Potential ZR-1 owner with some questions. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Gary Yarbrough · 05-12-2011

1). Would a ZR-1 be a good daily driver?

I drive mine almost every day that it is not raining and I love it. I work in two different cities, one of my drives is 30 miles, the other is ~60. I've also got a '73, and the ZR-1 is just worlds ahead when it comes to the basic comforts. On the softest setting, the ride is really good. The best $$$ I've spent on making it a better daily driver was in swapping out the 90 seats for 95 sport seats. The original seats were just to narrow for me. You may not have the same issues... The radio/CD player/speakers aren't the best, but that can easily be updated if you care about the sound system.
As for driving in the rain, I think tire choice will be the main factor. Personally, I wouldn't drive it in the snow; it's just too low to the ground. Any accumulation and you'll be plowing the snow!

2.) What's the up keep on one?

I think others are right on here; it's like any other 20 year old car. After a few trips around the block, I've got the plenum pull down to 25 minutes based on tips from this group. I had to do the basic stuff to my 90 since I've had it: plugs, wires (twice in 20,000 miles), oil (obviously), injectors (my had the originals), coils, PCV system, a vacuum check valve in the secondary system, new secondary vacuum solenoid, and a new thermostat/radiator. All things considered, really nothing major given the age of the car. I'm certainly no mechanic but with help from this group, I haven't had trouble doing any of this stuff in my own garage.

Again, as others have said, it's not a cheap car to work on. Compared to the parts for my '73, everything is much more expensive on the ZR-1. BUT, it's really worth it.

Good Luck!

05-12-2011	#14
Gary Yarbrough Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Wilson, AR Posts: 63	Re: Potential ZR-1 owner with some questions. 1). Would a ZR-1 be a good daily driver? I drive mine almost every day that it is not raining and I love it. I work in two different cities, one of my drives is 30 miles, the other is ~60. I've also got a '73, and the ZR-1 is just worlds ahead when it comes to the basic comforts. On the softest setting, the ride is really good. The best $$$ I've spent on making it a better daily driver was in swapping out the 90 seats for 95 sport seats. The original seats were just to narrow for me. You may not have the same issues... The radio/CD player/speakers aren't the best, but that can easily be updated if you care about the sound system. As for driving in the rain, I think tire choice will be the main factor. Personally, I wouldn't drive it in the snow; it's just too low to the ground. Any accumulation and you'll be plowing the snow! 2.) What's the up keep on one? I think others are right on here; it's like any other 20 year old car. After a few trips around the block, I've got the plenum pull down to 25 minutes based on tips from this group. I had to do the basic stuff to my 90 since I've had it: plugs, wires (twice in 20,000 miles), oil (obviously), injectors (my had the originals), coils, PCV system, a vacuum check valve in the secondary system, new secondary vacuum solenoid, and a new thermostat/radiator. All things considered, really nothing major given the age of the car. I'm certainly no mechanic but with help from this group, I haven't had trouble doing any of this stuff in my own garage. Again, as others have said, it's not a cheap car to work on. Compared to the parts for my '73, everything is much more expensive on the ZR-1. BUT, it's really worth it. Good Luck!