Potential ZR-1 owner with some questions.

[Gary Yarbrough]

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!

[John Boothby]

If you buy the right car, you will enjoy it, if not, it can nit-pick you to frustration. When you find a specific car you are interested in this group can help you in determining if it is the right car for you. Some high miler's that have been taken care of can be great cars for your purpose. Low miler's, while good for collector's who don't drive them, will begin to need all the little things most of us that drive the cars have already replaced.

Good luck in your hunt!

[EvanZR1]

Originally Posted by secondchance

Once you figure out and understand vacuum secondary system no special issues other then a typical C4.

Or just remove the scondaries completely and never have to worry with them again.

[rkreigh]

Originally Posted by EvanZR1

Or just remove the scondaries completely and never have to worry with them again.

yes, but keep in mind this might make it more difficult to pass emissions.

the ZR-1 is a very reliable car. the LT5 even more so.

I've had 4 of them now and had ZERO engine problems. lucky I guess

I attribute that to the constant hammering I give the car and driving it often.

only problems I've had were from the car sitting too much

worry more about driving it than not driving it. you'll be miles and smiles ahead

yes the body panels and engine parts are getting a bit trickey. but keep in mind there were of 7,000 lt5s made and more are getting parted out every day.

I'd like to see more "custom" parts made like the thermostat housing. I'm learning to weld and with a bit of fabrication, that would be pretty ez.

[viperbaron]

I drive mine daily, when I can. Nothing out of the ordinary for a 20 year old vehicle. Still very responsive and comfortable. I wish I was home now to drive it.