$$$ Building a ZR-1 Roadster
12-18-2014, 12:58 PM
#22
Drifting
Thread Starter
I've got a lead for a write off that may be promising.
I work with an engineering Company and these guys have worked on some really challenging projects and they have agreed to build me motor mounts, wiring harness, bell housing whatever it takes
I work with an engineering Company and these guys have worked on some really challenging projects and they have agreed to build me motor mounts, wiring harness, bell housing whatever it takes
12-18-2014, 01:55 PM
#23
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cool, please start a post and document what you do. I would love to follow your progress. 
12-19-2014, 11:57 PM
#24
Race Director
Just about every post so far has told you it isn't a good idea but its your checkbook. You only need 105 horses to match the LT5 power output. Is there some particular reason you want to get those 105 horses in the most difficult way possible? Cuisinartvette hit it on the head. Some choice LT engine mods will net you more power for less work and coin than tearing apart your very clean roadster, buying a wreck, tearing that car apart and shoving parts into a chassis not made to hold them.
If I wanted stock ZR1 power levels all I'd have to do is remove a plug wire! If you build your LT1 correctly you'll end up with more HP for less $$
Last edited by aboatguy; 12-20-2014 at 12:01 AM.
12-26-2014, 03:29 AM
#25
Drifting
Thread Starter
So turns out the totaled car sale was going to be beyond the cost what I could part out the car and keep pertinent parts.
So next I made an offer on a not so well kept LT5 engine only, that also turned out far too expensive and I would've needed to source out a boat load of ancillary parts.
You guys were right. It can be accomplished 180* far easier.
I still want to improve my present car so I'll be working on most of my weaker points and strengthening them in unison. I'd rather drive a roadster with 350 whp, corresponding reworked C6 brakes and Coilovers shocks than a dressed up roadster with the ZR-1 motor.
It'll still be what I want, just in a more traditional form and done in short time blocks not months on end and much less cash
So this wasn't all for nothing. I learned a lot about my basic components thru all this and met and made friends with the guys at the legendary Art Morrison Frames and suspension. When I need some advice they definitely know a lot about modifying and fixing Corvette frames and suspensions.
Thanks to those who posted the tech help and personal perspectives along the way. It wasn't in vain
So next I made an offer on a not so well kept LT5 engine only, that also turned out far too expensive and I would've needed to source out a boat load of ancillary parts.
You guys were right. It can be accomplished 180* far easier.
I still want to improve my present car so I'll be working on most of my weaker points and strengthening them in unison. I'd rather drive a roadster with 350 whp, corresponding reworked C6 brakes and Coilovers shocks than a dressed up roadster with the ZR-1 motor.
It'll still be what I want, just in a more traditional form and done in short time blocks not months on end and much less cash
So this wasn't all for nothing. I learned a lot about my basic components thru all this and met and made friends with the guys at the legendary Art Morrison Frames and suspension. When I need some advice they definitely know a lot about modifying and fixing Corvette frames and suspensions.
Thanks to those who posted the tech help and personal perspectives along the way. It wasn't in vain
12-26-2014, 12:49 PM
#27
Drifting
Thread Starter
Oh for sure, I'd love top end power and low end torque together but honestly I'm more pragmatic and I'll work towards a strong motor probably oem displacement with forged internals. Higher #'s are not my thing. I'll sacrifice some HP/torque for reliability and longevity.
12-26-2014, 01:15 PM
#28
Safety Car
Oh for sure, I'd love top end power and low end torque together but honestly I'm more pragmatic and I'll work towards a strong motor probably oem displacement with forged internals. Higher #'s are not my thing. I'll sacrifice some HP/torque for reliability and longevity.
12-27-2014, 06:09 PM
#29
Other threads in the past already on this. If you want a Zr1 for non resale, buy a salvaged title one. Look in the parts section there are people here parting whole cars that seem decent except title often. The money is silly to do that, Big block is almost just as rare and less involved. On the other hand 5K can get you around 600 hp big cube sbc. Than trans, rear, stall, etc. 15K if you like to blow money on a C4 will get you a respectable C4 convertible. If you want performance you started with the wrong car. If money is no object why bother with a C4 vert? Neat idea though.
12-27-2014, 06:22 PM
#30
Race Director
So turns out the totaled car sale was going to be beyond the cost what I could part out the car and keep pertinent parts.
So next I made an offer on a not so well kept LT5 engine only, that also turned out far too expensive and I would've needed to source out a boat load of ancillary parts.
You guys were right. It can be accomplished 180* far easier.
I still want to improve my present car so I'll be working on most of my weaker points and strengthening them in unison. I'd rather drive a roadster with 350 whp, corresponding reworked C6 brakes and Coilovers shocks than a dressed up roadster with the ZR-1 motor.
It'll still be what I want, just in a more traditional form and done in short time blocks not months on end and much less cash
So this wasn't all for nothing. I learned a lot about my basic components thru all this and met and made friends with the guys at the legendary Art Morrison Frames and suspension. When I need some advice they definitely know a lot about modifying and fixing Corvette frames and suspensions.
Thanks to those who posted the tech help and personal perspectives along the way. It wasn't in vain
So next I made an offer on a not so well kept LT5 engine only, that also turned out far too expensive and I would've needed to source out a boat load of ancillary parts.
You guys were right. It can be accomplished 180* far easier.
I still want to improve my present car so I'll be working on most of my weaker points and strengthening them in unison. I'd rather drive a roadster with 350 whp, corresponding reworked C6 brakes and Coilovers shocks than a dressed up roadster with the ZR-1 motor.
It'll still be what I want, just in a more traditional form and done in short time blocks not months on end and much less cash
So this wasn't all for nothing. I learned a lot about my basic components thru all this and met and made friends with the guys at the legendary Art Morrison Frames and suspension. When I need some advice they definitely know a lot about modifying and fixing Corvette frames and suspensions.
Thanks to those who posted the tech help and personal perspectives along the way. It wasn't in vain
)
