ZR-1 Net Registry Forums - View Single Post - Googled "C4 ZR-1 review", here's what I found.

Paul Workman · 09-19-2015

I read that post, and found it typical of the tripe written by those essentially ignorant of the ZR-1, OR they are simply repeating some of the myths propagated by those self-proclaimed "experts".

The best advise is to drive them both, and decide for yourself. Both have their pros and cons, and how each meets or fails to meet your expectations can only be determined by you.

Parts for the very limited number of LT5s is a real concern, yes. But, mitigating that is the motor is so bullet proof that it doesn't need a lot of tinkering (once the routine issues related to aged rubber hoses, etc, and effect of alcohol fuels is addressed).

The LT5 was conceived, designed, and built with beating all competition in mind. The concept was unique w/in GM's marketing mindset, and the car still holds the 24 hour average speed records for a production engine/car.

But, there is no question that the LSx is easy to find parts for and make power cheaply. But, in the end you'll still have a cookie-cutter motor, suitable essentially for pickup trucks and delivery vans also...

So why buy the LT5? Power under the curve. The power delivery is turbine smooth from idle to the rev limiter. And, in stock form the LT5 was starving for air (as demonstrated by the LT5 - II). It is common place now to get 510 hp at the crank while still having a smooth idle and using the stock cams and bottom end. This means you keep all the good manners of 'a go to church on Sunday driver (w/ AC on!)', all of the reliability of the stock cams/bottom end are famous for, and yet capable of a tire burning 55 mph 5-2 downshift run to 90 in 2nd gear, 120+mph in 3rd gear in the the quarter, and over 144 in the half mile in 4th gear**. And, afterwards, drive home and pick up a gallon of milk on the way w/o anybody suspecting there is a vicious BEAST moving among the rest of the grocery-getters.

As for a a C4 ZR-1 with 410 hp at the wheels getting waxed in every way by a stock(?) C5Z with ≈ 344 hp at the wheels...something isn't adding up!

As for preferring a C4 GS to (I guess) be unique AND perform on the track...? Well, unique paint and stick-on fender flairs, OK. But, performance wise in comparison? [sigh] It takes a "little" more to measure up on that score!

Like I said: you drive the C5Z and the ZR-1 and decide.

09-19-2015	#8
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,466	Re: Googled "C4 ZR-1 review", here's what I found. I read that post, and found it typical of the tripe written by those essentially ignorant of the ZR-1, OR they are simply repeating some of the myths propagated by those self-proclaimed "experts". The best advise is to drive them both, and decide for yourself. Both have their pros and cons, and how each meets or fails to meet your expectations can only be determined by you. Parts for the very limited number of LT5s is a real concern, yes. But, mitigating that is the motor is so bullet proof that it doesn't need a lot of tinkering (once the routine issues related to aged rubber hoses, etc, and effect of alcohol fuels is addressed). The LT5 was conceived, designed, and built with beating all competition in mind. The concept was unique w/in GM's marketing mindset, and the car still holds the 24 hour average speed records for a production engine/car. But, there is no question that the LSx is easy to find parts for and make power cheaply. But, in the end you'll still have a cookie-cutter motor, suitable essentially for pickup trucks and delivery vans also... So why buy the LT5? Power under the curve. The power delivery is turbine smooth from idle to the rev limiter. And, in stock form the LT5 was starving for air (as demonstrated by the LT5 - II). It is common place now to get 510 hp at the crank while still having a smooth idle and using the stock cams and bottom end. This means you keep all the good manners of 'a go to church on Sunday driver (w/ AC on!)', all of the reliability of the stock cams/bottom end are famous for, and yet capable of a tire burning 55 mph 5-2 downshift run to 90 in 2nd gear, 120+mph in 3rd gear in the the quarter, and over 144 in the half mile in 4th gear. And, afterwards, drive home and pick up a gallon of milk on the way w/o anybody suspecting there is a vicious BEAST** moving among the rest of the grocery-getters. As for a a C4 ZR-1 with 410 hp at the wheels getting waxed in every way by a stock(?) C5Z with ≈ 344 hp at the wheels...something isn't adding up! As for preferring a C4 GS to (I guess) be unique AND perform on the track...? Well, unique paint and stick-on fender flairs, OK. But, performance wise in comparison? [sigh] It takes a "little" more to measure up on that score! Like I said: you drive the C5Z and the ZR-1 and decide. Last edited by Paul Workman; 09-19-2015 at 09:54 AM.