I know nothing about C4's and particularly ZR1's. I keep looking at a 95 Torch Red with Saddle interior with every option and 18,000 miles. I would like to hear from those that know these cars, about the procs and cons. What is a realistic price for this car and what is the availabilty of parts? What is the reliability of the LT5 engine?
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Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
Rob-----
I think that the 90-95 ZR-1's, especially the 91-95 models due to VERY low production those years, are a real "sleeper". I can't see how they won't be a very valuable car someday. Yes, they've been "eclipsed" power-wise, but so have 67 big blocks.
As far as parts go, that's going to be a difficult area for ALL C4 Corvettes. The LT5 makes it that much more difficult since many of the engine parts have already been discontinued. Engine parts are one of the few areas of continuing parts availability for other C4s. So, when you put it all together, parts availability is definitely going to be a problem. I really don't think that a ZR1, at this point, should be purchased as an "every day use" type of car. So, if that's your intention, I don't think buying one would be a good idea, at all.
The LT5 engine is relatively reliable, especially when it comes to the later ones. However, I would not even consider such a car if I had any "inkling" that the car had been "thrashed". Even low mile cars may have been so-affected.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
Joe
As usual your common sense and expert advice are greatly appreciated. You pretty much brought me back to earth. I wasn't thinking of it it as a regular driver but neither was I looking at it as a relic to hemetically seal and look at. I would be less concerned if you had said that parts were readily available for this engine. Thanks again.Comment
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the smart guys bought up all the NOS
and the engine parts are on e bay. there are complete new engines for sale on e bay because GM warehoused these parts for 10 years after the last ZR-1 and then sold them at auctionComment
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even the body panels are different
Don't even ask about a windshield!!!
MarkComment
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Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
Rob, Our Pittsburgh Chapter has two Chevrolet sponsors. One of them is Tom Henry Chevrolet in Bakerstown, PA (near Butler and the PA turnpike). Tom is the biggest ZR1 parts specialist in the USA. tomhenry@nauticom.net
Our new pres just bought a beautiful ZR1 and drives it all the time in nice weather and loves the car. Really a special C4. John D.Comment
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Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
John
Thanks for the information. The car really is pretty neat but I don't think I really am a C4 guy. For someone that can really appreciate this car, it is an awesome example of one to buy.Comment
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Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
The ZR-1 car may end up being the fuel car of tomorrow. In the olden days no one wanted a '57 to 65 fuel car cause they couldn't make them run and now look. The ZR-1 is a sleeper. It's a great car to own. I owe a May 83 but they are nothing to brag about. Rides like a coal truck with the Z51 and I can't get out of it without prying myslef out. Nice little car but not that much fun to drive unless you let the air out of the tires and pretend it's a NASCAR car with low air pressure. That's what I do. Only running 15 lbs. Don't care about the tire wear. JohnComment
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i always want a ZR-1 and when mrs clem worked
at the dealership she would let me know when a low mileage ZR-1 would be traded in. i loved the engine but HATED the car because of getting in and out was like coming out of the birth canal and the shaking of the steering wheel and dash when going over rough places in the road turned me off.Comment
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ZR-1 oil filters are special so they do not drain
empty when the engine is off since they are installed upside down. i have heard ZR-1 engines start up when the wrong oil filter was used and the bearings rattled line marbles in a coffee can till the filter refilled with oilComment
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Re: ZR-1 oil filters are special so they do not dr
Least Mrs. Clem worked. Clem I used to collect those black oil filters because I always thought they would be rare. Sold them all though. The 83 to 91 C4's all had black painted filters from the assembly line. Strange thing is that usual C4 Corvette that used the PF 25 oil filter were only available in blue. But the ZR1's were serviced in their original black color alhtough wih variosu decals as mentioned recently in a post. Don't drink too much brewski tonight. JohnComment
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mrs clem and i are staying home to watch
the grand kids as they are staying over tonight. #1 son and the DIL go on this walk to your friends house and have different things to eat and drink and then walk home. he just called us,the company store as mrs clems calls it,looking for lemons for something he is cooking up for tonight. since he lives next door in my old house we get to see them come and go and he just went i bet to the store for lemons.Comment
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Re: mrs clem and i are staying home to watch
Good Idea Clem, You were always looking for lemons. Some of those Corvettes Jr. sold were lemons for sure. Happy New Year, JohnComment
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Re: C4-1995 ZR1-Pros and Cons
Rob,
You should drive a mid 90's Corvette to see how you like the ergonomics, how to get in and out, how they ride and drive, how it fits you. If you like all that, you will love a ZR-1. They pull hard to 7200 RPM, get pretty good gas mileage and only real Corvette know what they are.
I have a red/red 94 ZR-1 with 68,000 miles and love it.
VerleComment
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ever since the new years eve we were coming
home from a corvette club party and mrs clem was driving along RT 22 and i tried to open the car door and get out after telling her "good night". good thing i had a seat belt on and you know i never went out new years eve after that.Comment
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