New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Hey all :)

So I was lurking around on here last couple of days as I was hoping on becoming a new ZR1 owner. Long story short found a 1990 Black on Black ZR1 sitting in a garage with 26K on the odometer. Owner had to liquidate it quickly and I made him an offer he refused. Few days later (today) he called an accepted the offer. Drove it home and parked it till daylight to see what I really bought.

Few observations and issues that need immediate attention. I have searched all over and have not found any solutions to these particular issues specifically. Thought maybe some of you could assist me with correcting these "issues". Not listed in any particular order:

Both headlights do not want to stay fully open

Prev owner states radio and A/C run together blows a fuse

I can't figure out how to get car in reverse gear. Saw him do it but was embarrassed to call and ask him if there was a reverse lock out.

The Low tire pressure light and the LTPWS light came on while driving home.

Other then that car is in very good shape. needs to be cleaned as i think it was stored in the garage and not driven in approx 3 years. It is going to the shop for a complete once over first thing next week but I want to drive it this weekend a little.

Any advice? assistance?

Thanks in advance.


Tom

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

There are three little bushings on the inside of the motor that breakdown as they age. You need to replace them with either ball bearings, or plastic spacer bushings.

There is a shared line S214 that joins the head unit and the AC controller together behind the stereo. You need to get a service manual and start checking things out, or you need to see a pro in your area if you are not comfortable with electrical repairs.

There is a lift ring collar on the shifter. Lift up and it pulls a rod up. If the rod does not slid up, there is a small 3mm set screw in the collar that you tighten down to have it grab the rod.

Do check the tire pressure. Then go down to the nearest tire shop and remove the tire pressure sensors and throw them in a box.



Welcome to the insane asylum. Enjoy the experience.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

you may have a bad sensor in one of the tires to light the ltpws.did you ck your tire pressure .the headlights could be bad nylon gears .can be got from mid america. they sell a rebuild kit. if you didnt get the factory service manuals with the car you need to get them .they are as thick as a bible . cant help on the radio airconditoning deal . welcome to the asilum . you will love this car . ps when cking the oil level do mit after the car sits overnight :cheers:

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

WOW! Awesome guys!!

Where do I get the Headlight rebuild kit from? I am also installing HID's in the car.

If I chuck the TPS sensors will the light remain on or do I install new ones or???

Electrical: Will send to a stereo shop ASAP.

Rev: LOL you should have seen me trying to get it in reverse tonight. I looked like such an idiot that didn't deserve to be behind the wheel of a ZR1.

Where do I get the ZR1 bibles from?

BTW wait till you see a set of MovIt CER's installed on the car in a few months once they are made. Sneak peak...

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...rvc6z06g27.jpg

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

All the major catalog companies will be more than happy to rape you for parts. You can get some nylon bushings from home depot.

Here is a write up from a ZR-1 owner

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


No, the light will go out if all 4 are removed.

I would not use a stereo shop. Find a competent mechanic in Corvettes or at the minimum a car electrical certified shop.

www.helminc.com or ebay. There are three books, but two main ones.

Bank!

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

On the brake system I am gonna cheat a little I own the USA/Canada distributorship of MovIt. The owner of MovIt in Germany also has a ZR1 in the toy box. He turned me on to this jewel.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

I'll be talking to you.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Anytime my friend open 24/7 for brake talk/car talk/truck talk lol u get it. . :)

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Congrats TFENT on the nice low mile 90 score and welcome to the Zoo!

You may want to join this group too >>> http://www.blackcorvettes.com

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

All signed up just waiting for access. :P thanks !!

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

:hello: Welcome TFNET to the BOB! You sir, have excellant taste in fine motor cars...:handshak:......the black ones are faster...they tell me:mrgreen:.

On that reverse thing, oh yea I know about that, but I'll go one better....parking brake lever took me a while to get also! The transport driver got a kick outta me that day! He was laughing up a storm. Oh, on the Helm FSM's....I was just there & they are out of stock on the 90 set.

Good luck with, and enjoy your christmass present!

:cheers:
Tom

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Update.

So today started out with a bath to see how the paint looked. I would say it is a solid 9.5 out of 10 for 18 years old.

Next stop was to the good old CA smog shop. Car passed with flying colors!

Then to AAA to register the car and change titles. Also added to the policy. Insured it as a classic with an agreed payout of $35K and full coverage for get this. $161 per year. NICE!

Next stop was Discount Tire. Read below. In addition to the below info. I have the Chromed Sawblade wheels on my car. I am reading these are the rare ones?? I am correct? I am going to take these off to make room for the 18's that will be needed to the new brake system. So any advice on these rims would help.

Then Stereo Shop for a look over of electrical system. StreetNoyz in San Diego is the best in the business. Made an appointment for high fidelity make-over, new tint, alarm system, HID install ect.

Then last stop of the day I think as I am here now typing this on the laptop. Is a place call True-Line. They are the wrench experts I trust here locally. They do all of my clients MovIt Brake upgrades for me and numerious other things like suspension systems and general wrenching. I brought the ZR1 here for an alignment and so they can go over the whole car to see if it needs any fluids, bolts tightened, or anything that needs imidiate attention.

Problems from last night addressed:

TPS was working surprisingly. The tires had between 15-21 psi in them all around. So we balanced and air them up. So far not too bad. Still a tiny vibration but I will try the Hunter Load Balance machine in a few weeks. Should fix that. Low Press light is now off but the TPS system light is on.

Radio: SHOT! makes no sound at all. Thinking of just installing and Eclipse GPS NAV system in it. Maybe send out the factory deck to get fixed for future use.


New items discovered:

The glass top is whacked in one spot. The mount in the crossover of the roof is off by like an inch. So that will have to come apart so I can see if the mount can be re-aligned.

The rear window window defroster wire on the glass itself has become unsoldered in several places. Anyone ever heard of this wire being resolderable?

Rear window creaks loudly from the roof mount when entering uneven surfaces. Actually this thing is a regular rattle box. Seems there are sounds coming from everywhere.

There is a sound coming from under the car when I turn the Ign off. Almost sounds like a rod knocking. I am guessing that it is in the clutch system.

The tranny whins pretty loudly. Specially in 1st gear. But then again I am without any radio so I am being hyper-sensitive.

Lastly on thing I have notcied is at an idle the oil pressure bounces all over the place. From below 0-up, I am assuming this is a known issue and is in the sender or pigtail to the sender.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Hello Tom, and welcome to the forum. :handshak:

As you can see, most of the list has been covered by helpful forum members and can be do it yourself repairs. Normally I don't recommend going to dealers, but there is a certified(at least there was a few years ago) ZR-1/LT5 mechanic working in the San Diego area if you are interested. Just PM me if you need the info.

:cheers:

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Thank you PM sent.

Well last update for the night. We found a rather large oil leak under the motor at the cross member. :(

Gonna order some of Amsoil's slippery stuff to put in the motor and tranny.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Beast!!

The '90's are the best looking as well as the fastest.
:mrgreen:

Remove the wheel sensors. The light will go out.
A couple of people a year experience a wheel sensor failure at high speed. It could be fatal. Take 'em out and put them away for the next guy.

A radio in a ZR1 is kind of an oxymoron. Why listen to Willey Nelson or Abba when there's a world class symphony playing the most beautiful music known to man under the hood?
The "Blows" radio is a common failure item. You might have to send the speakers off too, the amps in them are another common failure item. Send 'em all to Dr. Don's:
http://www.doctordons.com/
Then put them in a box and save them for the next guy.

There's some play in the mounts, but an inch? *shakes head*
I'll bet the glass top of from an earlier C4.

The rear hatch is common to all C4's.
It will probably be cheaper and easier to just replace it with a good used one that's in better shape.

Tighten the 4 bolts holding the targa top in place. If the top isn't secured, the car will flex, and squeaks come from everywhere.

This "Rod Knocking" sound is a common feature of the Dual Mass Flywheel. Have a fellow ZR1'er listen to the sound, if it is the dual mass flywheel, get used to it.
The whining you hear is common to the "Black Tag" ZF6.
There's a long drawn out scientific explanation involving the angle of the gears, phases of the moon, and pimples on a hyenas' butt, but I won't bore you with the details. It whines in first gear.
It sounds great. :mrgreen:

Another common item, it's probably the pressure sending unit under the oil filter.
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_issues.htm#4


And again, welcome to the Brotherhood!!

TomC
"Crabs"

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

I am sure this will not be the last time I thank all of you for the assistance. I really appriciate all the help.


I will be removing the radio this coming weekend and having the Eclipse NAV system installed. Radio and supporting hardware will be sent to the DR. Stereo shop stated the only way to get the front speaker system out of the door was to remove the window regulators.

Wheel sensors will be removed ASAP, then boxed and stored.

The car is super fun to drive. I will be ordering a chip too this week. Now if I can just figure out what wheels and tires to run. Thinking 18's all around with 10"a in front with 295's and 12's in back with 335's.

Just need to figure out the oil leak now under the car near the engine cross-over. We were going to use dye this week and blacklight it.

The roof piece is wierd. I will post a picture of it in the AM when the sun arises again.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Usually the leak you are talking about is from loose oil pan bolts. See if they are loose before trying dye's.

To set the record straight the Black Z's are the fast ones and the 95's look way better:dancing

Good luck with your Z.:cheers:

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

TFENT, welcome to the Brotherhood! The support here is always great and I've learned so much from these guys.

:handshak:

Here's an example;

Quote:
If I chuck the TPS sensors will the light remain on or do I install new ones or???
No, the light will go out if all 4 are removed.

I did not know this until reading this post. My driver's side rear is the bad one and I'm just going to have them removed.

Jason

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Welcome to the family.

Have you considered this in the ZR-1 Net Store if you don't need the hard copy of manuals:

LT5 Technical Documentation

$69.99 http://www.zr1.net/ZR1netstore/conte...vetobasket.JPGhttp://www.zr1.net/ZR1netstore/conte.../favourite.gif ShippingShipping USA (+$6.00) Shipping International (+$12.00)



LT5 Technical Documentation on DVD
The DVD of the LT5 Technical documentation includes the following manuals:
1. 1990 Service Repair Manual
2. 1990 Service Repair Manual Electrical Supplement
3. 1990 - 1993 Engine supplement
4. 1990 - 1994 CCM Diagnostics Repair Manual
5. 1990 - 1995 Engine Overhaul Mechanical Manual
6. 1990 - 1995 Parts & Illustrations Manual
All 6 manuals are compiled onto one DVD and indexed, searchable by text, as well as part #, contains almost 6,000 pages.

$69.99 + shipping ($6.00 in the US)

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Gonna buy it right now :) Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Hey how do you find out what number your vette was made?

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

You're more than welcome. The last 4 numbers on your VIN are your production number.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Then I have Production #0775 :-D

Anyone know about the sawblade ZR1 wheels and their rarity?? These are what my ZR1 has and i want to sell them and get 18's. They are chromed as well with deep treaded Yokohama's on them The AVS Sports.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...5007-vette.jpg

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

The speakers are not in the doors,they are in the sill panels down by your foot.This place thats going to do the audio work is tops?The CDM box for the stereo needs to be sent out as well.You've come to the right place for info as well as parts go.The injectors will need to be replaced.What you need to do is find somebody in your area that can work on the car.Welcome to the madness and enjoy the ride,aint nothin like it:thumbsup:

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Interesting. I was there for a few minutes and he didn't really have time to give the car a once over. The car will be there for a week next week.

Z Factor asked me to PM him cuz he knew of a LT5 expert here in town. So I am awaiting his response. Why do you think the injectors need replacing??

The tires are not the originals. They are new and only a few years old. I thought they hardened up cuz the car was buzzing like crazy today but after the balance job the car smoothed right out. One needed a few ounces and I had them check the pressure and balance before they didn't any new mods to the wheels. This to establish a starting point if any additional diagnostics were necessary. All the tires were between 15-21 lbs and the weights were all off by .5-2.0 ounces on each side of the wheels.

Can't wait to meet you my friend we have lots to discuss:)

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

They go out in all the 90-92s so if its got the original injectors they will need to be replaced.Those wheels are from a 91-92.Your cars a 90?

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Whats a good replacement injector?

Yeap 1990, thats what was on the car. I stole it so I can't complain. I dont see these wheels very often especially in the 17x11.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

The cam chains make some racket when the car sits for a short time,its normal.Some have found that with a Bosch filter and Amsoil gets rid of some of the racket.Ive got the Bosch filter,cant notice much of a change.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

The top injectors are the RCs at about $1400? a set but replaced mine a few months ago with a set of Accels for $600.The Accels seem to be the most popular injector.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Already ordered the Amsoil tonight. Ordered new fuel and oil filters too think they were WIX brand Amsoil sells.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

You recall the part number?

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Off hand no but its the most popular injector so the number will pop up.If you need parts Jeffvette got what you might need.While you have the plenum off replace the plug wires and coils.Check out Marc Haibeck for the chip.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

what are some signs the injectors are going/gone bad?

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Car running on 7 cylinders,poor idle,car dies every once in awhile.This is what mine did.I had planned on replacing them over the winter but they couldnt wait and one died so I did the job in July.My car had maybe 8500 miles when they went out.Jerrys got the gaskets you will need for the injector install.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

So far the car is really strong, pulls really hard from 4K up. The engine has not miss-behaved at all. Good idle, except for a second after you let the clutch in it high idles, but I read thats a programming thing. I will call Marc H. first thing on Mon morning.

The main plan is to do the plug upgrade pretty quickly. Do the chip and see how that works. The 1-4 thing is driven me crazy, so I just keep hammering the throttle from light to light. lol Again chip will take care of that too.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

The 1-4 thing = CAGS

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Amsoil AMO 10-40 is recommended by guru Mark Haibeck - did a nice bit of research and wrote an article on it. (Consider joining the Net Registry. You'll have access to the newsletter (containing Marc's article, among many others) and parts, etc, etc.))

As for transmissions, one of the gurus on the ZF6s is Bill Boudreau -
Bill Boudreau at (602) 319-6575.
For an excellent read see link...
http://www.zfdoc.com/faq.htm

The ZF6 is not like other manual transmissions. They require a bit of TLC or there can be trouble (...ask me how I know!) Bill's recommendation is the Castrol synthetic, Castrol TWS 10W60 oil every 15k miles. The oil is available at your local BMW dealer; takes a bit under 3 liters - I'd do that right away.

Welcome to the 'hood'!!

P.

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Congrats on your purchase and welcome.

Here is a link for determining if your current injectors are going bad. Even if you think your car is running well I would still recommend performing the test. It's very simple. I replaced mine with Accels and I'm very please.

http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20W...in%20Place.pdf

Look over the zr1specialist.com web site. If you don't know the name Marc Haibeck now you will soon. I would also recommend talking with Marc if you are serious about a chip.

When you replace your radio, be very careful with the bezel. They are no longer available and it is very difficult to find a replacement. Doctor Don is the place to go for radio issues.

Until you get your owners manual, you might want to check out:
http://www.zr1netregistry.com/ZR1_tech_tips.htm

Enjoy...

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Thought I should post a pic I took yesterday. :)

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m...1/P1011218.jpg

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Hey Mister that's a real cool car!:mrgreen:

Re: New Guy New ZR1 Owner Few problems Need Assistance
 

Thank you. Plan of attack today is fixing the headlights and oil leaks. Yesterday the Marc H chip was installed.

Parts ordered for next week include the Hella H4 6054 conversion lenses and 2 sets of HID's in 8K. I really like the HID mod and want to see how it looks in this beast. :-D

Update:

Headlights fixed with wooden pieces. They consumed most of the morning as one assembly was easy to disassemble and the other more difficult. The drivers side came apart like all the guides showed. But the Pass. side did not. The motor had to be removed to get the gear out. Then when we put it back together we spun the motor 180 degrees by mistake and one light went up while the other went into hiding. So we were able to turn the motor while the assembly was installed and that cured the issue. One funny note and I dont not know if its just me or this car, but the headlights do not turn and rise together. They are out of sync. They start differently and end differently.

No time to check for the leaks will do it Friday. :)

Noticed the car has developed a skip in the lower RPM range. I am thinking its the plugs and/or injectors. Oh well.