C4_Stick

Now I understand the ZR1 is wider than the regular C4 (possibly longer too?), but in what way? (1990 models.) Was it a different chassis? Or was it just certain body panels? Minus the engine, tranny, and wheels, what is mainly different about the two Models, particularly exterior wise?

bb62

Doors, rear quarters, rear bumper were different driven by the added width of the rear tires/wheels. Roof included the HMSL which was incorporated in the rear bumper on the base models. The suspension included the electronic selective ride and control which was optional on the base models. The engine was obviously different. There was an input shaft change on the tranny. There were some tuning differences in the suspension (stabilizer bars size etc.). The windshield was also different. Interior was the same except for the valet key. (And of course there were minor badging changes)

bdw18_123

Just body/chassis-wise, the only thing different between the standard corvette and the ZR-1 is the wider body panels & rear bumper, starting from the middle of the door back. Windshield is different too.

Other than that, the rest of the body, chassis & interior is identical between the two (other than the Z51 suspension). And of course, the power key on the interior.

Y-ME

Same frame, different body parts doors back.

dizwiz24

Isn't the windshield one of the ones w/ a solarfilm (to keep heat out)?

Ie. Radar detectors don't work well thru it

C4_Stick

Hey, thanks for all the replies..that's great info. Would anybody know where to get those body panels? I checked Eckler's, looks as though they don't carry them.

Churchkey

The ZR's also have a dual diaphragm brake booster. Standard models have a single.

DRidgeway

Ive looked at curbweights..and the Lt5 weighs more. How does it handle differently (if at all) than a regular C4?
I really want to upgrade to an Lt5 before the end of the year but I would like to know if that same same raw C4 feel is the same with the ZR-1

zr1fred

I don't think you would be disapointed unless the 33% more horsepower would bother you. Most of "feel" is pretty subjective anyway. If it's a problem, get an LT-4

Paul Workman

There is more motor weight, but offsetting that are wider tires on the front than the standard. I think I could tell the difference when I first made the switch to the Z, but not anymore (especially when using the "Performance" setting on the FX3).

As far as ride softness goes, with the FX3 set on "Cruise" (softest ride) or "Sport" (a little stiffer), I'd say was pretty close to my std 95.

As for that sports car feel and intamacy with the road...Oh, yeeeaaaah! And, switch the ride to "Performance" and find some twisties, and prepare for permagrin!

I mean really...As much as I loved my std 95/M6, Dave McLellan said it first: "The ZR-1 is a Corvette...Only more so!"

The only thing I didn't like about the move from my 95 to the 90 ZR-1 was the narrowness of the sport seat in the Z. The later models addressed that some, but the 90 seats are very narrow. My butt so loved my standard 95 in that regard, so when a pair became available, I bought a pair and replaced the sport seats. WOW! What a difference! Getting in and out was a whole lot easier, due to the lower bolsters on the 95 seats, and they don't pinch off the circulation in my hips like the sport seats did.

Other than the seats perhaps (can be replaced or buy a newer model Z), and power differences, you won't be wanting for that C4 feel; or at least I didn't!

P.

Paul Workman

Not mentioned so far is the ZR-1 ground effects rockers - carried over to the rear bumper, of course.

Whereas the rockers on the standard mo continue the curve of the door panels and roll under the car. The rockers on the ZR-1 turn down for ground effect.



P.

BSenzina

OK.....dumb question of the day I guess.....With all this talk of differences withing the same model year, what do I have??? I have an 84....Crossfire injection....all these differences are quite confusing.

The Plastic Lizard

As much as I wish it were true, a crossfire is no ZR1.

You have the first of it's kind c4. The zr1 was the pinnacle of stock c4s.

I also have an 84 but a previos owner put later model body panels all around. My doors and hood are original but the other panels are replacements.

Go to corvetteimages.com to see the differences in any model year.

bb62

The windshield has a special cutout to allow for radar detectors.

Are you considering putting ZR-1 panels on a base car? Of course it's your car, but without the LT5 in the engine bay, you might get quite a bit of ridicule as a poser. Get a real ZR-1 if you like the overall design.

87Vetteowner

BSenzina . . .

I can remember when the 84 Vette came out Talk about talk and a high performance car !

It was an awesome and still is an awesome car. Nothing to be shamed of In fact, when I get another C4 , any model, any year is fair game

I would love a ZR1, but that is probably out of my cost range.

FASTAZU

The cost to change a standard C4 to an LT5 would be more than getting the real deal.

cv67

Youll go broke fast trying to convert one.

They are heavier you can feel the difference. Not bunch though

Wish they put the quicker rack and pinion in them

C4_Stick

Well, I was hoping to do that but it seems they don't make the panels for the ZR1's anymore..I seen some corvette scrap shops online but, at this point I think I'll stick with the regular pre '90 C4 and just put the round booty on him and call it a day.

J W Drew

My 85 which I bought last month turns out to be a ZR1 according to my mechanic. After I noticed the yellow shocks and the wide tires I asked him to confirm. He checked the build list located on the rear floor storage door and sure enough.

PLRX

Your mechanic needs help.

I thought you had a LT1 then a L98. Now you have a LT5
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-g...-question.html