looking to buy ZR1 - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

detch · 08-19-2008

I'm a new member and I am looking to purchase a 91 ZR1. I've been reading a lot but do have a general question. I found one in NJ that has 24K miles. Looking at the pictures I notice the engine is discolored, the word corvette does not have black paint. Is this an indication of abuse or normal? I printed out the "buying a ZR1 info, but is there anything else I should look for?

thanks for the help

Mike

LGAFF · 08-19-2008

Several great cars here on the registry, Hammers(forum member) is a steal with the # of mods etc and its been well maintained. Better to buy one that has a documented history.

What are you looking for a trailer queen or a driver?

LGAFF
92 ZR1
#234

Kevin · 08-20-2008

could you post pics of the motor? when the black is missing it usually means the motor has had been redone.

ZZZZZR1 · 08-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by detch

I'm a new member and I am looking to purchase a 91 ZR1. I've been reading a lot but do have a general question. I found one in NJ that has 24K miles. Looking at the pictures I notice the engine is discolored, the word corvette does not have black paint. Is this an indication of abuse or normal? I printed out the "buying a ZR1 info, but is there anything else I should look for?

thanks for the help

Mike

Mike,

Lots of things to look for....

If you have time, come to Corvettes of Carlisle(this weekend) and we would be glad to show you what to look for. FYI this isn't far from Jersey!

Here are a few items:

Tires original or newer
LTPWS working or bulp pulled
interior condition
maint records (IMPORTANT)
carfax
motor stained
laminated windshield
Mods?
Many other things, but you will have a great car if the owner REALLY knows the car and details. Best if they are "known" and the car has been seen by members.

Good Luck and let us know if you have any questions.

ps Wait till you get the "PermaGrin!"

tomtom72 · 08-20-2008

to the asylum, Mike! There are a few Z owners in NJ that I'm sure would help you out with another pair of "eyes" on the car if you feel the need for it. I'm in the Metro/NYC area and I'm always up for a drive to mess around with a Z. Any excuse to use mine.

What Kevin means is that if the top end was repowder coated usually the lettering goes by the way side as it is waaaaay tedious to do. In any event if it has stock paint the discoloration is a function of the cheap paint they used at MercMarine to paint the motors. Spill just about anything except water on it and you stain it.

Not to beat anything to death....but I would look to see if one of our active member's cars fit your budget. It's always nice to get one from an owner that was OCD about their P/Maint program.....besides as a side benifit you usually get all the stupid stuff as fas as updates already dunn for ya in the deal, along with the possibility of some sweet mods at half off!

thomastom72@aol.com is my addy if ya need an extra set of eyes! Oh, I'll be at Carlisle from Thurs thru Sat so I will be non-comn till I get back on Sunday!

Tom

detch · 08-23-2008

thanks all,
I have attached a few pictures, I wish I could attend Carlisle but other family commentments hold me back.
There are a number of great cars for sale on the registry but I need to sell or trade my 69.

thanks again
Mike

902066 · 08-23-2008

Looking at those pictures, it looks to me like a car that was driven without a lot of owner pride. I cant understand how an owner could let an engine look that bad. The only way to make it look right is to have it powdercoated. Just because it looks bad doesnt mean it doesnt run well.
The weatherstrips dont look that great, the door panels dont look that straight and to shiny. I hate to see pics when the antenia mast is up, it makes me think its broken. I have seen many cars for sale by Registry members that look much better and their owners take pride in their cars.

cuisinartvette · 08-23-2008

Im betting a lot of these cars as they age will not have the best engine paint unless they have very low miles. Again, look here at the Registry as most here keep them in tip top shape and the typical Z/C4 issues have already been addressed.
Have a 90 for sale here but it may not be for you as it has some miles (that bothers lot of people) but very well maintained, reliable and presentable.

Plenty to choose from tak your time. If you find something report back here, chances are someone here knows about the car, its history orthe owners. One of the benefits of this place is its a small community so not much gets past these guys so if there is one to be avoided they wil alert you to it.

Edit: Just looked at those pics, that ones been store outside I bet. And more.
Cant believe it only has 24k on it. Poor car.

Usa1-Zr1 · 08-24-2008

This is what a ZR-1 Motor should look like with 45,000 miles on it happy hunting...

08-24-2008

It seems the car was outside, flooded with water, or iced in snow!!

leaving the car in very cold weather and snow covering the Z for long time will leave this thing on engine!!

08-19-2008	#1
detch Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 44	looking to buy ZR1 I'm a new member and I am looking to purchase a 91 ZR1. I've been reading a lot but do have a general question. I found one in NJ that has 24K miles. Looking at the pictures I notice the engine is discolored, the word corvette does not have black paint. Is this an indication of abuse or normal? I printed out the "buying a ZR1 info, but is there anything else I should look for? thanks for the help Mike

08-20-2008	#3
Kevin Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: pittsburgh Posts: 4,632	Re: looking to buy ZR1 could you post pics of the motor? when the black is missing it usually means the motor has had been redone. __________________ It's not the car, it's the people - Doug Johnson 90 r/r "KEYS ON" nick named "T.L.B"

08-20-2008	#5
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,645	Re: looking to buy ZR1 to the asylum, Mike! There are a few Z owners in NJ that I'm sure would help you out with another pair of "eyes" on the car if you feel the need for it. I'm in the Metro/NYC area and I'm always up for a drive to mess around with a Z. Any excuse to use mine. What Kevin means is that if the top end was repowder coated usually the lettering goes by the way side as it is waaaaay tedious to do. In any event if it has stock paint the discoloration is a function of the cheap paint they used at MercMarine to paint the motors. Spill just about anything except water on it and you stain it. Not to beat anything to death....but I would look to see if one of our active member's cars fit your budget. It's always nice to get one from an owner that was OCD about their P/Maint program.....besides as a side benifit you usually get all the stupid stuff as fas as updates already dunn for ya in the deal, along with the possibility of some sweet mods at half off! thomastom72@aol.com is my addy if ya need an extra set of eyes! Oh, I'll be at Carlisle from Thurs thru Sat so I will be non-comn till I get back on Sunday! Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member

08-23-2008	#7
902066 Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 190	Re: looking to buy ZR1 Looking at those pictures, it looks to me like a car that was driven without a lot of owner pride. I cant understand how an owner could let an engine look that bad. The only way to make it look right is to have it powdercoated. Just because it looks bad doesnt mean it doesnt run well. The weatherstrips dont look that great, the door panels dont look that straight and to shiny. I hate to see pics when the antenia mast is up, it makes me think its broken. I have seen many cars for sale by Registry members that look much better and their owners take pride in their cars.

08-23-2008	#8
cuisinartvette Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: San Fernando Valley, CA. Posts: 896	Re: looking to buy ZR1 Im betting a lot of these cars as they age will not have the best engine paint unless they have very low miles. Again, look here at the Registry as most here keep them in tip top shape and the typical Z/C4 issues have already been addressed. Have a 90 for sale here but it may not be for you as it has some miles (that bothers lot of people) but very well maintained, reliable and presentable. Plenty to choose from tak your time. If you find something report back here, chances are someone here knows about the car, its history orthe owners. One of the benefits of this place is its a small community so not much gets past these guys so if there is one to be avoided they wil alert you to it. Edit: Just looked at those pics, that ones been store outside I bet. And more. Cant believe it only has 24k on it. Poor car. __________________ 1990 ZR1, 142,000 miles-Black on black 4.09's Haibeck chip, 3"exh, K&N, meth inj. Last edited by cuisinartvette; 08-23-2008 at 02:16 PM.

08-19-2008	#2
LGAFF Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 7,194	Re: looking to buy ZR1 Several great cars here on the registry, Hammers(forum member) is a steal with the # of mods etc and its been well maintained. Better to buy one that has a documented history. What are you looking for a trailer queen or a driver? LGAFF 92 ZR1 #234

08-24-2008	#9
Usa1-Zr1 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Greenville Ohio Posts: 111	Re: looking to buy ZR1 This is what a ZR-1 Motor should look like with 45,000 miles on it happy hunting... __________________ Ruby ZR-1 car #95 lots of bolt-ons never opened up 390- RWHP Last edited by Usa1-Zr1; 08-24-2008 at 10:04 AM.

08-24-2008	#10
HADI-ZR1 Guest Posts: n/a	Re: looking to buy ZR1 It seems the car was outside, flooded with water, or iced in snow!! leaving the car in very cold weather and snow covering the Z for long time will leave this thing on engine!! Last edited by HADI-ZR1; 08-24-2008 at 11:24 AM.