Scariest ZR-1 risks

[XfireZ51]

Have it shipped. With 600miles on it and a 27 year old car, I would not drive it without going thru it pretty thoroughly. U could end up trailering it anyway.

[Bob Eyres]

It sounds like the general consensus is to change all the fluids, get fresh tires, and do a good shakedown run, then head for home. That’s what I would do. It might be helpful to locate a good Corvette shop in the vicinity of the purchase to do all this, and take a look for other things while they’re at it.
BTW, when I bought my 91’ (with3Kmi.on it), I flew to LA with my son, bought the car, filled the gas tank, and headed back to south Florida. No problems, and the most fun I’ve ever had with the car........but that was 1994 ) Go for it!


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[KFoster]

I would be concerned about the injectors and tires. You can look at the tires, but if original they are probably hard as a rock. Injectors are a different story and seem to be pretty bad on low mile cars. Be careful.


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[WARP TEN]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

Have it shipped. With 600miles on it and a 27 year old car, I would not drive it without going thru it pretty thoroughly. U could end up trailering it anyway.

I absolutely agree with Dominic but with one addition. Have it shipped directly to Marc Haibeck in Addison Illinois for a thorough going over. (Talk to him first though). Don't drive it much if at all until that has happened. That's what I did when I purchased my 20,000 mile '95. Had him change ALL fluids, replace the serpentine belt (which was hanging on by as few threads), and a number of other items. On a '90 he will, as others have noted, undoubtedly recommend replacing injectors and probably fuel system components. Also had him do a couple desirable mods like add a Hurst shifter and 4.10 rear gears while it was there. And definitely replace the tires if they are original. Save the originals for NCRS shows. --Bob

[Vette73]

Originally Posted by t3404eo

Actually the price is right. I'd buy it to drive it anyway. I'm just not totally sold on hitting the road for a 2k plus drive quite yet. I bought a 73 Mercedes SL and immediately hit the road for a 2k drive without an issue. Also did it with an 86 Mercedes E-class and while I made it home, it did blow the head gasket literally 50 miles out.

600 mile Z....I'm sure the car is in showroom condition....I've always said, we see many corvettes for sale and follow some interesting sales,Ex-low mileage ones, heavily modded ones, rare colored ones.....

However, I find not even five percent of the buyers actually post what in fact they paid for the car at time of sale,auctions excluded,they post the final sale.....

Was yours an auction vehicle? Would you be willing to post final sale price....I feel in the future if the selling price was given with the asking price it would help in valuing the cars better...



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[Hib Halverson]

a 600-mile '90 and you're going to drive it 2000+ miles. Well...

I'd run the fuel pressure tests in the FSM as a quick assessment of the condition of the injectors.

Then, as the fluids are likely 28 years old, I'd change all of it..brake fluid, power steering, coolant, engine oil, trans lube and rear axle lube.

Change the accessory drive belt.

Inspect all rubber hoses and replace as necessary.

The hvac might need service.

Road test the car to check brake function and service the brakes as necessary

Finally, the aformention tires ought to be replaced.

[Riviera]

From a potential purchase standpoint I would be concerned about the statement "runs great". If it's only had 600 miles put on it in 28 years it hasn't been run much at all. Just my two cents. Showroom condition, maybe yes, but more likely no. How long ago was the gas tank flushed and who did it?

[JThomas]

All of the above, and let us know your route and progress, so that if or when you have a problem, we are there to help you.

Personally, I would trailer/ship it home. But understanding your enthusiasm, have it checked out before you get started, but let us know how the trip goes if you drive it, so we know you are okay or be there to help.

Good luck!!!

[gbrtng]

have it shipped, your cost will be less in the long run... you are in very shaky territory if you drive it.

[Dynomite]

I would change Engine Oil and Oil Filter. I would check trans and diff oil. Take it for a spin after the engine oil change and make sure the temperature stabilizes.
I would not tell anyone what I paid for it

Then I would drive it home

Originally Posted by tomcat

Hey Man,
Drive your ZR1 home, you'll be fine. I drove my ZR1 home from Wisconsin to Vancouver Washington. With only 1 issue, people staring.
Manfred E.....Black #906

If something happens on the road, have a friend with a trailer available.

All these scare posts takes the fun out of it. There have been many here who have ZR-1s with 20,000-100,000 miles that have not changed trans or Diff oil and some have not even checked the trans or Diff oil. And definitely not the clutch or brake oil change out and probably not the Coolant except checking that it is green. Those fluids are as old as the fluids in your 600 mile ZR-1 without the condensation from many cycles of temperature.

I have bought several ZR-1s and never really know what maintenance or fluids were used or the change intervals. Your 600 mile ZR-1 prolly has had zero changes and you know what fluid was used....That is a BIG Plus....exactly like my LT5 Crate Engine

Have Fun Driving that NEW ZR-1



The further you drive the ZR-1 towards home base, the cheaper the shipping charges become if the naysayers are correct