What year is the best ZR1???
#1
Florida turtle advocate
Thread Starter
What year is the best ZR1???
I am thinking of selling my C3 427 Vert and replacing her with a ZR1 and I was seeking opinions on the pluses/minuses of the various years of ZR1s...I'm sure there are no bad ones...Thanks in advance guys
#3
Race Director
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Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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The one you buy
#5
Florida turtle advocate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by tuband
Keep the C3 ... look for a clean Z. They're out there and the prices are right.
#6
Instructor
Well, that's a pretty open question.
Some random thoughts in no particular order.
1. 93-95 ZR-1 engines were rated at 405 horsepower, 90-92s were at 375 horsepower.
2. 1990 ZR-1s were slightly lighter then other years due to body panel differences.
3. 93-95s are rare: only 448 produced each year- harder to find and more expensive. Other production years were 1990~3,000, 1991~2,000, 1992~500
4. 94-95 ZR-1s had some minor differences in the interior trim- seats changed, full-power key is different, etc.
5. 1993 40th Anniversary ZR-1: only 202 produced.
What all this meant to me was that I wanted either a 1993 40th anniversary edition, or a 94-95. I finally found the right deal on a low-mileage, 1994 Dark Red Metallic/Black ZR-1 this summer and I bought it. I paid $26,200 ($28,500 out the door) for it and it has 16.5 kmiles.
Some random thoughts in no particular order.
1. 93-95 ZR-1 engines were rated at 405 horsepower, 90-92s were at 375 horsepower.
2. 1990 ZR-1s were slightly lighter then other years due to body panel differences.
3. 93-95s are rare: only 448 produced each year- harder to find and more expensive. Other production years were 1990~3,000, 1991~2,000, 1992~500
4. 94-95 ZR-1s had some minor differences in the interior trim- seats changed, full-power key is different, etc.
5. 1993 40th Anniversary ZR-1: only 202 produced.
What all this meant to me was that I wanted either a 1993 40th anniversary edition, or a 94-95. I finally found the right deal on a low-mileage, 1994 Dark Red Metallic/Black ZR-1 this summer and I bought it. I paid $26,200 ($28,500 out the door) for it and it has 16.5 kmiles.
#7
The 1995 has more HP, more refined, and has less production.
Get the later year if you can swing it.
I chose the 90 though, 1st year of production, i wanted the yellow/black combo and it took a year to find it. I also like that the 90 has unique wheels, front bumper and rub strip.
Each year will make you
Get the later year if you can swing it.
I chose the 90 though, 1st year of production, i wanted the yellow/black combo and it took a year to find it. I also like that the 90 has unique wheels, front bumper and rub strip.
Each year will make you
#8
Team Owner
If it were me - I'd look for the nicest one I could afford - ok - that is obvious.
90 - older style panels - cheapest - lightest - old style power key that stays in "FULL" all the time if you wish.
91 - new style panels
92 - traction control
93 - last year for sweet seats that really hug your bum!
94 - wider seats - easier on bigger bums!
95 - no reverse lockout ring on shifter, last year of production.
There's more - I'll add as it comes to me!
90 - older style panels - cheapest - lightest - old style power key that stays in "FULL" all the time if you wish.
91 - new style panels
92 - traction control
93 - last year for sweet seats that really hug your bum!
94 - wider seats - easier on bigger bums!
95 - no reverse lockout ring on shifter, last year of production.
There's more - I'll add as it comes to me!
#9
Burning Brakes
93, 94 and 95s have revised transmission that sounds less rackety at low speed. For later years(94, 95) GM took a lot of sqeaks and rattles out of the car.
#10
Melting Slicks
Originally Posted by Daffy427
I am thinking of selling my C3 427 Vert and replacing her with a ZR1 and I was seeking opinions on the pluses/minuses of the various years of ZR1s...I'm sure there are no bad ones...Thanks in advance guys
Tyler
P8Y087
#11
Team Owner
My 91 ZR1 is a rare Z49 (Canadian option). The gages read a bit differently, and it also has a factory automatic headlight system. When it gets dark the headlights come on automatically. During sunlight hours, the daytime running lights (parking lamps) stay on.
#12
Team Owner
Having owned a newer and older 91 vs 94 before. I can tell you that a Nice low Miles 1991 will be your best bang for your money.
#13
Melting Slicks
I like the 90 models. Not only because I have one, they are the best buys right now but mainly because it has the old front end with the newer back end. No other year has that. I personally like the squared off front of a 90 the best.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#14
Florida turtle advocate
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by 4cefed
I like the 90 models. Not only because I have one, they are the best buys right now but mainly because it has the old front end with the newer back end. No other year has that. I personally like the squared off front of a 90 the best.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#15
Team Owner
95's had one or two DUNN heads - this is a different casting company from the original manufacturer (Birmal) - they cleaned up the process, and these heads flowed a little better than the previous Birmal product - so more power! I've seen stock 95 Zs dyno around 365 rwhp!
Not that they stay stock for long!
Not that they stay stock for long!
#16
Race Director
Originally Posted by Daffy427
So far it looks like the 90 is the most readily available...My favorite year for the C4s... 93 sounds pretty good because of the upgrades and the early seats....I think I like em all!!!Maybe I could throw mine out for a potential trade..Keep the info coming guys...I love this..
I have 2 90's and I live in jacksonville NC
I unfortunatly am not there right now but the cars are all basically the same except for the small additions to the C-4 line, the early tranys are reminisnt of the rockcrushers of the 60s I really dont even notice it, if you want a fast car that you will add headers and exhuast to I wouldnt think you would worry about what the tranny sounds like because you can thear it anyway, all c-4s creek all of mine have its something I dont even notice..
when I get back from Iraq I will be selling my maroon black zr1 it has just over 17000 miles..
I dont want to get you hopefull because everything can and usually does change but tell me more about your 68 BB
johnny
#17
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by 90 Corvette ZR-1
90-95
Just get one, but I agree...keep the C3.
Put a lift in your garage and park the ZR1 under it.
Don't sell your baby just because your sick of it, You gotta take on another one.
Tell us more about your BB...is it bad to the bone or what?
Rick
#18
Melting Slicks
I like them all, but I went for a 90' when I bought mine
It was the best bang for the buck, and I liked having the first year production (remember reading about the ZR1 for years when I was in High School and waiting for them to come out!!)
It was the best bang for the buck, and I liked having the first year production (remember reading about the ZR1 for years when I was in High School and waiting for them to come out!!)