Stable Mate for ZR-1

[ZR1North]

Evening Brothers:

For those of us that like pictures, I am sharing photos of the new Z06 I purchased on Friday to keep the ZR-1 company during those long northern winters. I have only 44 miles on the Z06 yet, so too soon to make any comparisons. Having driven them both today for this "photo shoot", I was reminded that the ZR-1 with Marc's magic, SW headers, Corsa sys and 410s is no slouch. A few people stopped while I was taking pictures and asked me which one I like the best; I told them "the red one"!

Hope the link works.

Bob

http://s360.photobucket.com/user/Lam...?sort=3&page=1

[LGAFF]

Schweet....nice ride!

[BlackZR1]

Nice Z06 but I have to say the mirror-polish on your LT5 is amazing. How was that accomplished and how hard is it to maintain?

[ZR1North]

Originally Posted by BlackZR1

Nice Z06 but I have to say the mirror-polish on your LT5 is amazing. How was that accomplished and how hard is it to maintain?

Thanks - the LT5 polishing was done two years ago by Marc Haibeck when he did the 510 pkg. Despite warnings by a few that this could be a challenge to maintain, nothing could be further from the truth. I have only driven the car about 4,500 miles since the treatment, but some of that was hard driving (Mountain Run 2015 and NCM track day 2016). The only thing I do is wipe it down with water and microfiber cloth when the engine is cool.

The one precautionary step we took was to treat the parts with a product as soon as the polishing was done and the aluminum exposed; the treatment was to arrest the oxidization process before it could begin. I can't recall the name of the product off hand, but I will check if anyone is interested. I am not sure if that made a difference or not; I just wanted to take any and all measures to ensure the finish would be sustainable, which it is.

Thanks for the comments guys. While on "engine tops", I was thrilled to discover the top of the LT4 (including the valve covers) is METAL and not Tupperware plastic - bonus!

[WARP TEN]

The new addition to the family looks great, Bob, and I too like a "red" one though my red is not quite as bright. I know from experience that you will enjoy them both. As you know, I loved my '95 with the Haibeck 510 package but I couldn't keep both when I got my Z06 (my wife would not agree to a second lift in our 2 car garage!) The Z06 is awesome but I recommend carefully sneaking up on it over a couple thousand miles before you really get into it heavily. The 510 package is quite powerful and a great improvement over the stock 405 HP, but remember the Z06 has an thirty percent more horsepower and an amazing 43% more torque than my 510. GM's published 0-60 time is 2.95 sec. Induces tunnel vision, and a need for new underwear if you are not careful. BTW, note that I am so used to having a ZR-1 emblem on the back of a Corvette that I thought the Z06 looked naked without one. So I created my own similar Z06 emblem. Bought a side emblem and hacksawed off the "Supercharged" lower portion, stuck it on. Makes mine a little different along with the license plate--grandkids call me "Pop".--Bob

[cvette98pacecar]

Very nice.

[Paul Workman]

Stunning beauties, BOTH of um!

I'm going to look for a C6 Z06. I think the na 427 is a dying breed. So, might as well have a couple rare(ish) super stars in the stable!

[dredgeguy]

Originally Posted by ZR1North

Thanks - the LT5 polishing was done two years ago by Marc Haibeck when he did the 510 pkg. Despite warnings by a few that this could be a challenge to maintain, nothing could be further from the truth. I have only driven the car about 4,500 miles since the treatment, but some of that was hard driving (Mountain Run 2015 and NCM track day 2016). The only thing I do is wipe it down with water and microfiber cloth when the engine is cool.

The one precautionary step we took was to treat the parts with a product as soon as the polishing was done and the aluminum exposed; the treatment was to arrest the oxidization process before it could begin. I can't recall the name of the product off hand, but I will check if anyone is interested. I am not sure if that made a difference or not; I just wanted to take any and all measures to ensure the finish would be sustainable, which it is.

Thanks for the comments guys. While on "engine tops", I was thrilled to discover the top of the LT4 (including the valve covers) is METAL and not Tupperware plastic - bonus!

The polished engine looks fantastic. I would love to know what coating you applied.

[ZR1North]

Thanks, Bob (Warp 10); excellent advice as always.

Roger, Charlie,

I finally remembered the product we used on the LT5. It is "GIBBS". Like with Amsoil, it's not available everywhere, but you'll be able to find a local supplier if you go to their website (www.GIBBSBRAND.com). It's sold as a "mega penetrant, ultra lubricant, corrosion inhibitor and water repellant".

As I noted earlier, I was mostly interested in something that would stop oxidization as soon as the aluminum was exposed. A couple people recommended WD-40 (or like products) but after some research, GIBBS seemed like the best option. It certainly did the job when the engine was polished two years ago. I've only reapplied it once since (took less than 5 minutes), and I honestly think I didn't need to do it then. The reapplication didn't make the engine pop any more; it was more for peace of mind to protect the aluminum.

Thanks, Bob D, for your e-mail re detailing later this month; i'll check my schedule later this eve and get back to you.

Cheers,

Bob

[Dean Nelson]

Bob and Bob...
they do look good, and Bob, the LBR is the only way to have one!

I guess after 26 years with the ZR-1 I also bought a new car / toy, but not anything from G.M.
not a fast, but you don't see many of them.

photo attached I hope!

Dean Nelson