So, you inherited a ZR1..

[TimNH]

Hi all, quick intro, my family has inherited a 1991 ZR1 from my uncle, who bought it new and tried to get it going after "15-20 years storage", but it still needs help. I will be selling it for our estate, need to decide whether to sell as-is or invest the work to get it back on the road. Only 5200 miles, mostly in the early years, and the storage since seems more "barn" than "climate controlled" Maybe even stored outside, as the paint is all faded, so this is very far away from "nice" despite the low mileage.

As mentioned he tried to get it running - I have receipts from 2016-7 for:

Fuel flush, Fuel pump, Fuel filter
Cleaned primary & secondary injectors
4 coils
8 spark plugs
Throttle body & intake gaskets kits, seal
An "F-(S) Sender" for $683, whatever that is
Oil change
Some minor other non-engine related stuff

States good 215 lb compression in each cylinder, but it is now at my personal mechanic in NH, they say the gas tank is rusty inside, muck inside tank, needs replacing, and probably all 16 injectors too. Big bucks.

My own observations from one 2 mile drive to the mechanic (yep I did drive it that once, wouldn't have if I knew about muck in the gas tank):
* Car started and seemed to run beautifully for about 2 minutes, then started coughing and choking and would almost stall w/out blipping the gas.
* Brakes stop the car nicely, didn't test ABS though
* Transmission feels great, tight and precise.
* Paint is poor, faded and uneven
* Tires are original 1991! Cracked and need replacing before it is ever driven at speed.
* Interior is solid and complete, but smells musty and some of the fit & finish has a 'curl' to it, where stuff doesnt fit flush. Most notably the glove box does not open nicely, the casing around it has deformed and tends to "untuck" out of its housing.
* Most dash/electronics work except the radio produces no sound.
* Wheels are very nice, very little blemish on any of them.
* Driver side headlight does not return to closed position, motors both churn away but the left one needs a push to shut it.
* 2 tops - one body colored, one glass, both fine condition except the body colored top headliner is sagging.
* Weatherstripping and rubber around windows is dry and cracked, plan on a full replacement of all the rubber around the windows.
* Has a big box of goodies - original "collectors kit" type thing w/ VCR tape, sample sound cassette, books, original sticker, 3 sets of keys, all that

That's about all I know - basically needs a fuel tank & injectors as the next step, and even then of course no guarantee more gremlins won't pop up. Any thoughts for what I might ask "as-is"? Many thanks for this long read!

[A26B]

Gas Tank: Tank is not rusted, has a plastic liner. The rust is likely from the old fuel pump. Siphon out fuel, wipe down gas tank. Since the fuel pump sender was replaced, I would at least try to use it.
Fuel Filter: change it out again with new one.
Fuel Injectors: Install new set, FIC or Accel are the best value & proven performance. Price range $650~$725 (parts only)
Tires: Replace with new. Save your old ones, as you may be able to sell them as originals to NCRS enthusiast.

Be on the lookout for rodent damage. Mice really like the LT5 Hotel & will chew on the wiring under the intake plenum.

Cooling System: flush & renew coolant

Engine Oil: Filter & oil change, 100% synthetic, Mobil 1, Valvoline, or any major brand, since you are making ready for sale.

[TimNH]

Thank you sir - I don't think I can invest too much into it, wonder if the board has a ballpark guesstimate as to what I might ask for a price as-is? The goal is a fairly quick sale w/out getting totally hosed.

[EvanZR1]

Originally Posted by TimNH

Thank you sir - I don't think I can invest too much into it, wonder if the board has a ballpark guesstimate as to what I might ask for a price as-is? The goal is a fairly quick sale w/out getting totally hosed.

That's going to be a difficult sale if it's got problems, typically only someone familiar with a ZR-1 will be interested (and most of us already have one). On top of that, there are some crazy low prices on good running ZR-1s right now. There's a 91 in the for sale section asking $11,500 right now, and it's good running condition with only a few cosmetic issues.

[Racinfan83]

Here is what I would do in your situation. Go to this site: http://zr1specialist.com/ and email Marc Haibeck. Copy/paste your post and ask him what he thinks and if he or one of the Illinois crew would be interested in it. Your car has one thing going for it - low miles. It might not be feasible to restore to as new - but it has a lot of good parts. And if it can be restored those guys have the parts and knowledge to do it. Another guy on here runs Evolution Motorsports in the Mid Atlantic region - look him up too. I would say your best option for sale is someone who has a shop...

[A26B]

Even though it has some issues, if sold in its present condition, I wouldn't let it go for less than $10,000. Strong consideration should be given to 5,200 mileage. The drive line, engine, transmission/clutch & differential assembly alone should bring $9,000.

I'm not suggesting you part it out. The paint could be an expensive fix & it may not. A professional wet sand & buff would be a LOT less costly and could make it look just as good as new. Low 5,200 miles may offset the "fix it up" cost & would make an easier sale.

* Paint is poor, faded and uneven

Wet Sand & Buff will do wonders unless clear coat is peeling.

* Tires are original 1991! Cracked and need replacing before it is ever driven at speed.

I would suggest leaving the tires as-is. Adds to originality & low miles

* Interior is solid and complete, but smells musty and some of the fit & finish has a 'curl' to it, where stuff doesnt fit flush. Most notably the glove box does not open nicely, the casing around it has deformed and tends to "untuck" out of its housing.

I'm not an interior guy, but if someone knows of a way to fix, they are likely on this forum. If not, most of the parts are the same as as regular C4. Check with Mirock for used replacements.

* Most dash/electronics work except the radio produces no sound.

Search on this forum for Bose Amps. They can be sent off for repair.

* Driver side headlight does not return to closed position, motors both churn away but the left one needs a push to shut it.

Simple fix & new gears are available from Ecklers, Corvette Central, MidAmerica, etc.

* 2 tops - one body colored, one glass, both fine condition except the body colored top headliner is sagging.

Can be easily repaired at any decent upholstery shop

* Weatherstripping and rubber around windows is dry and cracked, plan on a full replacement of all the rubber around the windows.

First, try conditioning with dielectric silicone grease. Very good for conditioning & maintenance.

Caveat: this is simply my opinion, certainly not the last word.

[Meanmyz]

Originally Posted by A26B

Even though it has some issues, if sold in its present condition, I wouldn't let it go for less than $10,000. Strong consideration should be given to 5,200 mileage. The drive line, engine, transmission/clutch & differential assembly alone should bring $9,000.

I'm not suggesting you part it out. The paint could be an expensive fix & it may not. A professional wet sand & buff would be a LOT less costly and could make it look just as good as new. Low 5,200 miles may offset the "fix it up" cost & would make an easier sale.


Wet Sand & Buff will do wonders unless clear coat is peeling.


I would suggest leaving the tires as-is. Adds to originality & low miles


I'm not an interior guy, but if someone knows of a way to fix, they are likely on this forum. If not, most of the parts are the same as as regular C4. Check with Mirock for used replacements.


Search on this forum for Bose Amps. They can be sent off for repair.


Simple fix & new gears are available from Ecklers, Corvette Central, MidAmerica, etc.


Can be easily repaired at any decent upholstery shop


First, try conditioning with dielectric silicone grease. Very good for conditioning & maintenance.

Caveat: this is simply my opinion, certainly not the last word.

Some good information here!

[32valvesftw]

My opinion, and take it as just that,
In good clean condition and running well, the car would be 20K+, as is less than 15K probably 12.5 - 15K. Again that is just my opinion.
To get it running using a third party mechanic will be at least 2K probably closer to 3K all in.
The paint works against you price wise. If you sell it even as a project you may want to invest the 600ish for "paint correction" from a good detailing shop.

[TimNH]

Thank you all, I am awaiting a quote for gas tank & injectors, let's see how that comes in, and I'll decide whether to get it running, or just sell as-is. I hope to get to drive it a little and see what it can do. I remember the "King of the Hill" and "Corvette from Hell" etc as a kid, would be great to actually drive it (non-limp-mode) at least once. Keep you posted!

[A26B]

Originally Posted by TimNH

Thank you all, I am awaiting a quote for gas tank & injectors, let's see how that comes in, and I'll decide whether to get it running, or just sell as-is. I hope to get to drive it a little and see what it can do. I remember the "King of the Hill" and "Corvette from Hell" etc as a kid, would be great to actually drive it (non-limp-mode) at least once. Keep you posted!

99% chance you do not need a gas tank.