Mechanic and Maintenance Questions ....

[C4Ray]

Nothing yet Russ, as I'm not an owner yet. I just want to be prepared for repairs; big or small. Buddy of mine owns a Ferrari and he has a helluva hard time locating good Mechanics. Often times he has to transport 2-3 hours away. I wish we had more viable Mechanics around that do good work.

[Kevin]

You're looking at the same thing. Owning a zr-1 is a bit like owning a Ferrari. Parts are expensive and mechanics are far away

[RussMcB]

It depends of two things: Your mechanical ability and the complexity of the problem.

My mechanical ability is probably a 7 on a scale of 10, and most of the projects I've tackled thus far on the ZR-1* were easily done with the great help available here, and phone calls with Jerry and Marc. There are some things I won't tackle, and when they happen, I'll hire an expert (but only after researching here and other places first).

My hunch is a ZR-1 is much easier to maintain without spending a lot of money than a Ferrari.

* Replaced coils, injectors, starter motor and two mods: Removed secondaries and added a starter bypass relay.

[C4Ray]

If you have a big repair or want to upgrade to one of Haibeck's HP packages -- how many of you transport or drive to Haibeck Automotive near Chicago? For example; if you live in Arizona or Florida, would you have any reservation about paying a transporter a nice chuck of change to move your Z to and from Haibeck's facility near Chicago?

[Demps]

Originally Posted by C4Ray

If you have a big repair or want to upgrade to one of Haibeck's HP packages -- how many of you transport or drive to Haibeck Automotive near Chicago? For example; if you live in Arizona or Florida, would you have any reservation about paying a transporter a nice chuck of change to move your Z to and from Haibeck's facility near Chicago?

Here's my advice...buy what you want already modified. The bugs will be worked out. Someone else will eat the near-lost cost.

Yes, I did ship a car from Idaho & trailered it back when finished. I have one awesome 415. I'll have it forever.

Another soapbox: learn how to do the minor things. This site will help. It'll save you with these cars.

Ted

[WARP TEN]

Hi Ray--
Many people ship their cars to and from Marc's but for routine maintenance all you need is a factory shop manual and a reasonably good mechanic, combined with the accumulated knowledge of this forum. Factory shop manual was my first purchase after the car. The value of forum help cannot be underestimated. There is a huge knowledge base and lots of owners willing to share and help. Witness Jim Voter's recent experience buying the stock purple 95. Picked it up in Utah, then in Las Vegas the injectors failed but member Ted Dempsey was nearby and pulled a set of injectors from his ZR-1 for Jim to use on his trip. Proverbial shirt off his back. Can't ask for much more than that. There are many owners in Florida. Additionally, Marc and others are always willing to talk on the phone if your mechanic has a problem. And I know from experience that the later cars I have owned are very reliable. Marc and I were talking recently about our 93s and my 95 and neither of us has ever had our cars leave us stranded on the highway. Other than a replaced slightly leaking A/C line, I haven't had any failures since Marc first serviced the car in 2012.--Bob

[C4Ray]

I found a local ZR-1 Mechanic -- Eismann Corvette Center.

http://www.eismannscorvettecenter.com/

Comments ?

[Bearly Flying]

I would be very careful, lots of wannabe Mechanics claim to know everything. Very few know anything about the LT5.

[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by C4Ray

I found a local ZR-1 Mechanic -- Eismann Corvette Center.

http://www.eismannscorvettecenter.com/

Comments ?

Just make sure you have the factory shop manuals for him to borrow and that if he is unsure about something he is comfortable calling Marc Haibeck or having you solicit wisdom from the Registry members in matters of the engine. Everything else about the car is essentially regular C4. --Bob.

[C4Ray]

Much appreciated everyone, and Bob.