Just bought 1991 ZR-1, how do I drive it??? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

zr-1chad · 01-27-2011

I know, it sounds like a funny, and/or stupid question. I've owned countless Corvettes in the past, along with many other classic pieces of GM iron, but obviously the LT-5 is a very different beast. It just seems to love high RPM's (obviously). Should I be driving it in the higher RPM range (above 3500) most of the time, or should I just treat it like any other V-8 engine, and drive it normally? I drop it into 6th gear on the freeway, and obviously it's almost useless. Seems like it really lugs the engine, and I don't like doing that. What is a good max RPM to hit on hard acceleration, etc.

It almost sounds like I want to beat the car, and that's really not the case. I had looked at one last year, and the seller seemed very knowledgable about these engines, and told me they were designed to spin 11k. Obviously, I wouldn't consider doing that at all, but I am curious about what it can really do.

The car is amazing. 39k original miles, Med. Quasar Blue metallic, looks showroom new, has a chip (unknown specs), and flowmasters. I am absolutely in love with the car. No rattles, squeaks, or abnormal noises.

Any advice for the new ZR-1 owner is appreciated!

Thanks!
Chad

01-27-2011	#1
zr-1chad Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 4	Just bought 1991 ZR-1, how do I drive it??? I know, it sounds like a funny, and/or stupid question. I've owned countless Corvettes in the past, along with many other classic pieces of GM iron, but obviously the LT-5 is a very different beast. It just seems to love high RPM's (obviously). Should I be driving it in the higher RPM range (above 3500) most of the time, or should I just treat it like any other V-8 engine, and drive it normally? I drop it into 6th gear on the freeway, and obviously it's almost useless. Seems like it really lugs the engine, and I don't like doing that. What is a good max RPM to hit on hard acceleration, etc. It almost sounds like I want to beat the car, and that's really not the case. I had looked at one last year, and the seller seemed very knowledgable about these engines, and told me they were designed to spin 11k. Obviously, I wouldn't consider doing that at all, but I am curious about what it can really do. The car is amazing. 39k original miles, Med. Quasar Blue metallic, looks showroom new, has a chip (unknown specs), and flowmasters. I am absolutely in love with the car. No rattles, squeaks, or abnormal noises. Any advice for the new ZR-1 owner is appreciated! Thanks! Chad