Upgrade to 1995 ZR-1?

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by edram454

I could have bought any year but only looked at 1990. It is the least valuable but the most produced

If I'm not mistaken, according to Hagerty, the 1990 is worth more than 91-94.

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by HIZNHRZ

I had a garage queen 91 and looked at the same choice several years ago. I ended up keeping my 91. I took a fraction of what it would have cost me to "step up" into a 95 and put that money into the 91. Each visible change could be returned to stock with the exception of the windshield. To the casual observer the car looks stock. To a ZR-1 guy the exhaust, wheels, brakes, rotors and windshield would be obvious upgrades.

http://zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23223

The significant but transparent upgrades were:
- Haibeck 500Hp engine package
- Boudreau ZF transmission blueprinting package
- Dynamat and Dynapad insulation wrap of the driver, passenger, trans tunnel and cargo area

I happen to like the seats of the 91 and they fit me just fine. The Dynamat/pad upgrade is a significant improvement in the way of noise and overall comfort. I've looked at and driven many 95's when I was making my choice. I'm very pleased with my decision and glad I held on to my 91. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I'm glad you chose to stick with the 91 after comparing both. The 500HP engine package sure sounds tempting...but then I need to start a stock vs not debate with myself

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by We Gone

Not much I can add, use the 15K to start a 2nd ZR-1 fund. I think the 93 will be up with the 95 due to low production #s combined with 405 and .. the 90-93 interior, just like the seats and dash details better. But I would not let that stop me if the right deal came along on a 95.

I was thinking of a 2nd one being an "almost ZR1" fund....a 71 or 72 LT-1 coupe. So the ZR-1 would be the go fast car and the "almost" ZR1 for cruising in style. If I take the route of a second ZR-1 fund, then I'd keep the 93-95 Z stock, and be tempted to get the Heibeck 510HP package for the 91. Oh my...where does it all stop? The 650HP package!

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by Blownrunner

I like the 2nd zr-1 comment! I hope the values stay low so maybe someday I can afford a second one. BTW, the 91's don't have an EGR system...

What's an EGR system?

[Okiedoke]

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

Id keep the 91. The other folks have mentioned the traction control/extra bhp/ extra air bag etc. I add to that the 134A Ac system. Other than that I see no reason to upgrade to a 95. Everything that 95 has from the seats to even the interior if so inclined could be added to the 91 if thats what you want to do. Sounds like you have a great 91 id keep it.

Another factor on the side of keeping the 91 is my 4 year old son. I've gotten him hooked on Corvettes over my past year of Z ownership pointing out Corvettes on the road and going to car shows. He's recently grown heavy enough for a booster seat so we've already gone on a few drives together. He won't let mommy go for a ride in the car and wants me to keep his booster in the passenger seat at all times. He thinks 3rd gear is too quiet and likes it in 2nd gear with the RPMs at 5-6k

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by Okiedoke

What's an EGR system?

EGR = exhaust gas recirculation. Later cars, upon cold start, routes a part of exhaust gas into the passenger side of the plenum to aid faster warm up and reduce cat heat up time - is my understanding.

[mike100]

Originally Posted by secondchance

EGR = exhaust gas recirculation. Later cars, upon cold start, routes a part of exhaust gas into the passenger side of the plenum to aid faster warm up and reduce cat heat up time - is my understanding.

It actually doesn't work on start-up and when warm, recirculates a puff of dirty exhaust gas back into the intake just at the moment of throttle opening off idle. This is to keep combustion temp down for a brief second as that is the condition that oxides of nitrogen(NOx) are produced. It is not used under WOT and really doesn't hurt performance other than it kind of adds clutter.

If you hook a vacuum gauge to the egr port, you can see when the thing activates. I guess the initial loading of the engine is when the combustion temps spike- that and when running lean with a whole lot of ignition timing.

[secondchance]

Thanks for a detailed explanation.

[mike100]

The 94 and 95's have a number of ergonomic improvements that you wouldn't notice until you have owned one.
-more room on the left foot dead pedal rest (less chance of wear thru on the carpet next to the clutch pedal)
- better contrasting white gauge face ink that older eyes can see in dim conditions.
- the improved display in the gauges that shows coolant and oil temp digitally
- Blue label ZF's that shift nicely
- those sport seats!
- the interior looks more modest and not like you are about to fly a plane.
- smuggling compartments in the door panel arm rests.

Unfortunately, the soft dash and molded door panels are much cheaper and not long lasting like the 90-93 cars- even though I prefer the newer look and fit. All this won't mean too much if you don't buy a driver, but even if i was looking for a regular coupe- it would be a 95 or 96 due to many of the reasons I listed above.

[Okiedoke]

Yes. Thanks for detailed explanation. The amount of knowledge on this forum is incredible and there's so many folks always ready to help right away with all types of questions. I'm really appreciative and have just joined as a member.