Newbie; Need help with inherited ZR1

[lcmeeks]

Posted on corvetteforum as well.

Any help is much appreciated.

I inherited a 90 ZR1 with less than 30K miles. My Dad gave it to me several years ago, and he recently passed away. It's in Atlanta, I am in Houston. I had it in Atlanta when I lived there...have had it garaged at my in-laws since moving to Houston...now I'm realizing I can't keep it...just don't have a place for it.

I had it shipped to the local Atlanta corvette place (Buyavette) to get serviced and sell and now they are saying it needs a new engine ($12K) and they are not interested in selling or putting on consignment.

I'm not in the position to spend a lot of time getting several opinions or robustly advertising this car. Looking for a reasonable solution.

As I am far away, I have no pictures or details about the engine issues.

Discussion on corvetteforum. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/4018839-newbie-need-help-with-my-inherited-zr1.html

[Dynomite]

Posted on corvetteforum as well.

Any help is much appreciated.

I inherited a 90 ZR1 with less than 30K miles. My Dad gave it to me several years ago, and he recently passed away. It's in Atlanta, I am in Houston. I had it in Atlanta when I lived there...have had it garaged at my in-laws since moving to Houston...now I'm realizing I can't keep it...just don't have a place for it.

I had it shipped to the local Atlanta corvette place (Buyavette) to get serviced and sell and now they are saying it needs a new engine ($12K) and they are not interested in selling or putting on consignment.

I'm not in the position to spend a lot of time getting several opinions or robustly advertising this car. Looking for a reasonable solution.

As I am far away, I have no pictures or details about the engine issues.

Discussion on corvetteforum. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/4018839-newbie-need-help-with-my-inherited-zr1.html

I have been following your predicament on CF ;)

The ZR-1 with LT5 is NOT just a Corvette.......and the LT5 is NOT just an L98 :cheers:

Have a ZR-1 owner in or close to Atlanta stop at Buyavette to check your ZR-1 out. Having a 30K miles LT5 go bad is very very rare. And....usually it is simply an injector that might cause a Knock. I can remove a Plenum in 10 min and replace injectors in about the same time........

$12,000 for that job??....well.....you get the picture :D
$12,000 an hour is considerably more than minimum wage :sign10:

And you had Buyavette mess with the flywheel also?........:censored:

What are exterior and interior colors?
I might just make an offer and have it shipped to SD......sounds like a perfect ZR-1 to do a simple Top End on :cheers:

Have the local ZR-1 owner take photos of the interior and exterior as well as photos of the engine and maybe a sound video when he/she takes a look at your ZR-1 at Buyavette :thumbsup:

Anyone can BLOW an engine if you run out of oil for example .......but again.......I cannot believe it at this point :handshak:

[We Gone]

Read your other post also, PM me if you would like. Second and last offer.....

[JThomas]

How was it operating when you received it from your father in Atlanta? If it was running well then, there shouldn't be that major of a problem to need a "new motor" now. It probably is something relatively simple, but is foreign to the folks at the dealer.


More information is needed, not that I'm an expert, but more information about the color combination of the car may interest a potential buyer on this site.

[Dynomite]

Read your other post also, PM me if you would like. Second and last offer.....

Take up We Gone's Offer NOW.

[Paul Workman]

Take up We Gone's Offer NOW.

TOTALLY AGREE!

That shop is obviously clueless far as the ZR-1/LT5 goes! More than likely injectors. Just hope they didn't mess with the calibration (if they ever knew how). The sooner We Gone or another Atlanta Registry person can jump in, the better!

Marc Haibeck IS a ZR-1 specialist (http://www.zr1specialist.com/). He would be one to include in your saga as well. But, for sure I wouldn't want those people to lay another finger on that car. They're in over their depth, to be sure.

[rush91]

I don't think I've ever seen a post on this site about an LT5 going bad after that many miles...Sounds like they don't even want to mess with it. I would echo others on here, get it in the hands of a member of this registry as soon as you can...

[RussMcB]

I agree it would be smart to have WeGone look at it. He was a great help to me when I became a ZR-1 owner a couple of years ago.

I'm wondering if the OP has a really busy life and may not be able to easily come back here to see the offers of help.

The LT-5 engines are bullet proof, and there are a few not-too-difficult things to fix when they aren't running well (injectors, coils).

I live near ATL, too, and might be able to assist. Let us know.

[We Gone]

Russ, maybe we can meet up and look at it for him if he can't make it. PM me it you need my #

[lcmeeks]

Thanks to all.

I got in touch with Steve, and he was gracious enough to offer to check the car out. Trying to set that up now.

Much appreciated.

[onetinsoldier]

old trick ! They tell you the car needs a fortune in repairs , you really dont want to pay out a bunch , they offer to take it off your hands , nothing major wrong with it . They sell it and make a fortune ! Dont fall for it . I used to go to dealer day car auctions , some dealers would check out a car and if they wanted it , they would disconnect something so it wouldnt start or the ac wouldnt work , no one would bid , they end up with the car !

[We Gone]

Only thing they can tell him is it Knox when started!!!

Going to check it out later this week any tips, other than the obvious.

[RussMcB]

Thanks, Steve. Good of you to step up on this. It will be interesting to hear about it. I hope it's something minor.

[Dynomite]

Only thing they can tell him is it Knox when started!!!

Going to check it out later this week any tips, other than the obvious.

Ya......we have flywheel knock, Rod Knock, and Piston Slap :thumbsup:

We also have pre-detonation knock.....:p

Might as well get some photos of interior and if Red with Tan Interior :salute:

Might as well check AC if it is blowing cold air.
Radio Speakers Front and Rear Right and Left for sound.
CD Player.

Take Photos of Engine......

Check for Coolant Leaks.
Check for Oil Leaks.

Does it Charge (Alternator).
Any noise up front?
Has Green Coolant been used (the GM stuff)?
Vacuum pump cycling on and off (how long off between cycles)?

Serpentine Belt condition.
Belt Tensioner for Play.

Air Filter should be checked (indicates if the Z has been maintained).

Is the engine Oil relatively clean and what engine oil has it been running on? (Indicates if the Z has been maintained).

Could be a dead Spark Plug, Dead Injector, Bad Plug Wire, vacuum line disconnected.

Check for windshield cracks or Delamination?

Tire wear?

Anything Special (wheels, engine Modifications, Exhaust).

Condition of Seats and do seat controls function?

Check for dings and chips in exterior paint.

Do windows go up and down easily?

Any Check Engine Light.....and Any Codes?

Transmission noise and ease of shifting (would require you drive the ZR-1).

I have found usually there exists several small items in ALL ZR-1s which my typical Top End SOLVES ALL ISSUES.......I Do take a Compression Test on ALL ZR-1s but have NOT found any NOT having nice even compression around 200 - 215 on all eight cylinders. I DO change ALL Fluids (engine, Transmission, Differential, Brake, Clutch, Coolant) as part of Top End Restoration. And I DO make my Typical Modifications during Top End Restorations :D

And.....I DO install a Marc Haibeck Chip in ALL ZR-1s compatible with the Modifications ;)

You had to ask :sign10:

[lfalzarano]

I missed a shift at redline and double clutched from 2nd mistakenly to 1st. I heard a knock all the time, faint at times but it was there. The flywheel had to be replaced. Hopefully, it's not that.

Get a stethoscope and listen to various parts of the engine including up on a lift is how my mechanic found it. $$$$


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[XfireZ51]

Only thing they can tell him is it Knox when started!!!

Going to check it out later this week any tips, other than the obvious.

The knock, if my suspicion is correct, is the chain rattle at startup. They ALL do it.

[Dynomite]

The knock, if my suspicion is correct, is the chain rattle at startup. They ALL do it.

That is a "clatter or rattle" :thumbsup:
We have Knocks, Squeals, Whistles, Hisses, Clatter, Rattle, Clicks and more descriptive terms :D

[We Gone]

Thanks.

My first guess would be miss, plug, wire, coil, injector, The flywheel was replaced at some point in the past could be an issue with it. I will take my scanner not sure if they will allow me to hook it up.

[32valvesftw]

The value of this forum is reflected in these replies. Folks are always willing to help.

[jss06c6]

The value of this forum is reflected in these replies. Folks are always willing to help.
Exactly!!! Much more sophisticated engine than a push rod Chevy! Nice to have the encyclopedia of LT-5 available on this forum..

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[lcmeeks]

So thankful to all.

Will anxiously await the results of Wegones's trip. The car has not been driven or maintained to any significant extent since my dad's health declined about 10 years ago.


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[RussMcB]

I will take my scanner not sure if they will allow me to hook it up.I was wondering about what they might let you check, but, if you are there on behest of the car's owner, don't they pretty much have to let you do whatever checks you want? What would be their reason/justification to prevent it?

I'm just kinda wondering out loud...

[Dynomite]

I was wondering about what they might let you check, but, if you are there on behest of the car's owner, don't they pretty much have to let you do whatever checks you want? What would be their reason/justification to prevent it?

I'm just kinda wondering out loud...

Lets assume Icmeeks will call Buyavette making arrangements for a visit by We Gone :cheers:



My first guess would be miss, plug, wire, coil, injector, The flywheel was replaced at some point in the past could be an issue with it. I will take my scanner not sure if they will allow me to hook it up.

Also get the VIN number just in case the ZR1 is my colors ;)

[lcmeeks]

Lets assume Icmeeks will call Buyavette making arrangements for a visit by We Gone :cheers:

I called them. They are aware of his arrival...did not tell them of any guru status.



Also get the VIN number just in case the ZR1 is my colors ;)

1G1YZ23J0L5801665. Red/Red

[lcmeeks]

Lets assume Icmeeks will call Buyavette making arrangements for a visit by We Gone :cheers:



Also get the VIN number just in case the ZR1 is my colors ;)

They are aware of his arrival, but remain unaware of ZR1 guru status.

[We Gone]

Lloyd has let them know a friend will be by to look at it in his behalf.

I'll do what I can, If it indeed sounds like something bad I won't let it run long. I will send my findings back to Lloyd.

[rkreigh]

I don't think I've ever seen a post on this site about an LT5 going bad after that many miles...Sounds like they don't even want to mess with it. I would echo others on here, get it in the hands of a member of this registry as soon as you can...

I tried to track LT5 engine failures and there are not many about 7 or 8 that I heard of while I was running the Reg

a few spun rod bearings, chain guides, chains, bottom end is pretty solid as is the factory valvetrain

Wegone can help you so why not?

anyway the Lt5 is an anvil so I doubt it's bad unless someone relatively ham fisted violated it chances are the engine is fine and doesn't need to be replaced they can make some interesting noises sometimes

just wash the engine and you'll see (actually don't!!)

Most folks don't know much about fixing this car which is sad, it's not too bad

[lcmeeks]

I got a pleasant call from Steve a few minutes ago after seeing the car. I'll let him explain his general findings, if he so chooses.

More importantly, it has been such a welcome surprise to witness such a generous online community of folks that are so passionate about a car. It brings back fond memories of my dad, who just passed away a few months ago, who loved his Corvettes.

As some have predicted, I am changing my tune a bit.... No longer set on selling it, and I'd like to see if I can get it to someone closer here in Texas. I've got a LOOONG way to go in learning about this car, but I think she deserves it, and so does Dad. I feel almost as if it is my duty.

I'll be opening another thread in hopes to get some advice about how to get the car on a trailer in Atlanta and get it to someone who can help here closer to Houston.

Thanks to all who are keeping up with this. I appreciate it.

[Paul Workman]

I'm hoping (betting!) you've got a jewel there - with some minor problem that has some unfamiliar w/ the LT5/dual mass FW (and how the FW reacts to misfire, etc.)

Cory Henderson is THE man in your neck of the woods: was involved in the building of these engines, back in the day, IIRC.

And, you're right about the ZR-1 Net Registry Club: Passionate about these care we are; internationally. And, anything we can do to get you on the road again - IS what we do. "Keep the Legend Alive" is the club's moto.:cheers:

[RussMcB]

Steve is a great guy. I'm happy he's nearby. He's got a lot of knowledge about these cars. Saw his Quasar Blue, 510 HP car today. Wow, it's nice.

I also saw your car today. Other than needing simple cleaning, it really looks great. I'm glad to hear you plan to keep it. I have no doubt that years down the road you'll be happy about keeping it.

Let us know how we can help. You car is about 20 minutes from my work (and 40 minutes from my house).

[lcmeeks]

Steve is a great guy. I'm happy he's nearby. He's got a lot of knowledge about these cars. Saw his Quasar Blue, 510 HP car today. Wow, it's nice.

I also saw your car today. Other than needing simple cleaning, it really looks great. I'm glad to hear you plan to keep it. I have no doubt that years down the road you'll be happy about keeping it.

Let us know how we can help. You car is about 20 minutes from my work (and 40 minutes from my house).

Thanks for checking it out. Really appreciative.

[lcmeeks]

I'm hoping (betting!) you've got a jewel there - with some minor problem that has some unfamiliar w/ the LT5/dual mass FW (and how the FW reacts to misfire, etc.)

Cory Henderson is THE man in your neck of the woods: was involved in the building of these engines, back in the day, IIRC.

And, you're right about the ZR-1 Net Registry Club: Passionate about these care we are; internationally. And, anything we can do to get you on the road again - IS what we do. "Keep the Legend Alive" is the club's moto.:cheers:

Thanks, I'll gather some information from Steve and make an attempt to safely get the car to him depending on his availability.

[We Gone]

Just got home, Wow what a nice drive in old Blue....

I checked everything I could before starting, the tech had a sign on the window do not start!!!! So I did, even after sitting with a dead battery for who knows how many months it fired right up!! Had the normal chain rattle for about 15 sec. than smoothed out nice sounded very solid, Let the clutch out in neutral and got instant bang bang pushed the clutch back in and it was gone again did this many times while letting it warm up and checking for codes (none).

I believe the issue is with the flywheel, clutch assembly, worst case transmission related. Anyone with ideas welcome to chime in. I did not get to drive it as they had it blocked in.

Overall the car was what you would expect of cared for 30K mile car just dirty from sitting.

[A26B]

Could you feel the impact through the shifter from the banging?

For the OP: can you provide specific details about what all was involved when the flywheel & clutch were replaced, i.e.
flywheel source,
clutch disc, brand/source, model or type number,
pressure plate, stock one reinstalled, aftermarket:brand, model, type

There are many possible combinations of clutch discs that may or may not work with the original pressure plate & dual mass flywheel, not counting being installed improperly.

All of the details you can provide will help.

BIG QUESTION: Did all this banging sound start after the flywheel/clutch work was performed..... or before?

[jss06c6]

Great work Steve! MUCH different than an engine replacement!!! Gathering that the banging was evident before full engagement of the clutch and that it was there regardless of which gear was selected.. Certainly sounds like FW, Clutch disk or PP are strong possibilities..

lcmeeks, I sent you a Private Message to give you my phone info.. Good to have another LT-5 guy in the area! We've got a good group here now and getting bigger all the time:cheers:

[lcmeeks]

Could you feel the impact through the shifter from the banging?



For the OP: can you provide specific details about what all was involved when the flywheel & clutch were replaced, i.e.

flywheel source,

clutch disc, brand/source, model or type number,

pressure plate, stock one reinstalled, aftermarket:brand, model, type



There are many possible combinations of clutch discs that may or may not work with the original pressure plate & dual mass flywheel, not counting being installed improperly.



All of the details you can provide will help.



BIG QUESTION: Did all this banging sound start after the flywheel/clutch work was performed..... or before?



Thanks for the input

Regarding flywheel/clutch information: Not sure as this was done prior to me taking over the car, but I will ask the shop if they have records.

Regarding "banging": I think the car had the knocking sound a few years ago which promoted them to do the flywheel/clutch work which then resulted in this new banging noise.

Will try and get more info....


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[Dynomite]

Just got home, Wow what a nice drive in old Blue....

I checked everything I could before starting, the tech had a sign on the window do not start!!!! So I did, even after sitting with a dead battery for who knows how many months it fired right up!! Had the normal chain rattle for about 15 sec. than smoothed out nice sounded very solid, Let the clutch out in neutral and got instant bang bang pushed the clutch back in and it was gone again did this many times while letting it warm up and checking for codes (none).

I believe the issue is with the flywheel, clutch assembly, worst case transmission related. Anyone with ideas welcome to chime in. I did not get to drive it as they had it blocked in.

Overall the car was what you would expect of cared for 30K mile car just dirty from sitting.

I'm familiar with the knock and had these same guys replace the flywheel component (sorry for lack of specific details) a few years ago. They have had this car since February...

Flywheel is spinning with no engine issues in Neutral (Clutch IN)....no noise and I assume no vibration.

Release Pressure Plate in neutral and noise......and bang bang....whatever that is....has to be Pressure Plate, Clutch Disk, Pilot Bearing or Transmission (bang bang in neutral does not make much sense for Transmission).....So...these guys replace Pressure Plate or Clutch Disk or Throwout Bearing? and No Knock after that until now? I assume they did not touch Flywheel? And did not touch Pilot Bearing?

Maybe Pilot Bearing is shot, missing, or set in too far and when engaging Trans....Clutch Disk and Transmission input shaft wobbles like hell and goes Bang Bang each wobble since nothing to assure Clutch Plate is centered on Flywheel as it finds its own center which is OFF CENTER :D

[Rd.adam@hotmail.com]

Did this red vette get out of the garage that claimed it needed $12,000 motor?
I am facing a similar issue with both my 2 X ZR-1's. I have run out of patience and help to get them to start, and it's looking like I will have to pick some mechanic shop that is clueless about the LT5 cars, and then a $500 fix will turn into a $10,000 repair bill. I also thing of scraping my cars, if I can't find more help.

[jss06c6]

Lloyd can give you a proper update, but the car is with Henderson Performance here in Texas for diagnostics and repair. Wish you were closer to me here in Houston to help you diagnose and fix the issues. Don't know who to recommend in Alberta. Perhaps another Registry member can help with a recommendation.

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[32valvesftw]

Is shipping the car(s) to Marc Haibeck near Chicago an option. I know you'll spend several hundred shipping it but you may save a bunch in the long run.

[lcmeeks]

Lloyd can give you a proper update, but the car is with Henderson Performance here in Texas for diagnostics and repair. Wish you were closer to me here in Houston to help you diagnose and fix the issues. Don't know who to recommend in Alberta. Perhaps another Registry member can help with a recommendation.

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First of all, you're in the right place to receive trusted advice.

"Corvette" shop in Atlanta kept it 6 months...started it once..heard a noise...never moved forward...in the end quoted me 12K for a new engine.

I shipped it to Corey Henderson in New Braunfels...spent $1500 and it's running fine.

The folks on this forum are passionate and dedicated to ZR-1's...they'll steer you in the right direction.

[ssrszz4]

You did the right thing! many of the people on this forum know more then 99.999 o/o of the shops you are going to find if you can't or don't want to do it yourself a specialist shop is the safe bet.

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[lcmeeks]

Update, got the car back from Henderson Performance. Corey had the car for 3-4 days. Attached is invoice if anyone is interested.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170930/140d547fa3e029e31802aed8267e35b2.png


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[Vette73]

You see,I told you ya needed a new engine !!!! What a bunch of stiffs in Atlanta.....You should send them the invoice along with one to the better business bureau......

Maybe they should think twice about doing that again,because you know they may do the same thing to someone else...

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[Bruce]

Id love to know where those 'garages' were going to get a new engine from!

[rkreigh]

Update, got the car back from Henderson Performance. Corey had the car for 3-4 days. Attached is invoice if anyone is interested.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170930/140d547fa3e029e31802aed8267e35b2.png


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Corey is a great guy to deal with and it's great to see the ZR-1 back to glory and go rev it up so your Dad can smile down on you and hear the beast roar from heaven.

It's good that you reached out and got the car into the right hands.

So many "wanna be" LT5 guys that are clueless. I know you miss your dad, but like me, every time you start the car up you will experience the permagrin we've come to love.

[lcmeeks]

Yes, Dad would be happy. Thanks!

[gbrtng]

Straightforward fixes to fuel, spark and an oil leak. It's good to know Corey can fab the oil cooler lines ... maybe not NCRS, but functional.

Cheers, Glenn

[A26B]

Straightforward fixes to fuel, spark and an oil leak. It's good to know Corey can fab the oil cooler lines ... maybe not NCRS, but functional.

Cheers, Glenn

We've been making them in our shop for a few years now Glenn! All are pressurized & bubble tested. Also do them in Stainless Steel Braid.
http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/hose-set-oil-cooler-braided-black-90-95-10c2/

http://cdn3.bigcommerce.com/s-nkg90o/products/306/images/2318/12472184-B__61269.1506960267.1280.1280.jpg?c=2