C7 ZR1 already upstaged? Maybe-maybe not

[AnthonyGS]

It’s insane the power levels cars make today. It’s also insane how much they weigh. I love my ZR1 but my 400-500 lb lighter P car is way more fun in corners. Both cars can go 170, but they sure do it in different ways.

I long for lighter cars.... I’m thinking my Miata build may be called “light is right.” I’m only shooting for 250 whp in it but its almost a half ton lighter than my other cars. If I go insane I can up the power in it. Why a Miata? I’m not scared to hurt it like my ZR or P car.

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by AnthonyGS

It’s insane the power levels cars make today. It’s also insane how much they weigh. I love my ZR1 but my 400-500 lb lighter P car is way more fun in corners. Both cars can go 170, but they sure do it in different ways.

I long for lighter cars.... I’m thinking my Miata build may be called “light is right.” I’m only shooting for 250 whp in it but its almost a half ton lighter than my other cars. If I go insane I can up the power in it. Why a Miata? I’m not scared to hurt it like my ZR or P car.

Jus' curious...

What do you do to the engine in a Miata to make 250 at the tire?

[AnthonyGS]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Jus' curious...

What do you do to the engine in a Miata to make 250 at the tire?

You can go with a substantial turbo and lots of tuning or a supercharger. The issue then is torque. These setups make enough that the factory drive trains will break eventually. LS swaps don’t have that issue at even 400 whp.

The route I’m strongly considerimg is using a Honda K series engine. From the factory they made 200hp at 7,000ish rpm. In a Miata you have to go to aftermarket intake, throttle body and exhaust. The swap specialist makes a nice header too and you get a custom tune. Reliably guys are seeing 220-230 rwhp at 8,000 rpm. A little head work and cams you can get over 250whp. Honda’s also love turbos but then you need V8 rear ends and a stronger transmission.

Another company has pioneered the GM based ecotec 2.4 swap too. It’s easiest and a big step up from Mazda power (50 hp) or so, but the Honda engine is the best 4 money can buy. At $800 for another used Honda engine I won’t be scared to beat on it either. Car should be about 2300 lbs with over 200 to the rear wheels after the swap. A few hard parts and tuning it’ll be 250ish.

[spork2367]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Jus' curious...

What do you do to the engine in a Miata to make 250 at the tire?

Throw it out and put in a chevy 5.3.

[AnthonyGS]

Originally Posted by spork2367

Throw it out and put in a chevy 5.3.

That works and usually makes way more to the rear tires. If it were less expensive and didn’t require full trans tunnel surgery, I’d go this route myself.

[G-Sting]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

What does everyone think about the new ZR1, anyway.

The new ZR1 is proving itself on the track at a number of venues. However, what I've begun to notice at this season's Car & Coffee and Car Shows, is it may have woken up a younger generation to the ZR-1. I've had a number of pleasant conversations about it with 18-30 years olds. They've been very excited when they see the 'old' ZR-1, C-4. I've not experienced this in previous years.


In any case, I LIKE IT.


At a show this weekend was one of the first ZR-1s sold in the USA...

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by spork2367

Throw it out and put in a chevy 5.3.

Better yet, use the all-aluminum version of the 5.3.

[spork2367]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Better yet, use the all-aluminum version of the 5.3.

The L33. Absolutely!

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by Hib Halverson

Not.

My guess is when the performance version of the mid-engine car arrives, it will have 500-600-hp worth of 5.5L DOHC tt driving the rear wheels and 200-300-hp of electric motors driving the front wheels.

The only issue that has me concerned is there has never been any mid-engine car with enough cargo room for long road trips. The is one characteristic the front engine configuration has going for it.

My guess is the 4G ZR1 will be the last large displacement, front motor Corvette. Also, I think the car will end up fairly rare. The 2G ZR-1s lasted six model years. My guess is the 4G ZR1 will go one maybe two model years. About 500 cars have been build so far.

I tend to agree with you Hib. On configuration, that is what the Formula 1 cars have--a hybrid gas/electric combination that is very powerful--although very complex. But I see F1 advances as indicators of the direction powertrains may go. And as the former owner of a 308 Ferrari and a 1974 DeTomaso Pantera, and even a rear engined Porsche C4, I certainly agree that neither of those mid engine cars had much luggage space. Although you could warm up your luggage nicely in the the engine compartments--on top of the engine in the Pantera and behind it in the 308. --Bob