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09-19-2012 | #1 |
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 8
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C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car.
However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well. My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform? I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one. I just like talking about the cars. |
09-19-2012 | #2 |
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 2,479
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
I can tell you this as I own both a C5, and two ZR-1 my C5 is a lot more comfortable to drive. I have no clue what mods you have done to your car. however, if your C5 is stock you have 405HP, the 93 to 95 ZR-1 have 405hp with the torque and power curve of a monster big block.
In lay mans terms at a track you are going to get away from the Z at the gate, but once the Z starts coming there is nothing you can do to stop him from blowing bye you before the traps. Go Drive a ZR-1 and you will understand the true meaning of Permagrin. I think we should patent that term as a group. FYI. when you hit 5500 RPM and the car is still pulling hard you have another 1700 RPM before you have to shift.
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Robert J. DeMarco [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] [COLOR=blue]G[/COLOR][COLOR=red]rand[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]S[/COLOR][COLOR=red]port[/COLOR] Registry Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime Member #2655 Pacecar Registry Member [COLOR=red]ZOOM Charter Member - ZR-1 Owners of Michigan[/COLOR] [COLOR=plum][I]ZR-1[/I] Registry member since 2012 [/COLOR] [COLOR=black]1990 LPE "368" Aerobody ZR-1, Last ZR-1 built by John[/COLOR] 1991 Callaway Aerobody ZR-1, DRM 500 1991 Shinoda Aerobody Spyder, 1998 Pace Car Last edited by cvette98pacecar; 09-19-2012 at 10:08 PM. |
09-19-2012 | #3 | |
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MD
Posts: 3,690
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
Quote:
What in particular are you looking for? Have you researched them alot and know about what you are looking for? (color? modifications? year?) When I looked for a ZR-1 it took almost a year and I was all about color.... There is nothing like a Permagrin in 2nd and 3rd @ 7k RPM! David |
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09-19-2012 | #4 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spring TX
Posts: 1,348
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
As the previous owner of a 2004 Z16...when it came time to choose one of the two Corvettes I owned at the time the ZR-1 stayed and the Z-16 was let go. I do miss it though. If you want to see a ZR-1 in person drop me a pm...I am in Spring.
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1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI. |
09-19-2012 | #5 |
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Pendleton, IN
Posts: 658
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
I had a '95 ZR-1 and sold it 3 years ago (damnit).
A few months later a local dealer took a low mile, lightly modified '04 Z16 in on trade and let me have the car for a weekend. It was fast but just didn't feel right. No offense intended but driving that car was almost boring to me. I bought another C4 ZR-1. You really should drive one for yourself. |
09-20-2012 | #6 |
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Spring TX
Posts: 1,348
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
yeah the C5's are quick...but I can understand the underwhelming feeling you get behind the wheel of a stock C5 Z06 after a few months with it. What those cars really need is a Heads and Cam upgrade and a short throw shifter, plus exhaust. Once you wake them up they are a BEAST as well. Whats fun about the ZR-1 is all you really need is nothing. 3" Exhaust and Stainless Works headers sure sounds incredible though.
I am by no means putting down a C5 owner, they probably are the better performing car, but if I can gently nudge one into a ZR-1 I think that owner would be happy and surprised with just how sweet the KOTH is.
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1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI. |
09-20-2012 | #7 |
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: San Marcos CA
Posts: 1,802
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
difficult comparison since I have a C6 and it has an extra 1/2 liter and nearly 300 lbs less heft to push around.
C5Z's do sort of beg you to 'beat-me beat-me' everytime you get it it, but the ZR-1 is a little less athletic from a dead stop, but just beg to be wound up to the top of third for some reason. It has a unique power delivery- the curve is more useful up high than the LSx engines. |
09-20-2012 | #8 |
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Posts: 343
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
I used to own a 97 C5 but I sold it after a few years. I loved the styling and performance but I just didn't enjoy the driving experience like I do with my ZR-1's. One thing that always bugged me with my C5 was the cheap feeling doors, hood, and seats. I don't miss it...in fact, I got rid of my C5 to get another ZR-1!
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1992 #043, Aqua/Gray 40k miles |
09-21-2012 | #9 |
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Okemos, MI.
Posts: 1,189
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
The two cars are no comparison. I have owned two C5's and liked them both, a '97 automatic coupe and an '03 Z-51 equipped 6-speed coupe.
But my first Corvette was an '89 coupe so I too have a love of C4's. I currently own a '95 ZR-1 and it is my second ZR-1 and I love it. Yes it is not as comfortable as the C5 or my current C6 Z06, but I love the history of the car and what it meant for Corvette development. It is still a joy to drive and so unique. And when people ask, "Is that a REAL ZR-1?" I love to open the hood and watch them stare.
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Joe Thomas Corvette Club of Michigan NCRS-Michigan Chapter Member NCM Master Ambassador NCM Lifetime Member Former NCM Board Member 1991 ZR-1 Melon Copper Metallic/Black 1992 ZR-1 Bright Red/Black (Sold) 1995 ZR-1 Bright Aqua/Gray (Sold) 2012 ZR1 Super Sonic Blue / Dark Titanium |
09-21-2012 | #10 |
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Boone County, Indiana
Posts: 132
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Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1
My almost stock (Haibeck mild chip, Sumis) '91 ZR-1 is my third corvette, following a '69 427/390 and a '69 350 (highly modded)...I absolutely love the car, and as others have stated, third gear is unreal.....but the car is a lot of work to drive. Don't know if it is the concentration required or the stress of sitting on/in a stick of dynamite, but there are times I just hop in my daily driver and go, leaving the Z sitting under the cover....Although I do love to see the look on the wife's face at WOT.....!! I wanted one forever, and now I have it....about the only other car I would consider would be a low mileage fixed roof coupe..
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