Upgrade to 1995 ZR-1?

[Okiedoke]

I currently have a 1991 ZR-1 and have recently been thinking about whether I should keep the '91 (22k miles) or try to upgrade to a '95. I wanted to see if anyone has any words of wisdom on this. Is it worthwhile in terms of performance, future valuation, traction control, etc. vs more electronics and a $15k or so price difference? Thanks.

[USAZR1]

Originally Posted by Okiedoke

I currently have a 1991 ZR-1 and have recently been thinking about whether I should keep the '91 (22k miles) or try to upgrade to a '95. I wanted to see if anyone has any words of wisdom on this. Is it worthwhile in terms of performance, future valuation, traction control, etc. vs more electronics and a $15k or so price difference? Thanks.

Sounds like you already own a really decent ZR-1. Let's look at what you would be gaining,if any.
Performance would be close to a wash as even though the 93-95 405hp LT5's are a smidgen more powerful in stock form versus the 90-92 375hp engines,the later cars weigh more which tends to even things out.
Future valuation favors the 95 over your 91 when all else is equal,obviously. There were four times as many 91's produced vs a 95.
Traction control? After owning both a 90 & 91 before purchasing our 94,I could probably do without that feature. Giving up the glovebox for another airbag is another negative I don't care for.
Just my opinion but I think the build quality is better on the 93-95 cars but I'm kinda splitting hairs on that point.
I prefer the 94-95 sport seats over the earlier seats but again,that's just personal preference.
$15K price difference? I wouldn't do it if I owned a low-mile car like yours,assuming it's in excellent condition or better.

[Okiedoke]

Thanks USAZR1 for the comparison points. I've never been in a non-91 car, so it really helps to hear from someone familiar with both years. Definitely some points I've never thought of.

Originally Posted by USAZR1

Performance would be close to a wash as even though the 93-95 405hp LT5's are a smidgen more powerful in stock form versus the 90-92 375hp engines,the later cars weigh more which tends to even things out.

I knew about the 30 hp and 15 lb torque difference but didn't realize the later cars weighed more.

Originally Posted by USAZR1

Future valuation favors the 95 over your 91 when all else is equal,obviously. There were four times as many 91's produced vs a 95.

Yeah, this one was of the main thoughts...if the 95 increases a lot more over time, it may be better to get in now while prices are still "affordable".

Originally Posted by USAZR1

Traction control? After owning both a 90 & 91 before purchasing our 94,I could probably do without that feature.

I'm not familar with the Z's traction control, but is this an area that's easily fixable if it "breaks"? Or would it involve replacing a chip that no one makes anymore?

Originally Posted by USAZR1

$15K price difference? I wouldn't do it if I owned a low-mile car like yours,assuming it's in excellent condition or better.

This is the first car I've owned that's over 10 years old and don't have other ZR-1's to compare against, so I don't know quite what to expect in terms of what is normal or to be expected. Overall, the car looks and drives well. There are existing issues I haven't gotten around to fixing yet (rattling in driver's door, sagging headliner, passenger seat tilts back, vibrating heat shield at 3100 RPM, scrapes on the front bumper, a couple of paint chips, intermittent SRC lamp, driver's seat bolster a bit flat and worn, front driver's side targa bolt needs to be tightened after a few drives) and new ones (radio picking up engine noise, intermittent low oil lamp). I assume these are normal for a car of this age? With that said, none of these issues affect the car's drivability or fun factor.

BTW, I really like the color combo of your Z. The red interior really makes it pop.

[edram454]

the only advantage I see is future valuation simply based on low quantity of 95. I really dont see any other gains. the 95's became grand touring corvettes, quieter, smoother wider seats for wider seats, etc... focus not so much on performance but more on comfort. no great strides in horsepower gains.. I would keep your 91 and enjoy it. I prefer and always have preferred the 90 because of its distinctive look and harder ride and tight seats makes it feel more like a race car. I could have bought any year but only looked at 1990. It is the least valuable but the most produced and you will find a wider variety of cars from stockers to heavily modified cars in many colors. I would stick with your 1991 because it sounds like a nice car.

ed ramos #3028

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by edram454

I could have bought any year but only looked at 1990. It is the least valuable but the most produced

If I'm not mistaken, according to Hagerty, the 1990 is worth more than 91-94.

[Dime]

A great ZR-1 is a great ZR-1. Like Clint and Ed said, the performance equals out across the board. They're all ZR-1s, they'll all make you happy, but if you want a 95 because you want a 95, then do so if you'll be that much happier with it. Your 91 sounds like a champ though.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

The main difference to me between my 91 and 95 was the interior. Besides that, not much.

[cvette98pacecar]

Originally Posted by Blue Flame Restorations

The main difference to me between my 91 and 95 was the interior. Besides that, not much.

You not counting the added 150 hp?

[Blue Flame Restorations]

hahahaha the 95 is so tame it feels like my Cobalt.

PETE SPOILED ME FOR LIFE

[HIZNHRZ]

I had a garage queen 91 and looked at the same choice several years ago. I ended up keeping my 91. I took a fraction of what it would have cost me to "step up" into a 95 and put that money into the 91. Each visible change could be returned to stock with the exception of the windshield. To the casual observer the car looks stock. To a ZR-1 guy the exhaust, wheels, brakes, rotors and windshield would be obvious upgrades.

http://zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23223

The significant but transparent upgrades were:
- Haibeck 500Hp engine package
- Boudreau ZF transmission blueprinting package
- Dynamat and Dynapad insulation wrap of the driver, passenger, trans tunnel and cargo area

I happen to like the seats of the 91 and they fit me just fine. The Dynamat/pad upgrade is a significant improvement in the way of noise and overall comfort. I've looked at and driven many 95's when I was making my choice. I'm very pleased with my decision and glad I held on to my 91. Good luck with whatever you decide.