LT4 or ZR-1

[Geronimo555]

I have accepted that I can't get a Porsche, or an NSX, or A Viper, They are just appreciating to fast.

So I have started looking at the C4 since I think it is the nicest looking of the modern Vettes. I want something a little different and figured the ZR-1 would be the way to go.

But the LT4 is such a performance bargain that it's hard to ignore.

I thought I would post and get perspective from those who have had the chance to live with either or both.

I'm thinking of a budget of 20K for the Z and maybe half that for the LT4


Thanks

[efnfast]

If you buy a ZR-1, either buy stock and keep it that way or buy one that has had mods done by someone reputable. I bought mine for 20, got another 20 in it. Know what it's worth??? 20.

[Geronimo555]

LOL, yea, for the Zr-1 I would stay stock... at most maybe 4.10's

I think the LT4 at 10K is a great value, and cheap and easy HP can be added, but the LT5 is just that special motor....

Or I wait a year when the wife finishes school and I drop the Vette money down toward a GTS, provided they don't skyrocket.

But working for GM I thought maybe a Vette would be nice... ;)

[XfireZ51]

I have accepted that I can't get a Porsche, or an NSX, or A Viper, They are just appreciating to fast.

So I have started looking at the C4 since I think it is the nicest looking of the modern Vettes. I want something a little different and figured the ZR-1 would be the way to go.

But the LT4 is such a performance bargain that it's hard to ignore.

I thought I would post and get perspective from those who have had the chance to live with either or both.

I'm thinking of a budget of 20K for the Z and maybe half that for the LT4


Thanks

Geronimo,

LT4 v LT5 is chalk and cheese. No comparison regardless of what GM wanted u to believe. If all you are looking at is 1320', it may be close stock v stock. But during that distance, the LT5 has been gathering a head of steam instead of "petering out". The trap speed tells the tale. Beyond the 1/4, its a quarter horse v Secretariat. You will find what an extra 2000rpm brings you in terms of enjoyment. Modding the motor nets you soooo much more potential than the LT-4 can provide without giving up a civilized idle and tractability. There are a few "brothers" in your area. Take a ride.

[XfireZ51]

If I was buying an LT4, it would be a convertible.

[Tripler]

Been driving around in a C6 lately and I have to tell you , can't wait to get back in the Z because the engine sound in a ZR-1 is just addicting and like no other engine out there . The C4 is an amazingly comfortable car also but add the LT5 to it , and well , it's just plain magic ... Get a ZR-1 and you won't regret it for a second ...

ZR-1 ! ZR-1 ! Zr-1 !

;) ;) ;)

[XfireZ51]

I love this scene. It just seems so appropriate for our cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kx533GIKhZU&index=1&list=RDkx533GIKhZU

[Geronimo555]

Yea, I am amazed at the power the big cube LT5's make.... though I don't make that kind of money, I would love a big liter LT5.

So far when looking I am leaning toward the Z, is the price gap between the LT4 and Z were bigger it might different.

[Billy Mild]

Get a ZR-1 or maybe a first gen Viper. The best thing about a ZR-1 over the early viper's is A/C and not a bad road trip car. Has ABS as well. LOL.

I want a Viper as well, even more so after owning the ZR-1. I like my ZR-1 a lot and way more than I ever thought I would.

My suggestion is to get one that already has headers and top end ported. They are quick cars and sound awesome. There is a reason why they call it the BEAST.

[Geronimo555]

Yea I was thinking about a Gen 1 GTS, but my fear is next year when I can buy, they will have jumped up out of my reach, just like the NSX and 911 3.2 did years ago.

I like the idea of preserving the legacy of the ZR-1/LT5, and showing it at the GM car show in the summer ;)

[rush91]

I wanted a 1st Gen Viper, or a 1997 Viper Gts, until I heard one in person.....

there is no comparison between the LT5 and LT4. Once you drive a ZR-1, you'll see why it is legendary and not the LT4. The sound of the LT5 is intoxicating, as is the 7000/R.p.m :)

[XfireZ51]

Yea, I am amazed at the power the big cube LT5's make.... though I don't make that kind of money, I would love a big liter LT5.

So far when looking I am leaning toward the Z, is the price gap between the LT4 and Z were bigger it might different.

You can be at 540hp and stoll have a stock block LT5. Its pretty amazing and intoxicating.

[QB93Z]

In 2006, I was trying to make the same decision you are. I chose a low miles 1996 LT4 Collector Edition over a Red 1990 higher miles ZR-1. I owned the LT4 for 6 months and realized that I still had the urge to buy a ZR-1 so I started looking again. In May 2007, I bought a 1993 Quasar Blue with headers, Corsa exhaust and 4.10 rear end. There was no comparison between the enjoyment I got from the ZR-1 compared to the 1996. The 1996 LT4 is a wonderful sports car but it IS NOT a ZR-1. I sold the LT4 and kept the ZR-1 and added more ZR-1's to my collection.

On the way back from Cincinnati last week end, a young man in a Honda was about to pass me on I-70. As he pulled along side, he slowed, gave me a thumbs up and then went on down the road. That is what a ZR-1 is all about. It is a recognized icon of motor sports, and I am proud of my car every time I drive.

I agree with the advice about buying an already professionally modified ZR-1 if you think that you will want performance enhancements. (Unless you want to do the work your self for the fun of it.)

Jim

[efnfast]

Did I mention I love my $20K ZR-1?

[We Gone]

I've had both loved the low end power of the LT4 great Corvette but in the end I sold the LT4 in favor of a second ZR-1 :proud:

[Vette73]

All votes are in....I guess you can see what everyone is suggesting....Go with the ZR-1 and don't look back.....They are the top of the heap C-4...I would def look for one that has some mods....The Z responds well to any mod which will make that motor breathe well...

The GTS Viper is a great looking car....Be prepared to spend at least double for what a ZR-1 will cost you.......I been pricing that car for the past five years....I've seen some examples in the 50s even so that car does bring the money....

[Geronimo555]

Yea, I really do love the LT5 looks, and from everything I have read it doesn't disappoint. :)

I would love a big cube ZR1, but I think my budget would preclude that for now.


I hear the 4:10 gears are a must!

[efnfast]

There has been discustion on the 4:10's. Seems to me the only place that it would have an affect is off the line. Then it just moves the final gear ratio around.

[MuRCieLaGo]

Funny, people are speaking of Vipers here. I'm in the process of buying a 1994 Dodge Viper. But I got to agree that the sound of a Viper isn't as beautiful as an LT5.

[G-Sting]

Do not buy a ZR-1 if you or your mate's lips are dry and cracking, 'cause they'll definitely split open and phlebotomize due to wild laughter.

[billschroeder5842]

I would love a big cube ZR1, but I think my budget would preclude that for now.
!

No, I don't think so.....

http://www.every1rides.com/1991_Chevrolet_Corvette_Enterprise_AL_262391025.ve h

[Geronimo555]

Wow!

I always wonder if these very affordable ZR1's are in good shape or if they are a cost time bomb.

[billschroeder5842]

I checked with "Tony Davilla" on this site who is familiar with this car and seems to think it is for real. I actually was more than casually interested in this one at the same time I found my current. I called several times and had conversations. I really like this one.

There is a LOT of hype about the expense and reliability of the ZR1 that is just not true. Other than the engine, your car is mostly regular C4. The LT5 engine is know for its reliability.

I bought mine in Arkron, OH and drove it (sight unseen) back to Ft Worth, TX with zero (zero) problems.

With a ZR1 you will never have to say "My Lt4 is like an LT1, but only better" and the reputation precedes.

The Alpha Male in you will be happy you got a ZR1.

GGRRRRRRRRRRRR

[RussMcB]

Regarding LT-4 vs. LT-5: I see comments about the (much cooler) 32v, 4 cam engines, but has anyone mentioned the 6" wider rear stance of the LT-5 cars? That's one of the big differences. Now that I have a ZR-1, the "regular" C4 Corvettes look skinny from behind. The wide ZR-1's look much meaner.

[BigJohn]

I have both, but my ZR-1 is only three inches wider!

:cheers:

[Mystic ZR-1]

I have both, but my ZR-1 is only three inches wider!

:cheers:
Hmm? I think of normal C4s as 3 inches narrower... :dancing

[BigJohn]

Hmm? I think of normal C4s as 3 inches narrower... :dancing

Would that be the white one?


:neutral:

[mcich7781]

I currently own a 96 LT4 Coupe and a 91 ZR-1. Since the day I saw my first C4 ZR-1 and later a 96 Grand Sport (visually my favorite Corvette of all time) I knew I wanted someday to own a later model C4.

I have been a car guy my whole life and my trusty sidekick, a 62 Belair has been with me since High School for 43+ years. While raising a family Corvette ownership for me was just a dream for the better part of my life.

At the time in my life when I was able to finally purchase a C4, prices for a Grand Sport and ZR-1 were still somewhat out of reach for me. So I did the next best thing, I settled for a reasonably priced low mileage, 96 LT4 Coupe.

I know this will upset some Grand Sport owners and even though the 96 GS is my favorite Corvette of all time, for me personally I could not see paying a $10K premium for a paint scheme and some minor differences over my Red LT4.

The price for a comparable ZR-1 was also out of reach at that time, but the thing was…I never drove one on an open road.

A couple of years ago, with the kids out of college and an empty nest I took a chance and bought a reasonably priced 69K mile 91 ZR-1 on EBay, sight unseen. Yes, I know that was a risky proposition.

The car was in Washington State over 2000 miles from home. All I had to go on were EBay photos and a promise that the car was decent. Believe me, I spent hours on the phone with the dealer prior to bidding, and subsequently many days in the dog house after telling my spouse what I had done.

Prior to my purchase, the only ZR-1 I ever test drove was a very rough local 91 ZR-1. I never got that ZR-1 over 45 miles an hour due to road conditions and traffic. The car also had cosmetic issues that I did not want to deal with at the purchase price the dealer was asking.

A week later the car hauler arrives with car way up high on top. It’s here but I still can’t see it! As they are carefully bringing the car down, I can hear it but I still can’t get near it yet. It finally gets to the driveway and to my surprise it actually looked better than I imagined considering the mileage.

The car hauler leaves and now the moment of truth. I get crawl all over it. The car is not as clean as my daily driver’s interior or under the hood, but then again I am a fanatic. The seats, interior surfaces, and shiny Metallic Turquoise paint were excellent for the age and miles, I got some work here, but car TLC is my specialty.

I check all the vital fluids climb in and start it up. It sounds good. The AC works; “nice.” No abnormal sounds; “better.” I saw the Borlas in the photos, and it’s louder than I expected; “best.” I note little clutch chatter as I roll out on to the road; “bummer.” This car does not appear to have ever been a garage queen; it has been driven.

So now the first drive, the best part…

I take it easy for about a half a mile until I get out into the uninhabited area near my house. I stop, I ease the clutch out in first gear, raise the rpms slowly to 2,200 then I hammer it, the tires start fighting for traction as I get over 5000 rpm. Holy $H*t - 50 mph in first!!! I was not expecting that! The power delivery was such a surprise and it just kept coming and coming. At the time I remember thinking is this what an additional 35 HP feels like?

That’s the instant I realized my LT4 Corvette is no match for this ZR-1. It was not even close. I will never forget that afternoon as long as I live. I have driven some fast cars, but none as smooth and willing to run as my C4 ZR-1.

Months after my purchase and to my complete surprise, I located a previous owner and obtained a box of old original parts, historical receipts, and service records. I learned my “EBay Special ZR-1” was a DRM 500 modified car, but that is a story for another time.

It appears my personal LT4 / ZR-1 experience may be a bit slanted in favor of my ZR-1.

My LT4 has its good traits. It’s one of the last 200 C4’s ever made, so most of the C4 ills had been solved by the 96 model year. It’s beautiful, rides great, relatively easy to work on, and probably the most “Bang for your Buck C4 Corvette” I could have bought at the time or even today.

There are actually fewer LT4’s than total ZR-1’s and I still have it. It’s cherished with TLC like all of my cars, but then again I am a fanatic…

[RussMcB]

I currently own a 96 LT4 Coupe and a 91 ZR-1. Since the day I saw my first C4 ZR-1 and later a 96 Grand Sport (visually my favorite Corvette of all time) I knew I wanted someday to own a later model C4. That was a good read. Thank you.

I didn't realize there are more ZR-1's than LT-4's. That's interesting. I was looking for an LT-4 Corvette when I came across the ZR-1 I eventually bought. I'm sure I would have been happy with an LT-4, but really glad I stumbled upon a ZR-1 at a low price.

[Vette73]

Very good read .....I'm sure there is a big difference between a stock ZR-1 and a modified DRM-500....Hence the tire chirping at 5,000 RPM....Sounds like you got ahead of the game with a 500 horse ZR-1...Nice find..

[Geronimo555]

So far I am thinking ZR-1, though I think if I was to mod, the LT4 would come out on top dollar for dollar when adding mods.... LT5 aren't cheap to mod. ;)

But I want special vs fast, if I wanted a monster i'd look at a newer vett.

[ABBEZR1]

Sounds like a good decision. I chose my 90 zr1 over a low mile lt1 95 that was almost a perfect 10 in condition and had a few mod's but special vs. nice was a better decision for me. Take your time and just be ready so when you find that "special" car you can jump on it before the next guy waiting to do the same thing.