Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

pologreenvette · 01-11-2013

So I'm seriously planning on buying a ZR1 in about 2 years. I currently drive a 1992 6-speed coupe, polo green with tan interior. I love it, but the ZR1 is my really my dream car, I just love C4's.

I've been trying to figure out if I should go through with this. Some things I was thinking:

Pros:
Rare/Interesting/Cool
Fast
Reliable?
Great Handling
It's a freakin' ZR1!
Permagrin

Cons:
Hard to find parts? I drive my cars hard...
Expensive to buy and maintain?
Hard to find the one I want (must be a 91 or later 6-speed, no red interior, not afraid of high miles)

The ones with question marks I'm obviously not too sure about, that's why I'm here! I'm finding cost to be the only downside of the ZR1 vs my current LT1 Corvette. Is it worth the upgrade? I'm heavily leaning towards yes, but I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into!

Note: I'll be an engineer in a couple of years so I should have some money!

WARP TEN · 01-11-2013

My question is, why wait? Your car might be worth $12k-$16k and some very nice ZR1s are available in the low to mid $20s, not too bad a gap to bridge. Personally I would look for one of the '93-'95s, as you can tell from my choices. Rarer and with some engineering improvements over the earlier ones, but the earlier ones might be less expensive depending on condition and miles. No problem with parts; the engine is bulletproof and the rest are just C4 problems with which you are familiar. Many common repair issues are DIY ones, and the availablity of helpful repair information and counsel here is amazing. And don't be afraid of high miles. I sold my '93 with 74,000 miles to a well known ZR-1 enthusiast :-) and it now has more than 100,000 miles. Regardless of whether you wait, many ZR-1s are known to this group and there are many here who will help by finding and evaluating cars for you. Good luck with your search. --Bob

QB93Z · 01-11-2013

The first Corvette I bought was a 1996 LT4, six-speed Collectors Edition. I had been looking at LT4 and ZR-1. I loved the LT4. But, even after I bought it, I kept looking to figure out if the ZR-1 was really better. Then I got to drive a ZR-1. I was hooked. I bought a 1993 ZR-1 just 7 months after the LT4.

My advice is to get in touch with one of the many ZR-1 owners in the Northeast region that post here and they will be glad to give you a ride and probably a test drive.

As to your questions:

Reliable? Yes, in my experience. I have made many long trips in my ZR-1's. The latest was last August, 30 days, 10,000 miles from Maryland to Alaska and back in a ZR-1 with 120,000 miles . No Problems. Keep in mind that ZR-1's are twenty (or so) year old cars. there will be some issues.

Hard to find parts? I don't know of any ZR-1 that is out of commission due to lack of parts. Some parts require effort to track down, but the support and knowledge of the owners here in the Registry is invaluable. There are quite a few parts suppliers like Jerry's Gaskets and Parts who specialize in parts for our ZR-1's

Expensive to buy and maintain? I am sure you understand that you always pay for performance. Most owners don't put bargin store oil in their LT5. ZR-1's cost more than base C4's. But, there are ZR-1's on the market regularly that are a very good value.

Hard to find the one you want? Part of the fun is the search. If you are not in a hurry and use the internet, you will find a nice ZR-1 that meets your needs.

Good luck,

Jim

pologreenvette · 01-11-2013

Thanks for the help! I can't buy one just yet because I'm still a junior in college and I don't have the money to afford a ZR1. My car is in pretty good shape, but it does have 114k miles. I drive A LOT so when I do sell it, it will probably have 150k on it. I could maybe sell it for what I bought it for, $6,500 (I got a great deal).

The one I REALLY want is a ZR1 that's just like my current car; polo green 6-spd with tan interior. I imagine that's being a bit too picky though...

QB93Z · 01-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by pologreenvette

The one I REALLY want is a ZR1 that's just like my current car; polo green 6-spd with tan interior. I imagine that's being a bit too picky though...

There were 129 Polo Green II ZR-1's built from 1992 to 1995. Of those, 109 had the Lt Beige (Tan) interrior.

Polo Green ZR-1's were about 2.4% of ZR-1's, counting the 1990-91 version of Polo Green

Good Luck,

Jim

Kevin · 01-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by pologreenvette

So I'm seriously planning on buying a ZR1 in about 2 years. I currently drive a 1992 6-speed coupe, polo green with tan interior. I love it, but the ZR1 is my really my dream car, I just love C4's.

I've been trying to figure out if I should go through with this. Some things I was thinking:

Pros:
Rare/Interesting/Cool
Fast
Reliable?
Great Handling
It's a freakin' ZR1!
Permagrin

Cons:
Hard to find parts? I drive my cars hard...
Expensive to buy and maintain?
Hard to find the one I want (must be a 91 or later 6-speed, no red interior, not afraid of high miles)

The ones with question marks I'm obviously not too sure about, that's why I'm here! I'm finding cost to be the only downside of the ZR1 vs my current LT1 Corvette. Is it worth the upgrade? I'm heavily leaning towards yes, but I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into!

Note: I'll be an engineer in a couple of years so I should have some money!

that's not that hard. the majority fall into this category since all of them are 6 speeds. Somehow in the 5 years of production GM never figure out how to fix the rear tire issue. They always seem to wear out before the fronts.
.

Since this car came into my family in 1999 it's had the water pump, injectors (twice), blown off the map sensor more times then I care to count, radio/speakers replace...and the front one still doesn't work properly I don't think, antenna replaced, head light motors replaced...that was a pain in the ***, the lights would stay on which was a stuck door switch which was fixed with some wd40, the failing injectors killed my o2 sensors, and the backup switch failed. Oh i forgot about the horn, that works whenever the hell it feels like it. The lack of tire choice in the factory size is annoying and expensive but going up to 18" wheels is even more so.

i have a love/hate relationship with my car. it's a bit like owning a 2 year old child, it's really annoying a lot of the time but if someone tried to take it away, I'd kill them

WVZR-1 · 01-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by pologreenvette

Thanks for the help! I can't buy one just yet because I'm still a junior in college and I don't have the money to afford a ZR1. My car is in pretty good shape, but it does have 114k miles. I drive A LOT so when I do sell it, it will probably have 150k on it. I could maybe sell it for what I bought it for, $6,500 (I got a great deal).

The one I REALLY want is a ZR1 that's just like my current car; polo green 6-spd with tan interior. I imagine that's being a bit too picky though...

Looks like maybe your rear wheels need swapped side to side or since it's a '92MY I guess it could be a "corner swap" RF to LR ! A ZR-1 will correct that issue for you!

efnfast · 01-11-2013

Post up agian in the spring. I'll take a ride down and let you go for a spin. That in itself will convince you. -Steve

pologreenvette · 01-11-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin

that's not that hard. the majority fall into this category since all of them are 6 speeds. Somehow in the 5 years of production GM never figure out how to fix the rear tire issue. They always seem to wear out before the fronts.

Since this car came into my family in 1999 it's had the water pump, injectors (twice), blown off the map sensor more times then I care to count, radio/speakers replace...and the front one still doesn't work properly I don't think, antenna replaced, head light motors replaced...that was a pain in the ***, the lights would stay on which was a stuck door switch which was fixed with some wd40, the failing injectors killed my o2 sensors, and the backup switch failed. Oh i forgot about the horn, that works whenever the hell it feels like it. The lack of tire choice in the factory size is annoying and expensive but going up to 18" wheels is even more so.

i have a love/hate relationship with my car. it's a bit like owning a 2 year old child, it's really annoying a lot of the time but if someone tried to take it away, I'd kill them

Sounds like it's been a lot of work and a lot of money.... but that goes with being an owner of any older Corvette. I'm not sure if those problems are enough to make me not buy one though

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVZR-1

Looks like maybe your rear wheels need swapped side to side or since it's a '92MY I guess it could be a "corner swap" RF to LR ! A ZR-1 will correct that issue for you!

Lol, that picture is old, all of the wheels are now facing the right way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by efnfast

Post up agian in the spring. I'll take a ride down and let you go for a spin. That in itself will convince you. -Steve

Thank you! I'd love to drive one, from what I hear I may not be able to wipe the smile off my face for at least a day after driving it.

mike100 · 01-11-2013

Of all the things that have broken, needed service, or cosmetic enhancement, the actual engine wasn't one of them. The LT5 itself will be the most reliable part of a ZR-1. The rest of the usual failures are all C4, maybe worse since the engine has more power and the car weighs a bit more- which is harder on the chassis, brakes and drivetrain.

Since it is a more premium model, you might find yourself wanting to fix and restore the car a little more than with your LT1 car. It is also going to be more money to purchase, so you will be into the car for about double what the same LT1 car equivalent would cost you. This might sour your experience some, but it could be offset by the unique experience of the extra power.

I actually enjoyed driving my LT1 car just as much, except for when BMW's used to kick my *** from time to time. Basically figure to pay about twice as much as you are now and then decide if you would rather have a C5.

01-11-2013	#1
pologreenvette Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 24	Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership So I'm seriously planning on buying a ZR1 in about 2 years. I currently drive a 1992 6-speed coupe, polo green with tan interior. I love it, but the ZR1 is my really my dream car, I just love C4's. I've been trying to figure out if I should go through with this. Some things I was thinking: Pros: Rare/Interesting/Cool Fast Reliable? Great Handling It's a freakin' ZR1! Permagrin Cons: Hard to find parts? I drive my cars hard... Expensive to buy and maintain? Hard to find the one I want (must be a 91 or later 6-speed, no red interior, not afraid of high miles) The ones with question marks I'm obviously not too sure about, that's why I'm here! I'm finding cost to be the only downside of the ZR1 vs my current LT1 Corvette. Is it worth the upgrade? I'm heavily leaning towards yes, but I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into! Note: I'll be an engineer in a couple of years so I should have some money!

01-11-2013	#2
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,127	Re: Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership My question is, why wait? Your car might be worth $12k-$16k and some very nice ZR1s are available in the low to mid $20s, not too bad a gap to bridge. Personally I would look for one of the '93-'95s, as you can tell from my choices. Rarer and with some engineering improvements over the earlier ones, but the earlier ones might be less expensive depending on condition and miles. No problem with parts; the engine is bulletproof and the rest are just C4 problems with which you are familiar. Many common repair issues are DIY ones, and the availablity of helpful repair information and counsel here is amazing. And don't be afraid of high miles. I sold my '93 with 74,000 miles to a well known ZR-1 enthusiast :-) and it now has more than 100,000 miles. Regardless of whether you wait, many ZR-1s are known to this group and there are many here who will help by finding and evaluating cars for you. Good luck with your search. --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"

01-11-2013	#3
QB93Z Join Date: May 2007 Location: Westminster, Maryland Posts: 3,684	Re: Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership The first Corvette I bought was a 1996 LT4, six-speed Collectors Edition. I had been looking at LT4 and ZR-1. I loved the LT4. But, even after I bought it, I kept looking to figure out if the ZR-1 was really better. Then I got to drive a ZR-1. I was hooked. I bought a 1993 ZR-1 just 7 months after the LT4. My advice is to get in touch with one of the many ZR-1 owners in the Northeast region that post here and they will be glad to give you a ride and probably a test drive. As to your questions: Reliable? Yes, in my experience. I have made many long trips in my ZR-1's. The latest was last August, 30 days, 10,000 miles from Maryland to Alaska and back in a ZR-1 with 120,000 miles . No Problems. Keep in mind that ZR-1's are twenty (or so) year old cars. there will be some issues. Hard to find parts? I don't know of any ZR-1 that is out of commission due to lack of parts. Some parts require effort to track down, but the support and knowledge of the owners here in the Registry is invaluable. There are quite a few parts suppliers like Jerry's Gaskets and Parts who specialize in parts for our ZR-1's Expensive to buy and maintain? I am sure you understand that you always pay for performance. Most owners don't put bargin store oil in their LT5. ZR-1's cost more than base C4's. But, there are ZR-1's on the market regularly that are a very good value. Hard to find the one you want? Part of the fun is the search. If you are not in a hurry and use the internet, you will find a nice ZR-1 that meets your needs. Good luck, Jim

01-11-2013	#4
pologreenvette Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 24	Re: Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership Thanks for the help! I can't buy one just yet because I'm still a junior in college and I don't have the money to afford a ZR1. My car is in pretty good shape, but it does have 114k miles. I drive A LOT so when I do sell it, it will probably have 150k on it. I could maybe sell it for what I bought it for, $6,500 (I got a great deal). The one I REALLY want is a ZR1 that's just like my current car; polo green 6-spd with tan interior. I imagine that's being a bit too picky though...

01-11-2013	#8
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,534	Re: Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership Post up agian in the spring. I'll take a ride down and let you go for a spin. That in itself will convince you. -Steve

01-11-2013	#10
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,786	Re: Pros and Cons of ZR1 ownership Of all the things that have broken, needed service, or cosmetic enhancement, the actual engine wasn't one of them. The LT5 itself will be the most reliable part of a ZR-1. The rest of the usual failures are all C4, maybe worse since the engine has more power and the car weighs a bit more- which is harder on the chassis, brakes and drivetrain. Since it is a more premium model, you might find yourself wanting to fix and restore the car a little more than with your LT1 car. It is also going to be more money to purchase, so you will be into the car for about double what the same LT1 car equivalent would cost you. This might sour your experience some, but it could be offset by the unique experience of the extra power. I actually enjoyed driving my LT1 car just as much, except for when BMW's used to kick my *** from time to time. Basically figure to pay about twice as much as you are now and then decide if you would rather have a C5.