Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

It's been one of my favorite cars every since they came out, and with my other hot rods getting close to being complete I'd like to grab one.. I had a built head/cam C5Z a while back and wish I still had it.. Went head to head with a Rippie ZR1 back in the day, and fell in love with it.. Plus the LT5 is a work of art.. How do they compare with the C5Z's? What's the best years to have? Modding them a nono at this point? I'm not a huge fan a stock cars.. Been reading this site a lot and a lot of good stuff here.. Looking forward to learning as much as possible

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Yes...The LT5 IS a Work Of Art :thumbsup:

[LT5 Modifications/Rebuilds Details]

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Buy whatever one you like, theyre all good.
Drive one first, get to know the feeling and sound of a healthy LT5.
Tell us where you live and I'm sure one of the members here will give you a ride and key you into all the technical aspects.
These days its far cheaper to buy a modded car if thats what you want.
They trade fairly often and some really great buys can be had.
There are lots of ZR1s listed on eBay, but be forewarned, rarely a good deal is to be had from there.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Year doesn't matter if you're going to mod them, tho the later years are truly refined.

Porting and exhaust will get you into the 510HP league w/o sacrifice to drivability or gas mileage (Cruise control set at 75mph and I still get 26.4 mph. The "510" package consisting of porting, headers, 3" exhaust, and tune.)

What's not to like!!

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Welcome! You found the right place. This is the friendliest most helpful group of its kind on the internet. Educating yourself about these cars before you buy is the best way to find the right car for you and minimize unrealistic expectations that could later sour the experience.

Remember, your buying a ~30 year old car. There will be challenges with parts availability and repairs. Your best off to learn the car and do your own work, if your capable. Even low mile cars can have major issues from simply sitting. Also be aware your dealing with 1st generation automotive computer electronics that are, in many cases, very unlike today's electronics. Generally, within this community, parts availability is not a problem. Especially with supporting vendors like JerrysGaskets.com. Don't expect to find many LT5 specific parts from the normal sources.

You ask about comparing the ZR-1 to a C5 Z06 and such. Simply put there really is no comparison. The C5 chassis is more refined. But the C4 will handle as well if not better depending on what you do with it. The C4 is a more raw, visceral even analog driving experience. Squeaks and rattles included. The LT5 and the LS1/6 could not be more different. LS motors need no explanation. The LT5 is more European in nature with a ~7200 rpm redline and most of its power (hp & torque) well above 4000 rpm. Don't look for the LT5 to have the low end torque of an LS. Its simply a different experience.

In any case, poke around here, ask questions and like has been said see if you can find a local owner and drive one.
H
:cheers:

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I own a modded '94 ZR-1 and a good friend bought a stock '02 Z06. WILDLY different cars.

My car has improved air flow to the engine (ported plenum, injector housings, and headers), 4.10 gears and upgraded cooling and braking. The rest of the engine is stock (injectors, cams, crank, etc). My car is a LOT more engaging to drive on the road than the Z06 was. The Z was more tight feeling (in a good way), quieter (he has the trunk divider in it) and smoother.

When driving the Z06, I immediately missed the high RPM and how the car was "wrapped" around me. A good friend of mine once said, "You get into a C5, and you PUT ON a C4."

Were the C5Z modded, I'm sure my impression would have been different.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

One common thing I see in threads like this is.... ZR-1 or any decent to nice C4, you need to understand these are hands on cars. You will need a factory service manual. If you ( and I am not saying you are- this will answer future questions like this) plan on learning the car and be able to work on your own car, if you send your car out every time an issue pops up, it will never be cost effective and you will not love the car. I am not saying they aren't great cars, on the contrary, they are but at 30 years old, these cars need regular maintenance and lots of little small items all the time. I personally believe you fix and issue when it occurs, the worst thing to do is let a lot of little issue pile up and when you go to fix multiple items at once, it makes diagnosis and repairs much harder than it needs to be. The ZR-1 is a GEM in the car world and one of the most under appreciated vehicles EVER. NOTHING beats opening the hood of a clean ZR-1 LT5 engine, nothing even comes close to that awe inspiring view of the C4 ZR-1 not the C5.C6,C7, C8...period. JMHO

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I think pretty much everything has been covered. My biggest piece of advice, if you're looking to mod one, see if you can find one that's already done. Will be way cheaper than doing it all fresh (speaking from experience).

I'll echo the sentiment that there's nothing else like a C4 ZR-1, it's American muscle combined with European exoticness. The LT5 at 7000+ rpm is a joy (especially a modded/built one). It may not sound like much, but the extra revs over the 6500 of an LS1/2/3/6 make a big difference (especially in my case with a 7400rpm limit). I've had C5s (including Z06), C6s (GS & ZR1) and C7, and my modded C4 ZR-1 is the most raw, driver focused driving experience of any of them. The only one that compares for fun/uniqueness is my C6 ZR1, but that car has over 200HP more, an incredible sound (between the exhaust & blower whine) and is an even rarer color.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I was on the hunt for a "normal" 95/96 C4 when I stumbled upon a Z owner at a local Cars and Coffee.

Bought my 1994 ZR1 about a week later :)

Work on your own cars, stay connected to the network of enthusiasts via this Registry and and the car will be a joy to own.

I've got a laundry list of items "TO-DO" on my car but thats going to be fun!

All Corvettes are beautiful and the C4Z is a modern marvel, but the Z community adds another level of enjoyment to an already AMAZING car.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

:thumbsup: Yep! Well put!

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Awesome, thank you for all the input guys!! Clearly an awesome website to be to learn about these cars.. I found a bunch of them online, and one local.. All stock except for one Lingenfelter car with 57k on it.. That many miles kind of pushes me away to be honest.. The age of the car and the maintenance issues aren't an issue as it would be the newest, and least complicated of my hot rods.. The two others are in quadruple hp territory, so there's more maintenance than driving them.. How reliable are the hopped up ZR1's? It effect their value down the road at all?

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I think others might agree with me to still consider the Lingenfelter car. That is low miles for the age and for an LT5, and these cars don?t do well sitting. They are meant to be driven. Buy the best car you can find with good maintenance records, etc. It will save you in the long run to not look for a cheap, questionable car. Best wishes and looking forward to your joining the family. Aloha!! 🤙🏼


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

If your concerned about reliability because of mileage, it's simply not a factor. Many 150k mile cars are running around, some over 200k. Reliability of the mechanicals are outstanding for this engine. I've inspected 200k mile engines with internal wear you would expect to see on a 50k mile engine. The electronics are generally more affected by age and duty cycles than mileage. Low mile cars have their own set of problems from excessive time sitting without running and frequent starting and stopping without warming up. Given the age of these cars a 50k mile car is probably in the sweet spot of drivability and mileage.

On the other hand if your into low mile cars for their (theoretical) value retention or NCRS appeal, you probably already know what your looking for.
Good luck with your search.
H
:cheers:

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Welcome to the obsession! I took a chance on my 1990, lots of issues that I'm still working through 3 years later, but I always wanted one and have not been disappointed. It's an absolute joy to drive. Also, this forum is simply the best, tons of experience and knowledge, and willingness to go above and beyond for members and non members alike. Don't really have advice since I think it's already been covered other than do some homework and then take the plunge! Best of luck!

Sent from my SM-N920V using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

OP:

Yep! Hans is right! You cannot compare anything you know about SBCs to the LT5. I've been rebuilding and hotrodding SBCs going back to the late 60s. But, these LT5 motors all were hand assembled and tested. With a 12Qt oil pan and regular changes (basic maintenance), these motors are just getting broken in at the 100k point! In fact, I saw a car sent to Marc Haibeck for "freshening up" that had 170k miles and was used as a track car. It had some wear, but it was still w/in factory tolerances throughout! Try THAT with just about any motor you can name!

Point is, I wouldn't give a 57k motor a second thought, long as it was maintained (of course).

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Thank you for all the replies guys, awesome info.. A modded ZR1 would be my preference as a 500-600hp car would be fun but very slow compared to my other hot rods, so who in the ZR1 world other than DRM and LPE would be a reputable builder for these cars? I ask because the last hot rod I bought a couple years ago was supposed to be a "top shelf build" with no short cuts taken.. Yeah, that ended up a gut job and needing a complete new drivetrain minus the block.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

And that's EXACTLY why I'm in love with these cars.. The other Z06's and ZR1's are impressive no doubt, but not terribly unique or different compared to the other models.. The C4 ZR1 is just different.. Different then, and different now.. It's the unicorn of the corvette family.. Plus Mercury Racing has always pumped out the baddest motors in offshore racing. Be cool to have some custom cam covers made up that have Merc Racing on them instead of Corvette :)

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Don't kid yourself a 500 - 600hp C4 Z is not slow at all. Way fast for any public road.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

It?s objective. Had a C5Z in that power range, fun power range for the street, but nothing crazy..

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Um, yeah... As you get into these cars, as someone said: these are a "hands-on" car - a lot to learn - these ain't your basic pushrod mills! (For example: The cam covers make up the retaier caps for the cams - are in integral part of that particular engine and ARE NOT interchangeable. Or, porting the heads requires an engine pull as cam timing is easier with the engine out - including the work to remove/reinstall it - than attempting to do it while in the car...stuff like that!)

For the mechanically inclined, they (DOHC motors) aren't at all that difficult, but each has their quirks - dos and don'ts - that pretty much eliminates most of the dealer mechanics from consideration (many dealer mechanics have never even seen an LT5 before). However, There are some specialists around the country, e.g., Marc Haibeck (ZR1 Specialist), Pete Palatsidis in the Chicago area and Steve (Cross Flags Performance) in the Tx area (and there are others too).

Anyway... NO WORRIES on that 57k mileage...she's still just a baby!!! Or paraphrasing Dorthy - speaking of the LT5: "We aren't in pushrod land any more, ToTo!!"

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I have a 91 blk/blk Z....Purchased stock in 14...Between Pete and Dempsey the car makes 448 RWHP on a mustang dyno..

Its true they are not torque monsters...Its true though once over 4 grand it builds power all the way past 7 grand..My car is cammed so it has a slight chop to it and that buzz saw sound from the fidanza.....I got used to that sound and don't mind it at all..

I think of maybe selling in the spring and getting a C6 Z06 built or a C6ZR1...

Thing is realistically my car should bring in low 20's and its a lot of car for that money the way it is set up and the rarity of it..

Thing is I'm looking at a substantial increase in price with a built C6Z06 and especially a C6ZR1.....I kicked around the idea of going to a 391ci....Its another ten grand basically when I threw the idea out to Dempsey...Who knows maybe Pete or Dempsey will have a half price sale on these soon since all of the porting is done..Lol.


I wish I could drive a built C6Z06 or C6Zr1 and see if the additional money is worth it..

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Sounds like a nice car!! Nothing wrong with a little chop.. lol When did you get all the work done to it? How many miles on the car? Post up pics!!

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Looks like the LPE car might be gone and going over seas. I've been in touch with him and told him I want the car, but it's a waiting game now and hopefully the exporting is going to be a problem with todays environment and I can get the car.. Honestly, I've never been this excited to get a car..

IF I'm lucky enough to get it, I would go ahead and update the exhaust with SW long tubes, an SLP Claw, new tune, and possibly swap out the BB cat back with a corsa system.. A short throw would definitely be the first thing, but from what Ive been gathering, it's not easy to swap out the shifter for a short throw.. But first thing first, we gotta get the car or one just like it.. Fingers crossed!!!

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

57,000 miles...Purchased car stock at 41,000 miles....Evolution motorsports in VA did most of the work....Work was done Dec of 17.....Its Dempseys shop...He's a registry member he knows the car...

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

John how much do you want for the car?


Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

:thumbsup: I agree w/ everything said!!!

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

PM sent :)

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

First time poster here. Looking to purchase my first ZR-1, live in Michigan and have just started looking. With a budget of $15-18k and not a lot of access to local shops (to my knowledge) that know the LT5, will I be able to find a ?nice? ZR-1? Any advice on buying from a dealer vs. private seller for these cars?

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Here is one in your budget $18,000. Located in WI.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Or this one. 33,000 miles. Stock besides mufflers and radio. $18,500.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

This is a little outside your budget. 33,000 miles. $21,500

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Zman, could you send me a PM with the cars you have for sale? Any of them modded maybe?

I still can't see pics or enter profiles to send PM's myself...

Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G955F using ZR-1 Net Registry mobile app

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Do you happen to have the links to either one of these ZR1's?

Thanks,
John

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

I'd pay 21k for that Z all day..... Now I'm wishing I would of bought one with some mods. I'm at the point to where it's gonna start getting expensive lol.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

Here are Zr1?s that could be purchased at a budget price. All are well maintained. Most serviced by Marc or Pete.
90 Black/Black, 52,000 miles $18,000
90 Red/Saddle, 32,000 miles Ported, 4:10, 450hp $21,500
90 Black/Black 32,000 miles stock, tinted windows $18,500
92 Yellow/Black $15,000+\-, 82,000 miles 450hp
(car is at Pete?s getting oil leak fixed)

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

There is a black 90 just listed in Colorado,30,000 miles at $20,000. Have no info on the car but it will pop up,think I saw it on the Z page on Facebook.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

So much for the theory of ZR-1 prices going up? ☹️

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

You need to wait at least another fifteen years!
All stock low mileage will go up first.


:cry:

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

That seems to be what people were saying 15 years ago. The youngest ZR-1 is now over 25 years old. 1967 435 Corvettes were already quite valuable in the market by the time they were 15 years old.

Re: Looking to get into my 1st ZR1
 

There not investments C4 ZR1's...Its stuck in the Bastard generation of corvettes and that's not going to change...

Most C4's on the road are really not that taken care of...Buy one to drive...The motor alone will get plenty attention at car shows ..You will get the phrase " I remember when these came out " all the time....

Since its over 25 years old your classic insurance will be super cheap and its a ten dollar safety inspection in most states..