'90s vintage ZR1s

[Michael J.]

In watching Mecum last night, I was interested in the very reasonable prices on the 90s ZR1s, even an NCRS Top Flight one was cheap. In looking around the internet for listings, they are very reasonable and many are available. I thought these were supercars when they first came out, and now they are selling like regular used cars. I am looking for something different to put in the garage, could these be the bargain of the year?

[Paul D.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

Very fun cars to drive...Look out for parts......replacements can be expensive....H2O pump....starter, etc.....Had '90 and '91,thought '90 was a little faster.'93 and up have engine mods,4 bolt block and diff heads.You can steal the early ones for less than 20large....Did not see mecum,what were they going for?....P....

[Thomas P.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

Setting up the cams correctly needs the right tools and experience on the LT5.
If you buy one, find someone that has experience with that engine.

[Jack H.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

I wondered if the Lingenfelter ZR1 could be flight judged. Anyone know?

[Michael J.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

You can steal the early ones for less than 20large....Did not see mecum,what were they going for?....P....

They were going or $15,000 to $30,000. The highest was the top flight 40th anniversary model.

[Steve B.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

I have always been a little surprised that the ZR1s, even after twenty years still can't bring anything near list price. I owned a 91 and it was a great car. The 87 callaway sold for 15k which seemed really cheap for such a rare car.

[Tom H.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

They are great cars. I have sold over 100 of them. Fun to drive and a pretty good bargain right now. Parts can be expensive, but an engine failure on a ZR1 is very rare. I would recommend one with a few miles rather than one that has been parked since new. Fuel pumps and injectors are issues. Also the Bose stereo system is an issue with these and other C4's.

There is nothing like driving a good C4 ZR1 !! One of my all time favorite Corvettes.

[Thomas P.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

....Also the Bose stereo system is an issue with these and other C4's.

There is nothing like driving a good C4 ZR1 !! One of my all time favorite Corvettes.

The C4 power amps are located at each speaker.
By far, the most common problem is the electrolytic capacitors in the power amps don't last very long -- inferior quality.
I repaired several. In fact, for most, I don't even trouble shoot the problem. I just shotgun in about seven electrolytic capacitors. This usually fixes them.

[Tom H.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

The C4 power amps are located at each speaker.
By far, the most common problem is the electrolytic capacitors in the power amps don't last very long -- inferior quality.
I repaired several. In fact, for most, I don't even trouble shoot the problem. I just shotgun in about seven electrolytic capacitors. This usually fixes them.

Correct ! Also I take out and repair many head units for inop CD players !

[James C.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

I have a 1990 Top Flight (98.6) ZR-1 with 12,400 miles on the speedo. It is an exhilarating car to drive. It will keep up with my $70K 2008 V8 BMW M-3.

It is important to remember that these are 20 year old cars with loads of technology that was years ahead of it's time.

I know the Bose radio system is prone to break, but I didn't buy this to listen to the radio. A Honda can get you a dependable radio at a good price.

The performance numbers are staggering for 20 year old technology. 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. A Lotus designed 32 Valve aluminum 5.7 litre V8. I love every minute that I am driving it. What could be more intriguing than a "VALET" key. How cool is that. They get excellent gas mileage and can dust many new Vettes.and still get the "looks"

They are steals at the prices today. Mechanically they are "bulletproof". There performance can easily be upgraded by "inexpensive modifications. Go to the ZR-1. org. and learn about these incredible machines. My first one was #33, a GM executive car that I later sold to a Vette driving school, where it held up to years of abuse and ran as strong as it did when new. (but that darn radio did break, though).

As the GM factory applied decal on the rear window states " Life begins at 180 mph." Gotta love em.


Jim

[Kenneth B.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

In watching Mecum last night, I was interested in the very reasonable prices on the 90s ZR1s, even an NCRS Top Flight one was cheap. In looking around the internet for listings, they are very reasonable and many are available. I thought these were supercars when they first came out, and now they are selling like regular used cars. I am looking for something different to put in the garage, could these be the bargain of the year?

The problem is PARTS,PARTS&PARTS. GM dose not make service parts for a lot of Corvetts for 84 & up, there are not enough cars to warrent aftermarket. We have talked about this on here before. There will be a lot of 84 on up Corvettes setting because no parts are avalable especialy senser parts. It is even worse for the HP cars plus know one to work on them. Run like the wind unless you can buy a ton of parts. TOO BAD
KEN

[Michael F.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

The problem is PARTS,PARTS&PARTS. GM dose not make service parts for a lot of Corvetts for 84 & up, there are not enough cars to warrent aftermarket. We have talked about this on here before. There will be a lot of 84 on up Corvettes setting because no parts are avalable especialy senser parts. It is even worse for the HP cars plus know one to work on them. Run like the wind unless you can buy a ton of parts. TOO BAD
KEN

I agree, this motor will be a nightmare for parts. I would only buy a low to no mileage unit. Then only drive it enough to keep it pliable and running.

Just like I don't buy guns I can't shoot (ie: Unfired classics). I also don't buy cars I can't drive. The ZR-1 would fit this category. What a shame.

You can bet the black/tan unit that went for $20k. Was already in need of work. A pristine low mileage unit wwas low bid too. I can't remember if it sold.

[Eric J.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

Parts are not as hard to get as you may think. Lots of parts/donor cars + zr1netregistry.com is a great group keeping the ZR-1s alive. They can be run 100s of thousand of miles with little are few failures. (other then injectors, vacuum lines and the starter is prone to failure if the engine gets wet) Don't fear the Z. (unless you are trying to catch one!)

[Thomas P.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

....and the starter is prone to failure if the engine gets wet) Don't fear the Z. (unless you are trying to catch one!)

If I remember correctly, it's been some time, on the LT5, you have to pull the intake manifold to change the starter.

[Eric J.]

Re: '90s vintage ZR1s

Yup a plenum pull needs to get done, but the registry guys have it down to a science. Saw a plenum pull at the C4 Gathering in the hotel parking lot last year. Off, replace bad coil pack, and back on in under an hour. Only a few special tools needed, those are mostly long hex head bits to get to the bolts between the runners on the plenum.