Need Advice on what repairs are worth doing before sale

[remembero323]

Howdy, gentlemen--

I've got a 1990 ZR-1, red on red with 43,000 miles. It's in good condition, but there're a few repairs I'm debating doing since I'm getting ready to sell the car and I'm not sure if they're worth the time/money.

1. The car has the Z51 OEM shock replacements, not the FX3 shocks. The light is on in the dash as a result (Service Ride Control). I cheaped out a bit and didn't feel like dealing with more electronics. Should I spend the $1k plus labor to switch it out?

2. Bose Delco radio needs new CDM--I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this one, but wanted to list it anyways.

3. LTPWS needs service light is on. I'm pretty sure one or more of the sensors needs replacement.

4. 2 of the wheels have minor rash. Should I spend the $200ish bucks per corner getting them refurbished?

5. Front license plate cover is from a standard C4, so it doesn't fit properly. I've been looking for a replacement, but I've had no luck. I had a Corvette logo plastic plate from Eckler's there before the red replacement cover.

I'll post pictures if anyone needs clarifications. Thanks in advance for the advice.

[G8nightman]

Depends on what you going to ask for the car but from the list above not having the correct FX3 shocks would turn me off as a buyer. Also if the injectors haven't been replaced that would be another negative for me as a potential buyer

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Do 1,2,3,4

5. cover is the same for all c-4's

All of the items repaired are ones a buyer will ask about.
Well worth fixing to maximize sale proceeds.
:cheers:
Marty

[secondchance]

2. Bose Delco radio needs new CDM--I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this one, but wanted to list it anyways.
If you want, I have CDM for sale. $120 plus shipping.

5. Front license plate cover is from a standard C4, so it doesn't fit properly. I've been looking for a replacement, but I've had no luck. I had a Corvette logo plastic plate from Eckler's there before the red replacement cover.
Although front license plate fillers are the same between standard C4 and ZR-1, there are two different versions - 1990 and 1991-1995. You may have 91-95 version panel when in fact you need 90 version.

[remembero323]

2. Bose Delco radio needs new CDM--I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this one, but wanted to list it anyways.
If you want, I have CDM for sale. $120 plus shipping.

I'll shoot you a PM about the CDM. Thanks!

5. Front license plate cover is from a standard C4, so it doesn't fit properly. I've been looking for a replacement, but I've had no luck. I had a Corvette logo plastic plate from Eckler's there before the red replacement cover.
Although front license plate fillers are the same between standard C4 and ZR-1, there are two different versions - 1990 and 1991-1995. You may have 91-95 version panel when in fact you need 90 version.

Did not know this... this would explain why I can't seem to find a replacement that looks like it would fit.

[remembero323]

Do 1,2,3,4

5. cover is the same for all c-4's

All of the items repaired are ones a buyer will ask about.
Well worth fixing to maximize sale proceeds.
:cheers:
Marty

I was really hoping you guys would say no one cares about the FX3 shocks... damn. It's a thousand bucks for the parts.

[We Gone]

Be sure the tabs at the top fit in the slots at the top. or as stated wrong year. Looks a bit rounded.

[Corvette95]

I have a just painted BRIGHT RED OEM license plate cover from my 90 ZR-1 that I put the later model front bumper on. $100 . ( you don't have to pay another $100 for painting a used one). plus shipping.

[remembero323]

I have a just painted BRIGHT RED OEM license plate cover from my 90 ZR-1 that I put the later model front bumper on. $100 . ( you don't have to pay another $100 for painting a used one). plus shipping.

I'd love to take this off your hands!

I just sent you a DM, but your mailbox is full.

[Corvette95]

PM sent. (cleared out my inbox) THX!

[TX '90 ZR1]

For whatever it is worth, my two cents.
A fully vetted and serviced car will always bring more. If you can say that "everything" works as it should it will bring top dollar. Any item not operating properly just gives the buyer a bargaining tool or an out.
Good luck. :cheers:

[dredgeguy]

Just depends on how much time and effort you want to put into your car and how fast you want to sell it. Suggest you tell us what you want for the car as is, you might be surprised that one of our members would take it off your hands.

[WARP TEN]

Just depends on how much time and effort you want to put into your car and how fast you want to sell it. Suggest you tell us what you want for the car as is, you might be surprised that one of our members would take it off your hands.

I think Charlie is right. If I learned one thing from 8 years of selling BMWs (and taking in trades) is that you are almost always better off financially to sell the car as is and let the next buyer (or dealer) take care of the issues. Much depends on how much you hope to get for the car. Price it accordingly and you will sell it without having to go through all the effort to correct the various items. Just do a full disclosure. While TX '90 ZR1 is right that a car without issues will always bring a higher price, there are many knowledgeable ZR-1 buyers out there who want a ZR-1 and would be willing to take on a bit of a project if they felt they were getting a fair price that took the issues into account. --Bob

[Dynomite]

Concur with dredgeguy and WARP TEN :thumbsup:

in summary.........Fix those issues you want to fix yourself......
If you are a good fixer 😁
The issues you would pay to fix...let the buyer fix.
Price the ZR-1 accordingly.

There are many guys here who would prefer to fix issues themselves and can do it better than the fixer you would hire and in some cases better than your own fixing 👍

Do make sure the ZR-1 inside and out and engine compartment is as clean as it can be and all fluids are full and in good condition :thumbsup:

[ram_g]

Just BTW, you can buy all 4 FX3 shocks from Rockauto for less than $800 total. A little less than what you're thinking, but every bit helps.

[rkreigh]

fix the fx3, used shocks are CHEAP and many Z brothers go coil over
you can run the late shocks on an early car with the right fx3 controller


I happen to have a complete system off my 95 zr-1. One shock is a bit soft, but serviceable. all the fx3 controllers.



I need $500 for the complete shocks with fx3 controllers
100 for the FX3 controller box (have both early and late)


if you are feeling spendy (hard to find) original Doug Rippie Motorsports with the removable programmable prom to monkey with the shock settings.


I only have a "base prom" for stock shock calibration but it works great and gives some flexibility if you can find the chips (rare)


PM me if interested.


I'd leave the tire pressure stuff alone. not worth the hassle and the stock stuff typically cracks the ears off and bangs around inside the rim (ask me how I know). Kinda freaks you out when you are jammin and the car starts to bang and shake. I'd leave em off the car.

[remembero323]

fix the fx3, used shocks are CHEAP and many Z brothers go coil over
you can run the late shocks on an early car with the right fx3 controller


I happen to have a complete system off my 95 zr-1. One shock is a bit soft, but serviceable. all the fx3 controllers.



I need $500 for the complete shocks with fx3 controllers
100 for the FX3 controller box (have both early and late)


if you are feeling spendy (hard to find) original Doug Rippie Motorsports with the removable programmable prom to monkey with the shock settings.


I only have a "base prom" for stock shock calibration but it works great and gives some flexibility if you can find the chips (rare)


PM me if interested.


I'd leave the tire pressure stuff alone. not worth the hassle and the stock stuff typically cracks the ears off and bangs around inside the rim (ask me how I know). Kinda freaks you out when you are jammin and the car starts to bang and shake. I'd leave em off the car.

Good to know about those sensors--they definitely seemed like a waste of time.

I'll think about the shocks--I won't need the controller box, correct? Mine should still be working fine.

[remembero323]

I think Charlie is right. If I learned one thing from 8 years of selling BMWs (and taking in trades) is that you are almost always better off financially to sell the car as is and let the next buyer (or dealer) take care of the issues. Much depends on how much you hope to get for the car. Price it accordingly and you will sell it without having to go through all the effort to correct the various items. Just do a full disclosure. While TX '90 ZR1 is right that a car without issues will always bring a higher price, there are many knowledgeable ZR-1 buyers out there who want a ZR-1 and would be willing to take on a bit of a project if they felt they were getting a fair price that took the issues into account. --Bob


I might just do that--list it and be perfectly candid about the issues, which I think most knowledgeable buyers would know are relatively trivial. I already ordered the radio amp and front license plate cover, so I think I'm already getting to where I need to be.

The car has 43k miles (exactly), Billy Boat exhaust, and the Haibeck chip. Everything is in good working condition, and I have complete service records from the entire history of the car, including the original purchase paperwork and window stickers, etc. I even have the pizza box and VHS tapes. You think listing at $20k is aggressive?

[remembero323]

Just depends on how much time and effort you want to put into your car and how fast you want to sell it. Suggest you tell us what you want for the car as is, you might be surprised that one of our members would take it off your hands.

I'm in no rush to sell honestly, and I'd like to get about $20k for it. I think that's on the higher end of '90 red on red ZR-1s, but it's realistic. I've got all the service records going back 30 years and the car works great minus the minor issues I mentioned--curb rash on two wheels, Z-51 shock, etc.

[Z51JEFF]

At the very least least the CDM controller to the next owner,not worth the grief trying to replace it just to sell the car. Sadly you will put more money into the car but won't get it out. $20,000 for that car sounds about right.

[dredgeguy]

I think your asking 20K is in the ballpark and good luck with the sale.