Value of ZR-1

[secondchance]

I did not want to hi-jack "ZR-1 in this economy" so I thought I would post a separate thread as to my perspective in value of ZR-1.

I purchased my first 91 ZR-1 in October of 1991 at the Sports Chevrolet in Silver Spring, MD. At the time we were in a recession and with 92s showing up I got a killer deal - $18,000 off the sticker price of $65,000 roughly. I drove the car for 5 years and put 98,000 miles on the car until it's untimely demise due to my stupidity in May 1996 - totaled. Insurance paid me $35,000.
During 5 years and 98,000 miles apart from oil changes every 3000 miles (always Mobil 1) and new spark plugs every 12,000 or so following are only services I needed for the car:

1. Starter died at around 30,000 miles due to my stupidity. Yes, I washed the motor.
2. After driving for perhaps 3 miles the car died inexplicably and would not start - Primary fuel pump failure. I can't remember exactly but it was not cheap to replace even back then. The whole assembly was replaced. Now I know better...
3. I know I replaced the battery once after about 3 years. AC/Delco use to be good for about 3 years.
4. New set of tires at around 65,000 miles. Got rid of original Gatorbacks and replaced with GSCs.
5. I am pretty sure I replaced brake pads once.

Also, note that LTPWS nor FX3 never malfunctioned during the ownership.

After the wreck, namely to repent to my wife, I stayed away from another ZR-1 for 4 years. Believe me I missed my ZR-1 every day of those 4 years although I was driving a BMW 850ci. Then finally found a 94 blk/blk with 25,000 miles in Birmingham, Alabama owned by a guy who goes by Lanjet at Corvette Forum.I mad the deal sight unseen (I took his words for the condition of the car), flew in to Birningham w/ a certified check in hand, test drove and bought the car. I consciouly over looked some minor flaws simply because I wanted another ZR-1 baaaad.

After 9 years and 83,000 miles later (the car has 108,000 miles currently) apart from oil change every 5000 miles and spark plug change every 12,000 following are only service that was needed for the 94:

1. New injectors at 105,000 - I retrospect problem I was having started at around 65,000 and it took me a while to replace the injectors. Until FIC came along I was leary about spending $1,500 not knowing whether that would cure the problem.
2. Alternator was replaced at around 65,000.
3. New battery at 45,000 amd 100,000.
4. Vacuum system rebuild at 50,000.
5. EGR valve was replaced at around 75,000.
6. New tires as was needed.
7. New front pads at 102,000.
8. New rotors and fluid flush at 108,000.
9. MAP sensors replaced at 108,000.
10. 2 shock gears (LF and RR) replaced at 102,000.
11. Rear spring cusion replaced at 104,000.
12. Will be replacing front right upper control arm due to rear bushing deterioration (part on order).
13. Outside side window trim needs replacement (dried out and beginning to crack).
14. Halo rubber trim replaced at around 100,000.
15. Seems like I need new shocks and will be replaced soon.

Everything on the car functions the way it was intended. LTPWS and Selective Ride Control works fine. Even the hated Bose system never failed on mine (knock on wood).

I constantly see posts at the other forum where prospective buyers are afraid of the car, more specifically parts availability for the LT5. It is true that finding a competant mechanic who could diagnos and service LT5 is rare. Well, that's why eventually I learned to understand vacuum and secondary fuel system of LT5. Trust me, it's not a rocket science. Of course, the rest of the car is the same as any other C4.

One side benefit to this, namely inability to find good mechanics who understand secondary intake system, is the brotherhood LT5 ownership creates. I never had so much fun working on the car until I ran into local ZR-1 guys - you know who you are!

Now, consider purchase price and what the car is worth based on mileage and age in both cases. Especially if you did not purchase the car brand new and paid full list price and especially driven as a daily driver, as was the case for both my cars, these cars are a deal! Cheap to maintain, dependable and a blast to drive. I would certaily love to see these cars thrown in the spotlight but had it become a valuable collectibles I would have been too uptight to really enjoy it the way I did and still do.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[flyin ryan]

Good reading .

[QB93Z]

I agree. The value of the ZR-1 as a reliable, fun to drive automobile is not appreciated by many people.

Although, if a person can't do any auto maintenance, the LT5's mystique can be intimidating, but isn't that true for any performance auto?

Hey SC, let me know when you want to replace the suspension parts.

Jim

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by QB93Z

I agree. The value of the ZR-1 as a reliable, fun to drive automobile is not appreciated by many people.

Although, if a person can't do any auto maintenance, the LT5's mystique can be intimidating, but isn't that true for any performance auto?

Hey SC, let me know when you want to replace the suspension parts.

Jim

Hey, Jim,

You are absolutely right. I never gave it a thought but now that you mention it mystique of LT5 would scare anyone who can't or prefer not to work on the car. heck, it took me 6 years to get enough b**ls to tear into and solve pinging noise/lack of performance issue!
First of all all mechanics I turned to kept insisting it was probably carbon deposit. If I had asked them to replace all injectors I would have been charged $1,500 or so for parts and another $600-800 for labor. Thanks tp you guys cheering me on I got it solved for $365 (thank you FIC) and 8 hours of my own labor!
As for the upper control arm, it's expected arrival is 11/13/09. I will call or send you an e-mail when it shows up. It's an offer I can't refuse!

[Scrrem]

I agree as well. I was a little gun shy of working on my previous 95 LT1. I was even more so when I got my ZR-1, but after attending a few of these local gatherings, I am getting more comfortable. I don't think there is anything I can't do myself except the rear axle setup (thanks Phil). It's nice to know I have local support in case I get in a jam. I will do as much of the work as I can and keep my Z for many years to come.
Rich

[tomtom72]

Yea man!

This is a thread about the intrinsic value of each of our cars to each of us, and also a great tech piece on "is the LT5 reliable, and isn't it expensive to maintain?"

Kudos SC!

Hi, my name is Tom and I'm a ZR-1 - Drive-aholic.....and, No, I don't want the cure! So go away & leave me be! Oh, and Yes, I would sell my Grandmother for a storage tank full of 93 octane fuel! She is dead, so she don't care!