Getting Ready to buy a ZR-1 [Archive] - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

abull1499

07-26-2019, 12:45 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm planning to purchase a C4 ZR-1 in the next few months. It was my favorite car growing, up and now I'm ready to own one.

My goal is to purchase a Z in good to great condition, and get it completely road ready at a very reliable LT5 shop. I may also add an after-market BB exhaust (if it has a stock system).

I live in Massachusetts, and am looking for advice from members. I don't consider myself a mechanic by any stretch so my plan will be to bring the car to a reliable shop consistently.

If you were in my position would you ship the Z back and forth from a tier 1 shop somewhere in the US or are their options you recommend near Massachusetts for regular LT5 maintenance.

Looking forward to the process, and can't wait to be part of the club.

Andrew

secondchance

07-26-2019, 01:33 PM

Hi Andrew,

If you can, make it down to Corvettes at Carlisle show at Carlisle, PA. ZR-1 net registry, I believe, is the largest club presence at the event. You can expect to see 50 to 60 C4 ZR-1s at the event. I am sure that you will get more than enough suggestions, opinions and perhaps even run into ZR-1 or two for sale.
Also, ZR-1 net registry serves the best pulled pork sandwich bar none.

https://carlisleevents.com/events/events-detail/index?id=corvettes+at+carlisle

abull1499

07-26-2019, 01:59 PM

Thanks for the tip, I'l definitely try to make it down. Sounds like fun.

rush91

07-26-2019, 02:53 PM

You have come to the right spot for all things LT5.... I too am not a mechanic, but have totally surprised myself in the work I have done myself. I can do oil changes myself, 3 years ago I could of never dreamed of that. I've replaced the front air dam, all window seals, shift knob, battery, coolant flushes, and even repaired a huge hole in my seat bolster....The LT5 is pretty much bulletproof if maintained, as any engine. Don't be intimidated by it

Don't be afraid to ask questions on here....When I was buying mine I asked 1000 questions, and got answers on question asked. The members here are some of the nicest folks in the Corvette world, and are the most knowledgeable LT5 gurus on the planet. Good luck in your purchase, be patient and research what you want.

efnfast

07-26-2019, 06:14 PM

See all of the advice given to "vermatrix" on another thread. Good advice by secondchance, come to Carlisle. I'm headed there from NH.
There are Corvette shops around, the problem is the LT5 engine. Don't let that diswade you. Lots of advice here. I've got a decent local mechanic that comes to my house to work on mine. I like being hands on, but don't trust myself alone.

abull1499

07-26-2019, 08:20 PM

Great advice. Thanks for the quick responses. Carlisle is on this list if I can swing it. Never considered someone coming to my house to help out but that's a great idea. You probably learn a lot that way. My biggest concern would be screwing something up.

G-Sting

07-26-2019, 08:47 PM

Welcome.

You can find well taken care of, low mile Z's, ready to rock and roll if you are thorough and patient. There are many for sale both here and on the ZR1 Net Registry - http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/ZR1sForSale.aspx

Feel free to post up any details or questions about a car you might be considering. This is a great community of enthusiasts and experts.

All the best in your hunt...
"G"

abull1499

07-26-2019, 09:10 PM

I've had my eye on this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1991-Chevrolet-Corvette-ZR-1/273925540849?hash=item3fc73c0bf1:g:RIkAAOSwtRRdJ9m l

Seems to be priced a bit high for the mileage but the color combo is unique. Would be interested in thoughts.

I'm also struggling to pull the trigger on a 90-92 because I believe those years don't have a passenger airbag. My wife would of course be riding with me from time to time and I don't think I could enjoy driving around knowing she is less safe than me. Any thoughts on that?

indy91zr1

07-26-2019, 09:39 PM

Have you checked what is available on the site here? Demps is selling his 94 w/20k miles for the same price as that 91. It will have dual airbags also.

abull1499

07-26-2019, 09:42 PM

Yes, I've checked it out. I'm just not a white car guy. If it was black, charcoal or dark red metallic I would be all over it.

indy91zr1

07-26-2019, 09:47 PM

Gotcha... I know there was a charcoal 90 for sale on here don't know if it still is or not. Good luck with your search!

Corbusa

07-26-2019, 11:52 PM

I MIGHT be selling mine. 1990 black on black, I think it has 38k miles . I never have time to drive it. all I do is work. and have a business opportunity maybe coming up this weekend. Like some have said keep an eye in the for sale section. I hate to sell it but we'll see...
Im also in TN

efnfast

07-27-2019, 08:41 AM

SAHall

07-27-2019, 10:44 AM

I may also be selling my 1990 Z. Same reason as Corbusa-no time. No passenger side airbag-but that never bothered me and members on the forum don’t seem to be concerned about this issue. Anyway, my Z is polo green with saddle interior, 16,000 miles. New injectors, serviced at a reputable shop and otherwise original and mint. Good luck with your search and let me know if you have any interest. I am in NJ.

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abull1499

07-27-2019, 03:10 PM

Thanks for the heads up. The passenger side airbag requirement definitely limits my options. The Black/Black 90 and Polo/Saddle 90 are colors I'm interested in. Need to think a little bit more about the airbag, but I might decide to get a Z without it. In that case I will reach out. Thanks again!

Andrew

lfalzarano

07-27-2019, 03:21 PM

If you are carrying a passenger, I doubt you’ll be driving at Mach 1 and recklessly! Passenger airbag shouldn’t determine your final choice.

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S.hafsmo

07-27-2019, 04:34 PM

Driving carefully doesn't really matter if someone else hit you.

DRM500RUBYZR-1

07-27-2019, 04:46 PM

A bag sure helps...………………. if it pops.

30 year old tech has proven faulty in many other areas.

Racing helmets for all!

Marty

owwdee

07-27-2019, 07:01 PM

I hit a guardrail going about 45 mph in my 91. No airbag deployment. Seat belt saved me. My opinion is that the first gen airbag would have done more bad than good if it did deploy. Certainly fewer Zs made with the pass. airbag so that is also a factor in your search

EvanZR1

07-27-2019, 08:24 PM

My opinion is that the first gen airbag would have done more bad than good if it did deploy.
I'm with you on this one. My wife complained that the 91 didn't have a passenger airbag, and I told her that's what a seatbelt is for. Then I had to explain how first gen airbags were designed with the background that many people still weren't wearing seatbelts (even though they were mandatory), and deployed with way more force than modern airbags, which could be deadly to people to close to it. She didn't realize there was any difference.

Young1

07-27-2019, 10:09 PM

Cars-on-line.com has a black on black 1995 ZR-1. Maybe someone here knows the car if you are interested.

-=Jeff=-

07-27-2019, 10:14 PM

Demps has a 94 listed in the 20s here on this forum too

Young1

07-27-2019, 10:26 PM

https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/61423

abull1499

07-28-2019, 09:38 AM

Thanks Steve, that 95 looks like a good one. Does anyone know anything about it?

It appears from the ad that it's in Thompson, PA and the VIN is 1G1YZ22J2S5800274

TX '90 ZR1

07-28-2019, 09:48 AM

Abull1499,
Log in to ZR-1.net and you will be able to find a good "pre-purchase" checklist that covers most of the common issues to look for on these cars.
A couple of the members here have also posted checklists. Do a search on the forum and you should be able to locate them.
Good luck with your search and be sure to run any questions by the guys & gals here. You will get good knowledgeable advise.
:cheers:

abull1499

07-28-2019, 10:07 AM

Good idea. Thanks Kenny

TX '90 ZR1

07-28-2019, 02:33 PM

Here's a link to the "Buyer's Guide" on ZR1.net.
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Marketplace/BuyersGuide.aspx
Also, attached checklist that Hans was kind enough to share.
10086
:cheers:

RichS

07-28-2019, 07:20 PM

That one in Thompson is only a hour away from me. I could take a ride up to look at it if anyone needed.

abull1499

07-28-2019, 07:35 PM

Hi Rich,

I may take you up on that, but want to do a bit more looking around before. I know I may miss out on it. Thanks for offering!

G8nightman

07-28-2019, 07:46 PM

Might be putting these two gems up for sale 95Green 91DarkRed. Send me a PM if you want more info.
1008810089

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Paul Workman

07-28-2019, 09:18 PM

I crashed through a chain-link fence and crushed the bumper. No airbag deployed on my 1990. Lucky, I guess.

Vette73

07-28-2019, 09:18 PM

https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/61423

Not to knock it but I believe that car has been for sale for quite some time..

Young1

07-29-2019, 04:42 PM

Yes it has been for sale for a long time.

abull1499

07-29-2019, 09:20 PM

Yes it has been for sale for a long time.

Has anyone checked that car out or know if there’s something wrong with it? Has 59K miles which is kind of high, but from what I’m told if the car is maintained well miles don’t mean all that much.

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32valvZ

07-30-2019, 09:26 PM

Has anyone checked that car out or know if there’s something wrong with it? Has 59K miles which is kind of high, but from what I’m told if the car is maintained well miles don’t mean all that much.

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

Might be high miles in your opinion.... but 59k miles on an LT-5 is pretty minimal....so long as the use of the car was overall normal. :cheers:

Paul Workman

07-31-2019, 07:05 AM

Might be high miles in your opinion.... but 59k miles on an LT-5 is pretty minimal....so long as the use of the car was overall normal. :cheers:

I agree.

60k miles and the LT5 is just getting broken in. Marc Haibeck showed me an engine with 170k on it that was used as a track car. It came in to be "freshened up"; new bearings, rings, etc. According to Marc, it had some wear, of course, but the bearings, sleeves, rings, etc. were still in spec.

It goes back to LOTUS's design and Merc Marine's credit for building an engine built to last in competition. Again....NOTHING about the SBC can be attached to the LT5: not parts, and certainly not wear characteristics, apparently.
It (the LT5) is a completely different animal. Forget everything you know about SBCs, wear and endurance characteristics, etc., when considering the LT5. They don't apply. The LT5 motor is a "clean slate": a complete "do-over", far as V8 design goes...which is ONE of its more intriguing aspects!!

GrayZ

08-02-2019, 12:37 PM

chain link fence? wtf dog run out in front of you?

-=Jeff=-

08-02-2019, 01:48 PM

chain link fence? wtf dog run out in front of you?

Come to the next pizza night to find out the real story..

Z51JEFF

08-02-2019, 05:22 PM

A bag sure helps...………………. if it pops.

30 year old tech has proven faulty in many other areas.

Racing helmets for all!

Marty

I’ve always been a bit terrified about the airbag going off prematurely in my 91,so much so that at one point I thought about disconnecting it.

Dynomite

08-03-2019, 01:07 PM

I agree.

Marc Haibeck showed me an engine with 170k on it that was used as a track car. It came in to be "freshened up"; new bearings, rings, etc. According to Marc, it had some wear, of course, but the bearings, sleeves, rings, etc. were still in spec.

I wonder what condition the chain guides were in if they had not been changed out in 170K miles?

jrd1990zr1

08-04-2019, 08:58 PM

I agree.

60k miles and the LT5 is just getting broken in. Marc Haibeck showed me an engine with 170k on it that was used as a track car. It came in to be "freshened up"; new bearings, rings, etc. According to Marc, it had some wear, of course, but the bearings, sleeves, rings, etc. were still in spec.

It goes back to LOTUS's design and Merc Marine's credit for building an engine built to last in competition. Again....NOTHING about the SBC can be attached to the LT5: not parts, and certainly not wear characteristics, apparently.
It (the LT5) is a completely different animal. Forget everything you know about SBCs, wear and endurance characteristics, etc., when considering the LT5. They don't apply. The LT5 motor is a "clean slate": a complete "do-over", far as V8 design goes...which is ONE of its more intriguing aspects!!

I also agree.

My 1990 Charcoal ZR1 at 61,000 miles runs like new.

RichS

08-04-2019, 09:45 PM

I checked out the car in Thompson Pa today for Andrew. The car is one of 3 ZR-1's she has. Unfortunately her husband passed away in 2011 and she's trying to sell of some of his collection. She said he used to be a member of the Registry. I forgot the last name but his first was Scott and was 52.

They have the 95 Black on Black with 61k on it now, a Red on Black 94 with 4500 on it, and a 93 40th forget the miles. The red car is really nice and asking 50k obo. She is keeping the 40th because it was his first one. Also has:
2009 Z06 that she said was a 1 of 10 Jake edition? 4000 miles $70 ish
67 427 coupe fully restored beautiful car! $78 I think?
Mach 1 mustang forget info, and a amx that I didn't see.

The 95 has some wear, she said he drove it everywhere and was his favorite over all the other cars. The vacuum pump was dead, car was repainted due to a nose hit. Weather stripping needs to be replaced, and the wheels have some rash and could use a set of tires. It starts up and idles smooth. Has a B&B catback on it, and a carbon overlay on the dash and console. I talked to her son about replacing the pump. No bad lights on and all the bulbs lit up cycling the key on the DIC. I didn't drive it because they live on a dirt road, the bad pump and it was almost out of gas. A lot of the issues are normal wear and tear C4 items and can be fixed. Don't know how much she will come down from the 23k. I told her to research the forum and try to list them here.

DRM500RUBYZR-1

08-05-2019, 07:08 AM

Rich,
Nice of you to help!
All ( buyers and sellers) will benefit from your fact finding mission!
Well done!
Marty

abull1499

08-05-2019, 08:32 AM

Really appreciate the help Rich. The car isn't for me, but the search continues.

Thanks again.

Andrew

abull1499

08-05-2019, 08:28 PM

PhillipsLT5

08-05-2019, 10:40 PM

We have 1 here, prices I feel are high, sellers generally asking to much plus streetside fee, I think aprox 12%, buy one from a member here sorted out

Paul Workman

08-06-2019, 06:25 AM

chain link fence? wtf dog run out in front of you?

Let's just say....

PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL! or DON'T BE CELEBRATING UNTIL YOU STOP THE CAR!

:o:o:o

abull1499

08-06-2019, 09:01 AM

Thanks for the info. Well if anyone has a well sorted Black on Red or DRM on Black I'm interested. Otherwise I'll keep looking!

Andrew

Vette73

08-06-2019, 03:53 PM

Has anyone has any experience with or know anything about a Streetside Classics? It’s a dealership with multiple locations. They have 3 C4 ZR-1’s listed online and a bunch of other older Vettes at the Nashville TN showroom. They also have other classic cars. I’m somewhat interested in the 91 black on red. Love the color combo.

Here is a link a to the general website:

https://www.streetsideclassics.com

Andrew

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I bought my Z in 2014 from gateway classics in Chicago....
Bought it sight unseen....I was lucky, car was exactly as described when it came off the trailer, no suprises...

You should be ok with these places that have multiple dealerships around the country...There reputation is at stake and many people buy sight unseen...

I saw that black and red one..Nice color combo....Throw out an offer and leave your number....