can be relevant compared to new cars coming out. zr1's have a great history and a story to tell. rare they are. If you get a stocker I hope you just like cruising down the boulevard and no spirited driving. It is a buyers market on these zr1's so be picky and pick the best of the litter. I strongly suggest you buy modded. I see you are in texas so you can go to Corey Hendersons shop and he will take care of your beast if you do buy one. Good luck in your search.

[Kevin]

holds value better? aren't they down to 10-15,000?

[edram454]

yes they are down but not as bad as the zr1. you can expect to pay 20-25k for a nice z06.. if properly modded more. trust me, there is not a 5k mile c5 z06 selling at 21k... a car with that mileage would go over 30k easy. all corvettes are down. I saw a 2009 zr1 in the high 40's! but nothing is tanking like the zr1.

[Patriot Dude]

yes they are down but not as bad as the zr1. you can expect to pay 20-25k for a nice z06.. if properly modded more. trust me, there is not a 5k mile c5 z06 selling at 21k... a car with that mileage would go over 30k easy. all corvettes are down. I saw a 2009 zr1 in the high 40's! but nothing is tanking like the zr1.

Thanks Ed for the advice in your earlier post. I'm not a drag or street racing guy and I'd be perfectly fine with a stock ZR-1, it would be no slouch I suspect but the stock power delivery probably isn't as hard hitting as aC5 Z06 but perhaps has a little more up top and a longer power band. I'm certainly no expert. I think the weight and gearing is probably what helps the Z06 the most.

The values are tough to pin down. I sold my 03 Z06 with 15k miles for $26,000, I was the 2nd owner and it was extremely mint, I paid 27k three years ago with only 14k miles. I lost nearly nothing other than a set of tires and my taxes.

Because the ZR-1 cost so much more relative to a C5 Z06, I think they seem to be undervalued even more. A very low mile C5 Z06 sells for about 1/2 of it's new price, it seems like the ZR-1 sells for around 1/3rd and that is without adjusting for inflation.

I'm hijacking my own thread talking about car values, they're worth whatever someone is willing to pay and I guess that sums it up, but I would expect the ZR-1 to be worth more in the eyes of car collectors.

Thanks to all of you for your welcoming and hopefully I can get a chance to check out some of your cars and learn more about the ZR-1. I really need to sit in one and see what the interior is like, etc. I thought my C5 seemed big.

[1991KOTH]

Adam, I have recently sold my zr1 to buy a c5 2003 z06. Looks like we are going the opposite directions. I loved my zr1 but love my z06 better. I find it more user friendly, more powerful and kind of holds in value better but who cares about value at this point. try to get a modded zr1 so it can be relevant compared to new cars coming out. zr1's have a great history and a story to tell. rare they are. If you get a stocker I hope you just like cruising down the boulevard and no spirited driving. It is a buyers market on these zr1's so be picky and pick the best of the litter. I strongly suggest you buy modded. I see you are in texas so you can go to Corey Hendersons shop and he will take care of your beast if you do buy one. Good luck in your search.


Sorry but are you implying that stock Zr-1s are slow? They are by no means slow, and with minor mods I am door to door with my father's 02 Z06. The z06 is a great car yes, and I think both Zs pull just as hard, having driven both extensively.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=90383)

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

yes they are down but not as bad as the zr1. you can expect to pay 20-25k for a nice z06.. if properly modded more. trust me, there is not a 5k mile c5 z06 selling at 21k... a car with that mileage would go over 30k easy. all corvettes are down. I saw a 2009 zr1 in the high 40's! but nothing is tanking like the zr1.

Really?

ONLY the ZR-1?

No others?

Just the ZR-1?

Amazing!

Marty

[5ABI VT]

We were just having this discussion in a facebook group. I was talking as politely as I could because we were just expressing our opinions and there isn't really a winner but... it was about a c5z and the c4. The c5z was and is a better car. On paper, the numbers, the advancements. BUT, what the C4 ZR-1 has the c5 z06 will never have. And that is the beautiful LT-5. The history/legacy of the king of the hill. The sound of the LT5. Especially a built up stroker LT5... you really need a ride in one I can tell you that much ;) the rarity and collector value.

For me the c4 is a far more beautiful design. I do like the c5, it ranks much higher than the c6 in my eyes. It was a beautiful evolutionary change in the 'round' era of the automobile. But theres a lot of bland in it that turns me off. The interior is too big, spacious. It looks like my 4th gen Camaro inside with a shared stereo and controls etc. It has a truck based engine. heads , mild cam call it ls6 voila. another sbc. Sure it makes great power and has large potential but the sound I never liked too much especially vs an uncorked LT5.

Then theres the special factor with the hood open. Its happened to me on 3 occasions. One was a hydrocarbon dipped everything z06 engine compartment, they other all mirrors and chrome underhood.. the other just a minor carbon fibered' c6 zo6.. where I popped my hood beside them and they either shut their hoods, or got in a drove off to another section of the lot :-({|=. Those cars have nothing on a c4 with the clamshell open with a cleaned up LT5 and engine compartment. That will be timeless.

You mentioned it felt too big inside.. and that's one reason I LOVE my c4s. I feel like im inside an exotic when I drive it. The high sills and tight cockpit. I blew a lot of minds at the autoshow asking people to sit inside and tell me what they thought.:) The c4 is a love or hate thing which is all the better for me that its not a for-everyone interior.

By the sounds of it you would be happy with a stock zr-1. Id suggest headers and exhaust so going back to stock is easy and a bolt-on affair. Also if you are handy and don't mind doing work yourself... it will save you a ton. these are easy cars to work on except for internal engine work.

[Patriot Dude]

Sorry but are you implying that stock Zr-1s are slow? They are by no means slow, and with minor mods I am door to door with my father's 02 Z06. The z06 is a great car yes, and I think both Zs pull just as hard, having driven both extensively.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=90383)

Stating the obvious here, both ZR-1 and Z06 are special models above and beyond a regular Corvette, the Z06 probably benefits from a few years of engineering, the older ZR1 can't be faulted for that. The ZR-1 was however a much greater leap in performance both among the C4 and supercars at the time. They still seem very close in acceleration which says a lot about how advanced it was, and it still stacks up pretty good. It will always be a lot more unique, whether that translates into higher values is up to the buyers.

[XfireZ51]

I drove both cars back to back one day prior to buying my ZR. I loved the
quickness of the Z06 and th handling balance. But for a long stretch, I found the Z06 just plain chintzy and cheap feeling. I much preferred being nestled in the C4 cockpit. I sat IN the ZR and ON the Z06. And u can't tell me the ZF shifter isn't better than the cables of the Z06.

[edram454]

well it is a interesting topic. I like both cars and owned both. still own one of them. at one time I owned both at the same time. performance wise, no contest. I had a modded zr1 pumping over 400 rwhp. I bought it because of the mods. the only thing it did not have were the heads ported. It had everything else, fidanza, siamese ported plenum and housing, long tube headers, ported throttle body etc.. on and on.... it did have stock gears. It pulled hard and long. the z06 makes 471 rwhp on dynojet. it flies. feels tight like a track car. very quiet as far as rattles but also has a corsa like my zr1 did. zr1 had a nastier sound probably because I kept the back window open to hear it even more. there is no race between them. easy victory for the z06. more power. less weight. same with handling. I still love the zr1 because of the history and its unique look. I do feel that they are not the best investment. People are scared of them because of the rarity of them. scarcity of parts etc... Unfortunately i do not live close to either corey or Mark and that puts me in lala land as far as this car. Nobody knows how to properly work on the lt5 in Florida and I dont want to experiment. I am not close to wazoo or the fbi guys...I am a guy far away from all those people. I have a club member friend who bought a mint 1992 zr1 with 5 k miles and he wont drive it because of fear it might break and he doesnt have a clue were to take it. a few local shops have told him no.

You live in texas so you are ok. the zr1 makes one feel tucked in because the seats are tight the the car has girth. I dont like the rattles of the zr1 from the 26 year old plastic pieces in the interior and the top and etc... the z06 is very tight. For me, I am happier with my z06. I am in the process of buying a lsx 102 intake and a 102 throttle body and expect my power output to increase by 20 horse with a natural aspirated car is not too bad. The stock zr1 makes around 330-340 rwhp stock. Some people find that adequate and some people find that very slow. I drove a stocker and obviously my modded and a friends modded zr1 and the difference is night and day. My buddies zr1 made 436 to the wheels with extensive head porting as well. I wish you the best with your zr1 selection. The one you have to please is yourself. This is just obviously a personal opinion which we are all entitled too.

[Kevin]

Considering I beat an 01 z06 in my stock 90 I'm going to say you're wrong ed. The z06 isn't the be all end all of corvette performance. It's an ugly car with a crap interior that gets beat by a base c6

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Considering I beat an 01 z06 in my stock 90 I'm going to say you're wrong ed. The z06 isn't the be all end all of corvette performance. It's an ugly car with a crap interior that gets beat by a base c6

Don't sugarcoat it; Tell us how you really feel!
;)
:cheers:
Marty

[Kevin]

Don't sugarcoat it; Tell us how you really feel!
;)
:cheers:
Marty

I would, but we have language filters

[Performawheels]

I started typing the stats from my September 2001 Corvette Fever and got tired, so I just Google'd it and found a link to the ZR-1 vs Z06 article from back in the day.....anyways- OP, good luck in your search.

http://www.superchevy.com/features/55318-chevrolet-corvette-zr-1-z06-shootout/

[1991KOTH]

well it is a interesting topic. I like both cars and owned both. still own one of them. at one time I owned both at the same time. performance wise, no contest. I had a modded zr1 pumping over 400 rwhp. I bought it because of the mods. the only thing it did not have were the heads ported. It had everything else, fidanza, siamese ported plenum and housing, long tube headers, ported throttle body etc.. on and on.... it did have stock gears. It pulled hard and long. the z06 makes 471 rwhp on dynojet. it flies. feels tight like a track car. very quiet as far as rattles but also has a corsa like my zr1 did. zr1 had a nastier sound probably because I kept the back window open to hear it even more. there is no race between them. easy victory for the z06. more power. less weight. same with handling. I still love the zr1 because of the history and its unique look. I do feel that they are not the best investment. People are scared of them because of the rarity of them. scarcity of parts etc... Unfortunately i do not live close to either corey or Mark and that puts me in lala land as far as this car. Nobody knows how to properly work on the lt5 in Florida and I dont want to experiment. I am not close to wazoo or the fbi guys...I am a guy far away from all those people. I have a club member friend who bought a mint 1992 zr1 with 5 k miles and he wont drive it because of fear it might break and he doesnt have a clue were to take it. a few local shops have told him no.



You live in texas so you are ok. the zr1 makes one feel tucked in because the seats are tight the the car has girth. I dont like the rattles of the zr1 from the 26 year old plastic pieces in the interior and the top and etc... the z06 is very tight. For me, I am happier with my z06. I am in the process of buying a lsx 102 intake and a 102 throttle body and expect my power output to increase by 20 horse with a natural aspirated car is not too bad. The stock zr1 makes around 330-340 rwhp stock. Some people find that adequate and some people find that very slow. I drove a stocker and obviously my modded and a friends modded zr1 and the difference is night and day. My buddies zr1 made 436 to the wheels with extensive head porting as well. I wish you the best with your zr1 selection. The one you have to please is yourself. This is just obviously a personal opinion which we are all entitled too.


It is sure as hell a better investment than a z06 in the long run. Put money on that.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=90383)

[5ABI VT]

well it is a interesting topic. I like both cars and owned both. still own one of them. at one time I owned both at the same time. performance wise, no contest. I had a modded zr1 pumping over 400 rwhp. I bought it because of the mods. the only thing it did not have were the heads ported. It had everything else, fidanza, siamese ported plenum and housing, long tube headers, ported throttle body etc.. on and on.... it did have stock gears. It pulled hard and long. the z06 makes 471 rwhp on dynojet. it flies. feels tight like a track car. very quiet as far as rattles but also has a corsa like my zr1 did. zr1 had a nastier sound probably because I kept the back window open to hear it even more. there is no race between them. easy victory for the z06. more power. less weight. same with handling. I still love the zr1 because of the history and its unique look. I do feel that they are not the best investment. People are scared of them because of the rarity of them. scarcity of parts etc... Unfortunately i do not live close to either corey or Mark and that puts me in lala land as far as this car. Nobody knows how to properly work on the lt5 in Florida and I dont want to experiment. I am not close to wazoo or the fbi guys...I am a guy far away from all those people. I have a club member friend who bought a mint 1992 zr1 with 5 k miles and he wont drive it because of fear it might break and he doesnt have a clue were to take it. a few local shops have told him no.

You live in texas so you are ok. the zr1 makes one feel tucked in because the seats are tight the the car has girth. I dont like the rattles of the zr1 from the 26 year old plastic pieces in the interior and the top and etc... the z06 is very tight. For me, I am happier with my z06. I am in the process of buying a lsx 102 intake and a 102 throttle body and expect my power output to increase by 20 horse with a natural aspirated car is not too bad. The stock zr1 makes around 330-340 rwhp stock. Some people find that adequate and some people find that very slow. I drove a stocker and obviously my modded and a friends modded zr1 and the difference is night and day. My buddies zr1 made 436 to the wheels with extensive head porting as well. I wish you the best with your zr1 selection. The one you have to please is yourself. This is just obviously a personal opinion which we are all entitled too.

Performance wise no Contest but youre stating it has 71 more rwhp and likely more torque, and is lighter too. I Would love to see your c5z vs a 440ci LT5 though. Now that would be fair eh :)

But in fairness if you are not doing your own work... I agree with you that its a losing proposition to have a zr1 and to maintain it cost effectively. If I didnt do everything on mine... trust me I wouldnt have a zr-1 in the garage. Its also one of the reasons the first thing I did was eliminate the secondaries. Besides the complex vaccum maze system and multiple potential points of failure it was a simple elimination choice for me. As well as plugging the injector housings for coolant. Now my LT5 is easier to maintain than my LT1 ever was. But if there were to be any engine damage.... it becomes a whole different ballgame I guess. For me Ive accepted that if I can hurt my LT5... It will come apart and cost a pretty penny to go back in but it will be worth it for me and thats all that matters because a built LT5 is #endgame :):cheers:

[edram454]

Considering I beat an 01 z06 in my stock 90 I'm going to say you're wrong ed. The z06 isn't the be all end all of corvette performance. It's an ugly car with a crap interior that gets beat by a base c6

pretty rough comments coming from you. to bad you are not in south florida. I would bet BIG money in a race with you. you have no idea what you are talking about.

[Kevin]

pretty rough comments coming from you. to bad you are not in south florida. I would bet BIG money in a race with you. you have no idea what you are talking about.

I actually have every idea what I'm talking about. Though I'm not sure what your "coming from you" comment meant. Though it doesn't really matter, I shouldn't have posted my comment. I was in s bad mood and went off on you. That was not the right thing to do and I apologize

[Hog]

I want to inject some fact, that the GEN III SBC was first released in the Corvette(Y-body) in 1997 with the LS1. The 2nd usage of the GEN III SBC was in 1998 in the Camaro/Firebird(F-body). Both the Y and F body cars use the aluminum block and aluminum heads which comes with RPO LS1.
The LS1 then was uprated for MY 2001. Horsepower is increased from 345 @ 5,600 rpm to 350 @ 5,600 rpm. Torque increases from 350lb/ft @ 4,400 rpm to 360lb/ft @ 4,400 rpm. (375lb/ft for manuals) compression was 10.1:1.

The 5.7 LS6 was introduced for MY2001 at 385hp@6000rpm/385lb/ft@4800rpm, compression was 10.5:1. The changes from LS1 to LS6 involved different blocks all the way up through the cylinder heads. It was far from an LS1 with different heads. Even the injectors were changed from 3.3 g/sec(26.2 lb/hr) to 3.6 grams/sec(28.6 lb/hr). A new intake manifold was designed for LS6, to cut costs, it was introduced on 2001+ LS1's as well on both the Y and F body cars. It accounted for a 5hp and 5 lb/ft on its own.
Then for MT 2002 the LS6 was uprated +20hp and +15 lb/ft torque to 405hp@6000rpm/400lb/ft torque@4000rpm.

The first time a GEN III SBC was ever used in a truck was for 1999, for the 255hp@5200rpm/285lb/ft torque @ 4000rpm 4.8L LR4, 265hp @5000rpm/320lb/ft torque @ 4000rpm5.3 LM7 in iron block/aluminum head configuration, and in the 3/4 ton truck came the 300hp @4800rpm/355 lb/ft torque @ 4000rpm 6.0 LQ4 which was an iron block/iron head configuration.

The GEN III SBC was in production for two full model years prior to the truck seeing the new engine. The GEN-III SBC was not designed from a truck engine.

The 255hp@4600rpm/330lb/ft torque@2800rpm Vortec 350 L31 continued on in 3/4 ton trucks through MY1999, in the SUV's through MY2000 and in the fullsize vans through MY2002. In Mexico you could get the Vortec 350 through MY2010. In marine form it was available through 2013.

The 2004 ZO6 was a quick beast. Its suspension and tires allowed for bone stock 11 second 1/4 mile passes.

Run #1
1.98 60-foot 12.29 at 117.03mph
Hotlapped run #2
1.96 60-foot 12.16 at 117.84mph
Run #3
1.94 sixty 12.03 at 117.83mph
Run #4
2.06 60-foot 12.21 ET at 117.73
Run #5
1.90 60-foot 1/8th mile 7.80 at 94mph. 11.97 at 118.80mph

OEM 2004 ZO6, right down to the stock air filter
http://www.superchevy.com/features/0410htp-2004-z06-corvette-feature/

So much of acceleration run tests, esp. street encounters will be decided by the drivers skill. A good driver may beat a bad driver, even if the bad driver has a 200hp advantage. If you really want to know whats quicker or faster, go to the drags and get those performance characteristics on paper.

[rush91]

One thing I have learned, is you can't compare different generation cars. You just can't. If GM would of continued the LT5 program into the C5, our C4 LT5s would be looked at as the beginning. The C5 LT5s would be more refined, more efficient and better performers. But we know history and that wasn't the case.....So for me when I see debates about this, it makes no sense. A stock C4 ZR-1 will smoke any factory Vette ( or any factory car made ) before 1989. A stock base C5 will beat any stock ZR-1, except in top speed maybe.....A stock C6 will probably hang with a C5 ZO6 in a drag. Its called learning from previous Gens and making improvements. If it wasn't for the ZR-1 program, we would be having these debates. The Corvette performance wouldn't be know as it is now as world beating...
All I see is the crowd that forms around my Beast first, when I'm out cruising with other Vettes and not the 3 other ZO6s or the C7 Grand sports.......Is that what I think it is? Or holy **** I've never seen one....I bet it runs like a bat out of hell.

[edram454]

excellent information. you are correct on all counts. Nothing wrong with a zr1 4 cam. engine is best thing about it period. a real work horse and as stable as they come. Unfortunately, technology will eventually win in the end. It took me a while to accept the fact that the ls platform was here to stay. they make power, cheaply!! lots of it. I can buy a 376 ls3 crate motor pushing 525 horsepower for 6500!!! new. I can buy a supercharger for 5400 and push over 600 rwhp!!! then again, when will i ever use that? My only comment was to the gentleman considering a zr1 is to buy modded if he wants to be relevent and not get killed at every stop light buy mustangs....camaros.... late model vettes... challengers.....330-340 horse wont get it done any more. In the day, KOTH..today court jester unless modded.:salute:

[edram454]

I actually have every idea what I'm talking about. Though I'm not sure what your "coming from you" comment meant. Though it doesn't really matter, I shouldn't have posted my comment. I was in s bad mood and went off on you. That was not the right thing to do and I apologize

I said coming from you was that I was surprised at your rough comment. I have always known you to be kind and fair to all forum members. I respect you as a moderator and that is what surprised me from your comment. We all have bad days and I fully understand. You dont have to apologize for anything. I wish I didnt have to sell my zr1 but it just didnt fit in my future plans because of maintenance. I think I am in the position to make a comment and have an opinion since I owned both and drove them at the same times. I was able to compare the two cars and come to an assessment.

In the end, I do cheer for the zr1 whenever it makes the news or wins something. I do migrate right to one if I see one in a show. I know all the upsides to the car but also know some of the downsides to owning one. This forum is a very positive support system for these cars. Without this site, the car would be a goner!! If you want to see the zr1 I sold check out ebay. I understand the dealer that bought it is posting it up for 27000! He paid 10 grand less to obtain it and has done nothing to it. It wont bring the money. Tell me how I know!:censored:

[Patriot Dude]

This has certainty turned into a lively debate that I never intended but great info on both cars has been shared. I do not expect the ZR-1 to be better in a lots of ways, such as structural rigidity or interior quality (though the Z06 does not excel here) it seems like much of the emphasis is being put on drag racing and stoplight drags, and in that case an AWD Subaru can be a formidable foe but they don't carry much history or mystique. Hopefully I can get a chance to check out a ZR1 and see if it's something I would cherish, I am capable of plenty of mechanical work if I have a good service manual, at the same time I don't want to be paying to rebuild an LT5, or any other engine for that matter. It is highly unlikely that would happen anyways, I'm not looking to push the limits here and I know the LT5 is supposed to be extremely robust. I remember having limited tire options with the Z06, I have a feeling the ZR1 is much worse.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

To the OP, Proof of concept is the former members/owners that keep coming back here after they sell their cars. I loved my SVT Lightning truck and there is nothing like it, but I don't hang around their forums still wishing and dreaming. Find someone in your area from here and they will let you drive or ride in one to solidify your decision. There is nothing like the C4 ZR-1. Best wishes.


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=90383)

[Racinfan83]

I remember having limited tire options with the Z06, I have a feeling the ZR1 is much worse.

You are correct on that one. Very limited - though available. I bought a full set of stock sized Nitto 555's shipped to me for less then $600. There are more expensive options and even some Sumitomos that are less. There are other wheel options if you want to go that way that get you into a more obtainable tire size as well. Don't let tires deter you.
*

[5ABI VT]

excellent information. you are correct on all counts. Nothing wrong with a zr1 4 cam. engine is best thing about it period. a real work horse and as stable as they come. Unfortunately, technology will eventually win in the end. It took me a while to accept the fact that the ls platform was here to stay. they make power, cheaply!! lots of it. I can buy a 376 ls3 crate motor pushing 525 horsepower for 6500!!! new. I can buy a supercharger for 5400 and push over 600 rwhp!!! then again, when will i ever use that? My only comment was to the gentleman considering a zr1 is to buy modded if he wants to be relevent and not get killed at every stop light buy mustangs....camaros.... late model vettes... challengers.....330-340 horse wont get it done any more. In the day, KOTH..today court jester unless modded.:salute:

Just making a counterpoint and sharing my thoughts and not trying to argue with you specifically. While the engine is the best part of the ZR-1 for some people like me the exterior styling and width of the body is also the best part. I had always dreamt of modifying and putting on wide wheels which the z swallows with ease and a lowered c4 exterior to me is far prettier than the c5 Zo6.
You are also correct technology will win in the end. That is why GM is rumored to be making another DOHC LT5. If you ask me it's been a dark age of farm tractor technology since 1995. The appeal was always dohc for me.. and when I was buying my z technology did win in the end ;)
The LS platform does make power cheaply but being relevant in terms of performance hardly deters anyone from wanting 60s/70s and soon 80s musclecars (and 90s a time after). With resto mods becoming the norm it's proof people will want beautiful and significant cars and many will just modify them to the performance they would like. Sure the Lt5 is expensive to build but how cool is that that in the future nearly NOONE will swap an LT5 out of a ZR-1 ? They can make over 700 hp NA, and look like nothing else out there. Why would anyone want to ? They won't. I have minor work on mine and it runs relevant enough. I put 3 car lengths on a brand new gt350 mustang belonging to a co worker. Not bad for a 90s supercar vs a $90k cdn 526 hp high rpm voodoo V8 with the gimmicky 'flat plane crank' that has so caught the interest of its fan base. The gt350 is quite relevant today and is an example where it's special features are valued over peak power, dyno numbers and 1/4 mile times. Also notice .. that no one who loves that car or wants one cares about how a modified c5 can beat it in performance. ;)