1993C4LT1

I've been thinking about it. To be honest, I'm a little scared of doing it. But at the same time, I feel like doing it Nothing is set stone yet. Just looking for others experiences. I understand that modding it engine wise is expensive. But I would be fine with the typical long tube headers and porting. To those that had a base C4, how does cost of ownership compare? I can work on my LT1, so I would assume I'd be able to work on the LT5. Albeit the LT5 will be a bit harder to work on. From my research, it's a C4 other than the engine, and the doors to the back of the car.

Photoguy000

I've got a base 92 6 speed FX3 car AND a 90 ZR-1. Used to have a 88 Z52 4+3.

In terms of the car itself my ZR-1 has only been a little more expensive as it comes to maintenance but then again I took it to Marc Haibeck in Chicago and had him flush all the fluids and fix any little things while he was there immediately after I bought it. Trips like that are absolutely worth it on a fresh buy and recommended because only a few folks know the car that well, but they add up quickly. Overall it's just little stuff that make the Z more expensive.... The LT5 takes 12 quarts of oil (you'll only get 8 or 9 out in an oil change anyway) vs the 4 or so that the standard LT1 or L98 takes so that's an expense any time you do an oil change. Rear tires are getting harder to find as well it seems. Just like with a regular C4 you have to remember trickle down engineering. The ZR-1 Fuel pump is something silly like $300 with the correct part number, but if you find the part for a Suburban from a few years later (Same Manufacturer number but different vehicle part number) They are super cheap. These kinds of things the Registry will help you with.

Engine itself? Back in the day these engines used to be Immensely complicated. Now they pale in comparison to the new C7 Z06 LT4. Doesn't mean you can take it to anyone if you don't want to do the work yourself, but they aren't as scary as you might think. Only part not really available is the Ignition Control Module, otherwise all parts can be found through Jerry's gaskets or a post on the Registry. The ZR1 Registry is by far the best place on earth for any information. There are SO many people willing to help out or lend a hand on technical questions, and even a lot of posts explaining things with great photos to go with them. This should alleviate your fears because there is no other car I've ever owned with such a devout following and close knit group as the ZR-1.

Driving a L98 vs LT1/4 vs LT5 is night and day between each instance IMO. If you love the Torque at the bottom between stop lights the L98 and LT1/4 are always the way to go and you'll risk being a little disappointed with a Stock LT5. (yea I said it; I felt it too at first). My 92 will beat my 90 Z off the line every day of the week. The ZR-1 will laugh on its way past the 92 every single time though. Dropping the ZR-1 into gear on the highway is also a religious experience as the car pulls harder the faster she goes. That's stock. I'm saving my pennies for a Haibeck 510 treatment. 4.10s are really what you need for that low end torque feeling, but I don't personally like those.

That's all my experience with it though, I'm sure many have other opinions.

mike100

Just so long as you have C4 ownership experience, you pretty well understand about he care and feeding of one. The LT5 cars aren't too much different than a base car if the one you buy has been repaired and serviced as needed. If you get a car that everything is broken on, then it will add up. Like replacing 16 injectors, chasing typical oil leaks, tires, or trying to get non-op secondaries working again. But then again, the same is true for a regular coupe if it needs a little of everything. A basket case base coupe could cost more than it is worth to fix, but a ZR-1 is usually still worth restoring to some extent.

You can expect to do a couple of things a year to it- same as a regular C4. The two things that I felt were different compared to my old 95 Lt1 car was that you feel compelled to fix everything very properly, keep it parked indoors and drive it a little less often.

The other thing was it is a heavier, more powerful car so drive line stress is higher- I had to do some universals on mine.

1993C4LT1

Excellent responses guys, thanks a lot! Are these like the LT1's that leak oil, even after you put new gaskets? Yes, I see that Jerry's has a lot of parts. Not in a hurry to make a desicion, but I am considering it. I do like low end torque, but I guess I'll have to drive one to get a feel.

blackbelt

I'm hoping to get one soon too! However I'm coming from a C6 Z06. I have been knee deep reading about the ZR-1 and LT5. It appears to me that some people are afraid of it but it doesn't bother me one bit. Read a lot, ask a lot of questions, don't be afraid to ask for help. I literally can't wait to get mine.

Scrrem

If you are coming from a C6 Z06, you may not feel that same snap of your neck if you are jumping into a stock ZR-1. After all you are coming to early ZR1's that are 375 HP and later cars at 405 HP. The Z06 is about 505 HP if I remember correctly?
Rich

1993C4LT1

I know that the LT5 set many endurance records. But man if I ever blew the engine, not cheap! I guess I shouldn't be all caught up in that though.

FASTAZU

No big deal to bounce off the rev limiter (fuel cut off) in an LT5 occasionally.

Dominic Sorresso

I owned a 84 Xfire Z-51 w 4+3. I had modded it to ~ 284rwhp/347rwtq.
Also swapped the 4+3 to a ZF-6, 17" A Molds, 3.45 Dana 44. Car ran 13.3
w trap speed of ~ 104.5mph.
But I ALWAYS wanted a ZR-1. Finally got one. Out of the box stock, the car
ran 12.8@111mph. I've never looked back.
It may not feel as quick off the line, but it actually is when u look at the mph trap at end of the 1/8. That's when the LT-5 really starts gathering a head of steam. The sensation is that the car continues to accelerate at a time you would expect your SBC to peter out. And the acceleration rate seems as if it is increasing w the rpms. As the rpms go up you feel as if you are just about hanging on to control it. The acceleration feels about endless as the car keeps gathering speed.
The 84 Xfire was very much a DIY, so t was a good prep for owning a
ZR-1. Having said that, the ZR-1 Net Registry is an excellent source of information and its doubtful you will encounter an issue that someone on the Registry has not already solved.
The motor responds very easily to efforts for power increase. Porting of the top end and freef lowing exhaust gets u into LS7 HP territory. All from a 5.7L motor.
I don't think there is a better bang for the buck performance car available
on the market today. You will LOVE surprising the hell out of some of the more modern muscle cars on the road today.

blackbelt

you are correct. Not the same feeling at all. My Z06 put 600 hp to the wheels. So somewhere around 680 crank hp. My 1LE Camaro has a LS7 in it and does the same.

That being said... neither of those cars have the feel of the ZR-1. Mike100 let me drive his ZR-1 and I believe he nailed my oppservation of the difference in feel of the power. My Z06 is brutally fast. Mike said the quality of the powerband of the LT5 just makes it feel different and special. The way the engine makes power just feels different.

I'm not planning on buying a ZR-1 to be my fastest car. I'm buying one cause of the feel of the car, the cockpit feel of the C4 platform, the amazing performance of an early 90's car, the little quirks of the C4 platform, the awesome sound, history, exclusiveness, power and beauty of that LT5.

I drove a ZR-1 and fell in love. Won't be my fastest. But may very well end up my favorite.

Some of my friends think I'm crazy for wanting a early 90's Vette, especially when you consider the cars I have already. I could go get a C7 Z06 if I wanted. But at the end of the day. I want to open my garage and see a C4 ZR-1's beautiful wide rear end staring back at me. (next to my Z06 of course lol)

zrc3john

Looks like there are some nice deals on ZR-1s now......I'm always checking car values and pricing on Corvettes....I own a blk/blk 91..Currently it's at Dempseys shop in VA....Bought mine stock back in Nov of 14...

The ZR-1 responds very well to modifications...From what I understand about the LT-5 is that Chevy left a lot of power on the table...The motor needs to breathe and you will def feel the difference...

I see some dealers have some nice ZR-1s for sale,along with some of the members on the ZR-1 net registry...

If I was to buy from a dealer I would give them the whole BS about parts are hard to find, mechanics don't want to touch them, nobody wants a C-4...They don't know any better, they just want the car to move...

Few stories of members getting Zs for as much as five grand off the asking price.....Good luck with everything..

billschroeder5842

I'm in the metroplex and am happy to let you take mine out to get a feel. I live in Southlake and work in Las Colinas. I drive mine every dry day of the week!

JimZRyd

I sold my 02 C5 Vert in order to get my 94 Z. Never looked back and have zero regrets!

1993C4LT1

I haven't driven stick since my senior year in high school, 3 years ago. But obviously, I'll practice it again before driving any Z Hey I'm happy to meet up any weekend

1993C4LT1

Perfect
I agree 100% Surprising new sports/muscle cars will be awesome. I just love the back of the Z, and of course, 5ABIVT's 94, the exhaust note and the look of the LT5.
Good tactic on dealing with the dealers, thanks!

I wouldn't doubt it all

Z51JEFF

If you work on your cars a ZR-1 won't be any different. Injector replacement is the most expensive thing that will need to be done depending on what year you buy with the parts at about $1000 depending on which injectors you go with. Unless you get really stupid don't have to worry about breaking the motor. I owned an 84 for about 20 years before I bought my Z so I was familiar with the C4 garbage platform,if it wasn't for a ZR-1 I swore I'd never own another C4 again. The rest of the items needing attention are basic C4 items. I've had my car for 10 years and can't imagine owning anything else. Times seem to be turning for the ZR-1,seems like it's starting to get more and more attention. Being a long term owner it's kind of nice seeing some love thrown at the Zs considering it's been looked down at by most that know very little about the car. Parts are sometimes hard to find and you need to be careful where you get them,one very unscrupulous seller will rape you blind the first time you let him but luckily we have folks like JERRYS GASKETS to help with parts. Any and all help you will ever need is right here. Buy your Z,you got nothing to worry about.

Paul Workman

Traded my 95 LT1/M6 to get into my 90 ZR-1. Never looked back!



Draw your own conclusions...

Dominic Sorresso

My 84 Z-51 Xfire.

1993C4LT1

I'm not just chasing speed, but the uniqueness of the Z.
Very nice, and a Z51. Just for the hell of it, here is my Z07 Ruby in auto trans

1993C4LT1

lotta humidity that night, so paint looks dull.