Cost of ownership?

[Geronimo555]

I am looking into a C4 either LT4 or LT5, I love so much about the LT5, but I want to make sure I do my homework first.

I would hate to get into a car that I cannot afford to use and enjoy. I have seen a few suggest that the LT5 is very expensive to repair? Not sure what they meant by that.

My understanding is that the exotic bits (the LT5) are very durable, and the rest is mostly just C4 bits, with the exception of the rear body and windshield.

Just want to get the first hand from those in the know.


I don't plan to mod the LT5 as I think the HP per dollar is a bit crazy.

[ABBEZR1]

Take a look at the tech section and most of the post you see are common in all zr1's and a lot of c4 cars. Cost of ownership depends on what you buy and if you enjoy to do any of your own work. I've done most of the work myself and enjoy it most of the time and I'm by no means a mechanic. You can buy a value car for 14 to 17 grand and save money and expect to do some work and maybe enjoy it or get a low mile nice car maybe even with some mod's for 20 to 25 grand. Really depends on your wants.

Good luck,

[Kevin]

mine comes in at around $1000/year on average not including insurance and gas. Even with the problems I've had with mine, which seem to be more then the average, it's not too bad

[Vette73]

I knew nothing, nothing about the LT-5 when I bought my car....Nothing....I'm a backyard mechanic, just basic stuff......With the help of the forum I have taken off the plenum three times.....Once to send it to Pete for porting....Second time to put it back on....Third time to change the starter and plug wires and coils...

The wires and coils I bought from members on the forum..The coils were used but in great shape and the wires were new, but never used...Plugs I changed and installed a K&N air filter......Oil changes are very easy on this car....

I did this all myself....If I can do this so can you !!!

Also remember 90-92 Zs qualify for classic ins.since they are over 25 years old...I pay 150 a year for full coverage......

[Geronimo555]

Yea, I remember being scared of my L98 in high school, the we started tearing into it. :)

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

I knew nothing, nothing about the LT-5 when I bought my car....Nothing....I'm a backyard mechanic, just basic stuff......With the help of the forum I have taken off the plenum three times.....Once to send it to Pete for porting....Second time to put it back on....Third time to change the starter and plug wires and coils...

The wires and coils I bought from members on the forum..The coils were used but in great shape and the wires were new, but never used...Plugs I changed and installed a K&N air filter......Oil changes are very easy on this car....

I did this all myself....If I can do this so can you !!!

Also remember 90-92 Zs qualify for classic ins.since they are over 25 years old...I pay 150 a year for full coverage......

Just a quick note to add.
Any Corvette, even a 2017 is able to qualify for collectors insurance.
It is the usage, not the age that determines eligibility.
Most require;
1- a daily driver car in the household with regular insurance
2- the collector car must be garaged.
3- some limitations on mileage or usage, although different riders are available, such as HPDE, occasional drives to work, etc.

If you have not spoken with the great folks at National Corvette Museum Insurance, you really should call them for a quote.
People are Great!
Service is Great!
Price is hard to beat, and after all it is the NCM!
:cheers:
Marty

[ghlkal]

My understanding is that the exotic bits (the LT5) are very durable, and the rest is mostly just C4 bits

My expenses for maintenance and repair are no more than any 25 year old vehicle. Not counting the mods, I've replaced injectors, coils, plugs, clutch, airbag sensors, etc -- normal stuff you would expect on a C4 LT5. I don't think any of these repairs were overly costly.

[Geronimo555]

Anyone have a starter motor go out? Is that a DIY repair?

[secondchance]

Anyone have a starter motor go out? Is that a DIY repair?

If you are comfortable with plenum removal, yes. No big deal once plenum is removed.

[Paul Workman]

Anyone have a starter motor go out? Is that a DIY repair?

I had a 95 LT1/M6 for 5 yrs. This (90) ZR-1 is, by comparison, much easier to work on (and I've worked on it "a little" since 07.

The motor, I find, is expensive to work on. But, once modded it responds like mo other motor I've worked on in the past 50 + uears. Love it. What an incredible machine.:dancing

[XfireZ51]

Anyone have a starter motor go out? Is that a DIY repair?

Hell, I've rebuilt starters several times w a $20 kit from eBay.

[Geronimo555]

It's under the upper plenum right?

[Dynomite]

It's under the upper plenum right?

The Starter is under the plenum then under the coils.

[XfireZ51]

As my old college friend Wilson woukd say, just make sure u don't have any. Olts leftover. 😄😄😄😄

[Paul Workman]

Anyone have a starter motor go out? Is that a DIY repair?

Yes, and could be.

The solinoid high current contacts wear out. The starter "clacks" but does not spin.

This is different from a bad clutch safety switch in that there is NO sound from the starter at all.

Cheap fix tho. The Denso kit is available on ebay: under $10 for the new contact terminals.

If you also get the new armature and thrust pin, be danged sure the pin is the same length as the OE unit. Otherwise the starter bendix gear may not fully engage the flywheel's ring gear. NOT GOOD!

[HAWAIIZR-1]

All I can say is that my most recent 1995 ZR-1 has been a trouble free car only needing oil change and lube over the past 2 years and 4,000 miles (purchased with 28K miles). Having owned two early and one late model Z, I prefer the late model with all of the improvements that I have noticed and all the small details. All the costs to date has been mods and nothing to do with mechanical service or items that were needed. I will eventually get around to tuning it and servicing the cooling system and basic checks. This car has been a perfect car and I was fortunate to find one in this condition. This car has been through a few track days and ran very hard, as well as several long distance trips with no issues at all. In most cases you will get what you pay for. There are some deals out there, but ensure you buy one with documented service records. Stay away from cars that have changed hands too often and especially cars from auctions or dealers that have no history. Best wishes in your quest to own a legend and a great piece of automotive engineering and history.