Hary Gahtoe

I want to hopefully to make the Corvette GM didn't. I have a 92 triple black Roadster that's very clean and original.
Going with a ZR-1 would make it very interesting and hopefully worth more (IMHO)
Willing to have the rear fenders modified to fit ZR-1 wheels to match the correct fit
So has anybody done a Roadster ZR-1 here already ?

Kmcoldcars

Your plan to create a convertible ZR-1 would make for a very interesting car. You would probably have more in it than you could ever sell it for, but it would be a heck of a car to drive on our nice warm summer days ( all two of them).
Starting with a nice 92 convertible you would only need the engine and transmission, probably a different rear end, different rear fascia, fenders and doors, some dashboard and console changes, and probably some suspension changes. It would probably be easier and cheaper to take a ZR-1 and change it into a convertible, and still have a nice 92 roadster..

Hary Gahtoe

Considering it'd just be specialty car not fake or a copy I was planning on leaving my auto and just change the final drive ratio. Doing the the suspension and widening the rear quarters. If when I was done driving it the next guy wanted to do all the rest, it would be a well done takeover point to build even further
Anybody please let me know of a ZR-1 engine (reasonably priced) they come across would be a big help
Thanks

FASTAZU

Good Luck, A ZR-1 is more than just the LT5. You will have many hurtles to over come, Body is wider from center of doors back, changing to an auto it won't just bolt up a an LT5, you will need to find all the engine electrical controls, change the rear end to a 44, The oil cooling system on an LT5 will require a you to change the radiator box to add the cooler it goes in between the radiator and AC condenser. Other things to think about motor mounts, ac lines, cooling system parts, 8K tach. Some of these things are going to be a challenge to find and $ you to death. Hope these links help.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...le-anyone.html

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....ht=convertible

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....ht=convertible

tunedport85inject

probably better doable a callaway aerobody roadster on a base Zr1,imagine a car like this powered by an LT5

whalepirot

I am wearing that tee shirt!

pkincy

I suppose a 383 would do the same thing for a lot less money, particularly that you have a great platform to start on.

cv67

Id have to agree do a larger ci sbc or add a blower to what you got
real easy to make good power on a Gen 1 or LTx without the expense of converting. Outside the motor its all the little stuff (expensive!!)in the compartement that does not interchange with the LT5 that will $ break you. Even the fuel pumps are different

Hary Gahtoe

After reading posts I guess some re direction saying adding a ZR-1 engine not a total package would be a closer direction than an all out swap over. Thank you for the posts. Some good points of advice but if all else fails I can buy an insurance write off or roll over and go from there.

JackDidley

I think it may be easier to turn a ZR-1 into a vert than turning a vert into a Z. Just start with a nice Z and a vert parts car.

Hary Gahtoe

I understand the post ^ but I have a very clean, 52k mi. umolested Roadster. Adding a LT5 and making minimal changes will give me all I want. A hybrid of sorts. My direction is strictly personal and not for car shows. Meaning standard rear fenders re glassed to cover 11-12 inch wheel; no door modification. Aftermarket rad, higher capacity fuel pump etc, etc.

Polo Vert

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.

Hary Gahtoe

Not for nothing, but if I want an LS I'll buy a C6. Same goes for blowers etc.
My direction for right now is to find a LT5 and go from there.
If you have a reasonable lead I'm all ears
Thanks

Lloyd Smale

heres a guy on craigs list selling a c5 z06 convertible. maybe he can give you some pointers if you contact him http://appleton.craigslist.org/cto/4757007655.html

Churchkey

A wanted ad in the market place section of this ZR-1 web site may get results. + ZR-1's for sale etc.

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Home.aspx

cormorant71

Correct me if i am wrong, but it sounds like you just want to make the car GM should have made in the early '90's? I LOVE the idea of a ZR-1 vert!

If I am reading you correctly it is not about money or HP, it is about a dream...

Chase it!

C

Hary Gahtoe

I've owned 4 Corvettes and Ive spent more money with less than satisfactory results doing power increases. More over power increases result in a lot of reliability issues.
Our C5 had an LS1 and they get expensive to make decent power. The output of an LS1 is too close to the Factory C4.
I got a ride in a ZR1 and loved the power curve and I can install the LT5 without adding anything to it. For myself it's what I want and I just don't want an LS power plant. Not in this C4. Otherwise, I'd just trade the car for a C6 Grand Sport Roadster

JimZRyd

Good luck. Like the comment that has already been made, you'd be better off modifying a ZR-1 into a convertible if what you want is LT5 power in a roadster platform. One of our members over on the ZR-1 Net is presently taking on that very same project. Might want to check a couple of his posts.

Jim

94 ZR-1 #245

Hary Gahtoe

Thanks Jim.
Considering I've done 3; NA to twin turbo swaps shouldn't be any worse. Fabbing is very rewarding if engineered properly and executed well

So no solid leads yet
I may post a reward for an engine if all else fails
Thanks for looking

1985 Corvette

The cool factor alone would be worth it, considering it would be unexpected in a standard C4 body. Still the most beautiful Corvette engine ever and not a lot to get even more performance out of them. I've been waiting for someone to do this. Unless I'm mistaken, you'll need a LT5 specific ZF bellhousing and transmission, as well as clutch fork stud. If guys can shove LS3s in Miatas, why not you with an LT5 in your 92 convertible?