1994 #150: New member and new to me ZR-1.

[scorp508]

Just a quick hello to say I've purchased 1994 #150 as my first C4 ZR-1. This girl seems to be well-known after David Johnson had the car so long and did some many good things to her as well as Scott Gentry, Evan Grimmett, and Dennis Derr's engine living on in her from his former '93. I'm proud to be the newest caretaker and to tick off a "bedroom wall poster car" I've always wanted.


It was a smooth 1,700 mile ride from Nebraska to Boston with stops in Michigan and Maryland to visit new and old friends. This was the first time I've ever not only purchased a car sight unseen, but also got in and drove home with zero prep besides a phone mount and a V1 Gen 2. :cheers:


She's back from the detailer after having the paint corrected, exhaust/wheels/wheel liners coated and polished, and the slick Admiral Blue ceramic coated as well. Even on an overcast day she's looking stellar. Can't wait to make some memories with this vehicle. The detail work was by Justin at Final Inspection Auto Detailing in Rochester MA if anyone ever needs something done. https://www.facebook.com/FinalInspection/

[scorp508]

With her new siblings before being cleaned up. Looks like another lift or garage is in order. :icon_scra:mrgreen:

[bob@tradeshowconsulting.c]

Beautiful color and nice collection.. !!! There is nothing like a ZR1

[zyal8r]

Congrats here as well! Looks great after the detailing! I am sure you will enjoy this car a LOT! How's it compare to the Z06? I'm with you, I wanted a ZR-1 literally forever, bucket list car for me. Enjoy it and and share your adventures here along the way :cool:

Mike

[scorp508]

How's it compare to the Z06?

Hey Mike, it's still early but here's my initial review.

The C7 Z06 feels, to no surprise she's 21 years newer, lightyears ahead as far as refinements/comfort. The speed effortlessly comes on and getting to 150 MPH or beyond is a non-event it happens so easy. The magnaride with the 2019 upgrade from GM made the car far more tolerable compared to its original 2015 programming which was a bit more "wooden cart" feeling.


However.... the C4 ZR-1 has a visceral feeling I absolutely love and it's like tossing a go-kart around. The howl to 7K is like no other I've experienced so far, and it commands your attention. Does she squeak and rattle a bit more, sure, but the connection to the road is more direct and I feel like I'm actually driving the car more than the C7 with its fancy rev matching and other technology doo-dads.


I've driven both for 12 hours stints (Omaha to Detroit for the ZR-1 and Boston to Detroit for the Z06) and they're both fun but different experiences. I may actually give the edge to the ZR-1 for seat comfort compared to the Z06's competition seats, though I do wish the ZR-1 had heated seats.

The other neat thing is you currently see C7s all over the place and C8s are popping up more and more. I see far less C4s around here and cannot tell you the last time I saw a ZR-1 in my area either on the road or at a show. It's nice to have something unique to share with people.:cheers:

-brian

[Rad_Rides]

I am jealous of the wheels as I really like the old school OZ Futura wheels!

[AirbusDriver]

Very nice looking!

[zyal8r]

Hey Mike, it's still early but here's my initial review.

The C7 Z06 feels, to no surprise she's 21 years newer, lightyears ahead as far as refinements/comfort. The speed effortlessly comes on and getting to 150 MPH or beyond is a non-event it happens so easy. The magnaride with the 2019 upgrade from GM made the car far more tolerable compared to its original 2015 programming which was a bit more "wooden cart" feeling.


However.... the C4 ZR-1 has a visceral feeling I absolutely love and it's like tossing a go-kart around. The howl to 7K is like no other I've experienced so far, and it commands your attention. Does she squeak and rattle a bit more, sure, but the connection to the road is more direct and I feel like I'm actually driving the car more than the C7 with its fancy rev matching and other technology doo-dads.


I've driven both for 12 hours stints (Omaha to Detroit for the ZR-1 and Boston to Detroit for the Z06) and they're both fun but different experiences. I may actually give the edge to the ZR-1 for seat comfort compared to the Z06's competition seats, though I do wish the ZR-1 had heated seats.

The other neat thing is you currently see C7s all over the place and C8s are popping up more and more. I see far less C4s around here and cannot tell you the last time I saw a ZR-1 in my area either on the road or at a show. It's nice to have something unique to share with people.:cheers:

-brian


Great comparison, thank you! Makes a lot of sense. I had custody of my dad's C6 Z06 for about a year, and I thoroughly enjoyed that car, fast as all get out (not a C7 Z06 obviously) but this was long before my ZR-1. I love the tech in newer cars but honestly the C4s are still my favorite generation. I can't get enough of them. I want other generations at some point, but I'm not letting go of my C4s. I agree that there are fewer and fewer C4s around. I'm in the Kansas City area. Interestingly there is a ZR-1 Registry member about a mile from me (dnobull) - he's got a 40th ZR-1. But years go by without seeing another ZR-1. I'm aware of maybe six within 50 miles, most of them on this forum... but definitely few and far between. It's absolutely nuts to think these cars are "historic" by most states' definitions. I'm trying to think of a good personalized historic plate for mine. Time marches on, I guess.

I agree, I do enjoy the sports seats - very comfortable. And you're not kidding about unique - not much more unique than your Admiral Blue!

Mike

[1977CamaroZ28]

Congratulations and welcome to our big ZR-1 family aroud the world. Beautiful car and wheels!

I agree with your opinion. C4 ZR-1 are other thing... Different to all other Corvettes. When you taste one, you fall in love with this piece of History.

Enjoy the Beast :cheers:

[dredgeguy]

Have several ZR-1's in the New England area. You all should get together and drive down to Corvettes at Carlisle this August. Welcome to the gang!

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Brian,
You have an EXCEPTIONAL ZR-1!

The mods are mostly one of kind, well done, and simply knock out Gorgeous!

All of that , and an Admiral car as well!

It does not get much better than that!

I know you will enjoy it!

I have had mine for 27 years, and while it spends way too much time in the garage, it is an absolute thrill even to take it out for fuel!!!

Having been in Corvettedom for many decades, I still chuckle over the one "drawback???" (not at all) that you will now experience.

There would seem to be absolutely no statute of limitations for how long a particular Corvette will be known as a previous owners car.
I have seen cars owned for 20 or more years still referred to as an original or previous owner, once a very upsetting event to the current owner at a Corvette show that I attended.

Your car is Very Well Known and even you have referred to it as Dave's.

While we all re-train ourselves to now call it Brian's Admiral, just know that when you least expect it, perhaps even many, many years from now, someone may see it and marvel at it, then say, Wow, that's Dave's old car.

Very few car's gain such immortality, and it simply confirms how special Brian's ZR-1 is, and will be!

Welcome and enjoy your beautiful and powerful ZR-1!
:cheers:
Marty

[dredgeguy]

I am in the same situation, I have Marty's car and that is something I am very proud of!

[DRM500RUBYZR-1]

Awwww shucks, Charlie, I hadn't thought of 246 that way.

246 was a standard ZR-1 until YOU made it the way it now is, which is incredible by the way! Just the engine alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truly it will be known as "Dredge Guy's ZR-1"

Stay well my friend!

:cheers:
Marty