Hello!

[aod]

Hello. I'm new here and new to ZR-1 ownership. I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. :wave:

I have a red/red 1990 ZR-1. It was my father's and, unfortunately, he passed away earlier this year and he left it to me. It had 6909 miles on it when I got it transported from Arizona to Wisconsin. It had not been started in 11 years. As fate and luck would have it, the new neighbor that just moved in across the street from me owns an auto shop. :-D Cleaned injectors, a nice new set of Eagle F1s, and fluid flushes and changes, she is purring like a kitten. I love this car, everything about it, and the memories it holds for me. I've got a couple of little things that need to be worked out, but nothing major. One of the airbag sensors is either dirty or bad, the passenger headlight won't lock open, it slowly falls back closed when you have the headlights on and it seems there is a limit switch that isn't getting tripped because it runs longer when opening/closing than the driver side light. The coolant temps get hot when sitting still. I have a Ron Davis radiator and a 165 degree thermostat already ordered to go in to remedy that. Other than that the car is in wonderful shape.

She's been begging me for a Corsa exhaust once all the little bugs are worked out. ;)

[ZR-1nce removed]

Welcome sir! I'm real sorry to hear about how you got your Z but enjoy it just like your dad was still there. I also got a red 90 from my dad who was killed in a motorcycle accident this past April. I hope you enjoy it enough to make dad proud. This is a great place to learn all kinds of stuff about your new toy!

Welcome and God bless,

Darrin

[aod]

Welcome sir! I'm real sorry to hear about how you got your Z but enjoy it just like your dad was still there. I also got a red 90 from my dad who was killed in a motorcycle accident this past April. I hope you enjoy it enough to make dad proud. This is a great place to learn all kinds of stuff about your new toy!

Welcome and God bless,

Darrin

I'm very sorry to hear that Darrin. My condolences. I'm sure you've heard, "I don't know how I'd feel..." from most of your friends and all that. I do know how you feel. Feel free to email or PM me any time if you just want to talk to someone who has gone through the same sort of ordeal. My father's passing wasn't quite as tragic, he was diagnosed with lung cancer in November 2008 and passed away in February of this year. It still doesn't make it easy, that is for sure.

[Z51JEFF]

Hi and welcome,the headlight issue is a common one.The bushings for the gears is shot,the fuel injectors will need to be replaced at some point,they will fail,just a matter of time.Any question you have can be answered right here.Alot of knowledge and helpful owners more than willing to help.

[aod]

Hi and welcome,the headlight issue is a common one.The bushings for the gears is shot,the fuel injectors will need to be replaced at some point,they will fail,just a matter of time.Any question you have can be answered right here.Alot of knowledge and helpful owners more than willing to help.

Thank you Jeff. That's what others have told me is that the injectors will fail. I believe they were all replaced under warranty already once. But, that was before it had sat for 11 years. So far, they seem to be doing really good though.

I've printed out the pictures on how to tear into the motor of the headlight assembly and fix it. Looks like a pretty easy fix.

I guess my only question is, am I doing the right thing by putting in the Ron Davis radiator and the HD165 thermostat that I got from http://www.zr1products.com/? I've got one guy telling me that a thermostat that low coupled with that radiator will never cycle correctly and will fluctuate from closed loop and open loop operation. Now, he works and builds hotrods and race cars, but I don't know exactly how much experience he has with the LT5. The seller of the product assures me that the LT5 runs 15 degrees warmer than what the thermostat opens at, and 180 degrees is ideal. Any guidance on this would be well appreciated.

Thanks again! :)http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

[ZZZZZR1]

Thank you Jeff. That's what others have told me is that the injectors will fail. I believe they were all replaced under warranty already once. But, that was before it had sat for 11 years. So far, they seem to be doing really good though.

I've printed out the pictures on how to tear into the motor of the headlight assembly and fix it. Looks like a pretty easy fix.

I guess my only question is, am I doing the right thing by putting in the Ron Davis radiator and the HD165 thermostat that I got from http://www.zr1products.com/? I've got one guy telling me that a thermostat that low coupled with that radiator will never cycle correctly and will fluctuate from closed loop and open loop operation. Now, he works and builds hotrods and race cars, but I don't know exactly how much experience he has with the LT5. The seller of the product assures me that the LT5 runs 15 degrees warmer than what the thermostat opens at, and 180 degrees is ideal. Any guidance on this would be well appreciated.

Thanks again! :)http://zr1netregistry.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

Welcome new owner!!! Sorry about the circumstances of your ownership of that 90 ZR-1.... Our friend Darrin had something similar happen and it seems like JUST yesterday we were eating Ribs and enjoying an Easter Afternoon together.

Enjoy that car and get that Corsa exhaust!!!!

Regarding your injectors... Likely with the replacement injectors they installed you are "fine", but the stock 90 injectors will wear out due to the ethanol in the new gasoline these day's. Keep driving it (OFTEN) and dont' change it unless you have to.

In reference to the Ron Davis radiator, I have been told to use the stock thermostat.... Check with Jim Voter (I'll send an email) and see what he say's. He installed a Ron Davis and installed a stock thermostat because the upgraded thermostat doesn't "help".

Again Congrats and hope you enjoy that beast! :thumbsup:

Cheers!

David

[Gunny]

Welcome ...

You've definitely found the best place for ZR-1 help & information. We're glad you're here and that you have a very special car.

Let me also invite you to consider membership in the ZR-1 Net Registry which hosts this forum along with a lot of other good things for ZR-1 owners.

Again, congrats on your "new" car.

George Jones

[aod]

Thanks David! Shell 93 octane doesn't seem to have ethanol in it out here. At least, not during the months I'll be driving it anyhow. I'll top off the tank and add some heet to it before I store it during the winter. I'll also start it and let it come up to operating temperature once every week or two during the winter as well. I know that isn't the greatest for keeping carbon deposits down, but I think it is better than just letting it sit the whole winter without starting it at all. The carbon will be blown out the first nice day after Winter anyhow. ;)

That's good info about the thermostat. Unfortunately, I've already purchased it. We'll see what happens. Supposedly it is heavy duty so that's what interested me in that particular one.

Oh, and I forgot to mention my name. My name is Dave as well.

[aod]

Welcome ...

You've definitely found the best place for ZR-1 help & information. We're glad you're here and that you have a very special car.

Let me also invite you to consider membership in the ZR-1 Net Registry which hosts this forum along with a lot of other good things for ZR-1 owners.

Again, congrats on your "new" car.

George Jones

I will definitely look into becoming a registered member. Thanks!

[Paul Workman]

Hulloooo! Welcome to the brotherhood of the BEAST! (Shouting out from "down under" (Illinois).) Green Bay is not to far of a drive to come visit the FBI gang (Fast Boyz of Illinoiz) where some of the famous (and infamous too:rolleyes::mrgreen:) ZR-1 nutz reside. Would be happy to meet you one day soon!

Sorry 'bout the circumstances - my condolences. But, I'm sure your dad will be smiling to see his pride and joy sitting in his ZR-1!

Great people here, to be sure.

P.

[secondchance]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your dad.
This bunch of group is invaluable in keeping LT5 running in top shape. Due to relatively small number of production not too many mechanics are truly familiar nor do they wish to get familiar with LT5.
Nonetheless, we manage nicely. Don't we boys...:hello:

[GOLDCYLON]

Welcome Aboard :wave:

[QB93Z]

Dave,

Welcome to the group. I am sorry for your loss. It is nice to have good memories to hold on to.

I think that you will be happy with the Ron Davis radiator with the stock thermostat. I have installed aftermarket radiators in two ZR-1's (1990, 1993) and I am using the 180 thermostat in both. I drag race the 1993 and I have never had a temperature problem.

If you have any problems installing the radiator, post up and you will get lots of assistance.

Jim

[carter200]

Welcome and sorry, too, for your loss. Enjoy the Z. They are special cars :hello:

[flyin ryan]

Welcome :hello:. Glad you found your way over here.

[jonszr1]

on randy woods165 deg therm. it a quality piece,i have one in my 92 as well as the ron davis rad ,and she runs between 178to 182 on the freeway. very happy with my setup.

[scottfab]

Welcome abord! And as others have said I too have memories of my Dad working on a vett (not a Z). Sorry about your loss.

The airbag system has it's little problems too just like other well known issues with the zr1.
I think you can get to this link even as a non registered member:
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Old_Proj/old_proj7.htm

There are lots of other things to learn about the car. But it's ALL worth it.
Good luck.

[aod]

Thanks for the comments guys! I got the headlight assembly out last night. Those electrical clips gave me a hell of a time! Anyhow, it was getting late and banging out the pin that holds the linkage together was proving to be far too loud to remove the motor from the assembly last night. I'll get that done tonight hopefully.

[Z Factor]

Hello and welcome to the forum. :handshak:

:cheers:

[RedSled]

I would also like to say hi and welcome. You certainly have the best color combo. ;-)

- Keith, '90 Red/Red, #1383

[aod]

I would also like to say hi and welcome. You certainly have the best color combo. ;-)

- Keith, '90 Red/Red, #1383

Thanks! Yeah, everything about it just screams early 90's, it's great. I feel like I should be wearing an Op shirt and a strap on my sunglasses. :)

Oh, I have some videos of it here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/aodnabisco#play/uploads

And I believe the one video I have in there of the nice sounding ZR-1 is a member on this board somewhere. God that thing sounds gorgeous! :worship:

[aod]

Well, I just ordered the Corsa exhaust for her. :) :) :)

[ZZZZZR1]

Well, I just ordered the Corsa exhaust for her. :) :) :)

:thumbsup: "One" of the best upgrades!

Drive a car with headers my friend and that will be next!

Good luck and post up after you install the corsa

David

[tomtom72]

:hello:Welcome to our obsession!

:handshak: sorry for the circumstances of your loss.

:cheers:
Tom

Just a friendly reminder about lower T-stats, if you don't change the programed "on" & "off" temps on the chip a lower T-stat will work against you. Also, I'll bet there is a good deal of sand/dirt stuck in the fins even at 6909 miles. There was a good bit in mine after only 7400 miles. These cars run "hot" from the factory as it's part of the emissions management strategy. Also, if you are going to a thicker core, you may want to look into the second design fans as they move more air and that may help suck it thrui your Ron Davis core better than the early fan design. Corvette recycling has the whole assembly for about $100.00 + shipping.
Sorry to be so nosey and foreward.:redface:

[aod]

:hello:Welcome to our obsession!

:handshak: sorry for the circumstances of your loss.

:cheers:
Tom

Just a friendly reminder about lower T-stats, if you don't change the programed "on" & "off" temps on the chip a lower T-stat will work against you. Also, I'll bet there is a good deal of sand/dirt stuck in the fins even at 6909 miles. There was a good bit in mine after only 7400 miles. These cars run "hot" from the factory as it's part of the emissions management strategy. Also, if you are going to a thicker core, you may want to look into the second design fans as they move more air and that may help suck it thrui your Ron Davis core better than the early fan design. Corvette recycling has the whole assembly for about $100.00 + shipping.
Sorry to be so nosey and foreward.:redface:

Thanks! You're not being nosey at all, in fact I appreciate you bringing these things to my attention. I didn't realize you needed to program it after you change the thermostat temp. What is used to change the program? Thank for the fan tip as well!

[aod]

As a side note, I fixed my passenger headlight last night. The inserts in the gear were completely dust. So, what I found that worked perfectly was a pack of window regulator gear plugs at the local auto parts store. The place is called Advanced Auto, but I'm sure your typical Vatozone and whatnot have it as well. It's in with all the other misc. interior junk like door lock knobs, window crank knobs, etc. These particular ones were from HELP! and they said they were for 2003-1965 Fords (yeah, the year range was backwards and everything). Anyhow, these work very well as this is exactly what they are for and there are even the right number of plugs for the gear in the pack. I assume the gear in the headlight motor is basically just a window regulator gear.

:cheers:

[tomtom72]

Sorry, I should have included this link to Marc Haibeck's site....:o

http://www.zr1specialist.com/

Tons of stuff in the way of tech discussions over there and great reading!

Did you do both head lights? I had one acting up and the brothers told me to do them both.

:cheers:
Tom

Our chips are ROM, read only memory. You have to pull the chip, write the changes, then load the changes to the chip....antique electronics...we can't "talk" to our chips while they're in the ECM like the OBDII suff.

[aod]

Sorry, I should have included this link to Marc Haibeck's site....:o

http://www.zr1specialist.com/

Tons of stuff in the way of tech discussions over there and great reading!

Did you do both head lights? I had one acting up and the brothers told me to do them both.

:cheers:
Tom

Our chips are ROM, read only memory. You have to pull the chip, write the changes, then load the changes to the chip....antique electronics...we can't "talk" to our chips while they're in the ECM like the OBDII suff.

Thanks for the info. I did just the one, but I have a feeling the driver side one will need to be done soon. The passenger headlight motor would run longer than the driver side motor after they were fully open or closed before I fixed it. Now after the fix it is the opposite. The driver side runs longer than the passenger side. I was hoping the other side would last a while as it is kind of a PITA to get the motor assembly back together. Getting the armature back in without the carbons flying out or the shaft being pulled out by the magnets in the housing is fun.

So then the chip is a PROM? Either way, I'm guessing I'll either have to purchase a PROM writer or send the chip to someone.

[tomtom72]

Try this link for instructions on just doing the bushings. I used it and I had an easy time of it.

http://home.comcast.net/~zrjuan/headlight.html


I didn't take apart the motors, just the gear cases. The only rub is the large gear. You will have to modify it a tiny bit...no really easy mod. Even I didn't muck it up!:sign10:

Yes, we are OBDI and our "chips" are a removable EPROM. We can't "talk" to it and write to it if it is mounted in the ECM. Check out the link in my other post for one source to get either yours re-written or I think Marc will sell outright also....don't quote me on the "sell outright" though...:o

:cheers:
Tom

[aod]

Try this link for instructions on just doing the bushings. I used it and I had an easy time of it.

http://home.comcast.net/~zrjuan/headlight.html (http://home.comcast.net/%7Ezrjuan/headlight.html)


I didn't take apart the motors, just the gear cases. The only rub is the large gear. You will have to modify it a tiny bit...no really easy mod. Even I didn't muck it up!:sign10:

Yes, we are OBDI and our "chips" are a removable EPROM. We can't "talk" to it and write to it if it is mounted in the ECM. Check out the link in my other post for one source to get either yours re-written or I think Marc will sell outright also....don't quote me on the "sell outright" though...:o

:cheers:
Tom

That's the site I followed for doing my headlight, but it is really unclear on how to get the gears out. The big gear would not come out without pulling out the worm gear in my case. In order to pull out the worm gear, you have to take the case further apart. The worm gear is on the shaft with the armature so it all has to come out. Unfortunately, there are no retainers to hold the carbons in place until you get the armature back in. This is a two person job. One holds the carbons back by their wires and the other takes the armature/shaft and puts it in. After that, you can let the carbons go. The next part is tricky because the housing has the strong magnets in it that complete the motor. When putting it back over the shaft, take a flat-head screwdriver and put it through the hole the shaft is going to come through. Keep pressure on the armature shaft with the screwdriver while you put the housing back down around the armature, otherwise the armature will jump out and stick to the magnets in the housing and the carbons will let go again, then you get to start over again. It's tough to explain, but it was a pain.

What modification did you have to do to your gear? Using the window regulator gear plugs I didn't have to make any modifications to the gear at all.

If there is a way to get the main gear out without removing the worm gear I'd love to hear it.

[tomtom72]

Okay, this is going to sound like I'm a senile old man!:hal:

I did these back in late 05 or early 06, so to the best of my recollection the gears came out without taking the motor apart to move the worm gear out of the way. I know that sounds nuts, but I would have remembered if I had to tear the motor down just to get the big plastic gear out of the case.

I had to make a file mark in the solid edge of the gear with the plastic bushings(?)....see I'm senile! I can't remember! The file cut was to get the gear back into the case. It would not go back in past the the worm gear? Damn, I wish I could remember! I proly got that info from another source that I can't remember! Damn! Maybe Corvette Central or one of those places, because I bought the replacement parts from one of those on-line aftermarket guys, sorry I don't remember!:mad::redface:

[WB9MCW]

Welcome to the ZOO -- Glad to have you aboard!