mark970

if i had the funds, i would have a C6 ZR-1...oh boy do they look good!!!

z06vettewannabe

C6 ZR1 is still King IMHO. Of course the C7s are better cars in many ways, but when you take into account the performance and rareness of the car, plus the absolutely gorgeous widebody simple classic lines.....I just think it's a combo that can't be matched. The C7 Z06 is awesome, but they've already built like 30000 of them.....there are only about 4700 ZR1s.

confab

It's strange how people can view things so differently. The gizmotry on the newer models is a total turnoff for me. I hate it.

I see threads here on the nuances of computerized HVAC panels and cleaning buttons and all that stuff and I just wonder how people can keep up on it all.

I do like the powertrain gizmotics, because they add power and drivability. (Indeed, they unlock power that was always there.. You just couldn't get to it!) But the rest of it, for a car I'm going to keep? Holy crap, it's a lot.

I like the early ones for just that reason. It's got enough to be useful, but not enough to have me chasing buttons and modules and stuff to the point it becomes oppressive.

But others see it exactly the opposite way, and that stuff makes the car for them. They don't want a ride without it.

Car communities are incredibly diverse groups because of differences like this, I suppose. It's all subjective, and there's no "right" way to do it.

aklim

Last time I bought a new car was back in 91. I bought it at the end of the year because they were cheaper then and the 92 was exactly the same. Never even asked about the color (it was red). I honestly don't understand aesthetics. In our house, I pick out the paint based on the characteristics I want. When the painter asked what color, I just had the wife talk that part. I'd had been fine with white walls and nothing on it but she wants color and stuff.

Exactly. Here is my thought. At work, you pay me and it behooves me to care about what you think of me. Off the clock, I could care less if you like me. You like me, you hang around me. If not, I'm good too. Kinda why I can laugh at mark970 for announcing that he is ignoring me. WGAS? He don't write my check, his displeasure don't mean squat.

If I were getting a C7, I'd be looking for ways to make it better. Complication doesn't scare me or I'd be back to the horse and buggy. It gets lame, shoot it. Feed it hay and keep moving.

z06vettewannabe

I'm with you, I do NOT like all the electronic toys in new cars. I like simplicity, which is part of the appeal of the C6 ZR1 to me. Analog displays, simple interior (I actually really like it). Sold mine to get a Z/28, which is even more simple and raw and I love it (though I'm already trying to figure out how to get another ZR1 - man do I miss that awesome power!)

confab

My plan is to stalk Cool Runnings and steal his.

aklim

I guess what I would need to know is whether it is a huge POTENTIAL problem or a REAL problem and what the odds are. If you say there are 500 systems and all could fail therefore I am scared of it, well, you are talking potential. OTOH, if it has multiple documented failures and is highly unreliable, I'll pass. Kinda like if I go date a girl. I could marry her and she POTENTIALLY COULD become a nutcase say 20 years from now. OTOH, if she is already seeing a shrink weekly because she IS a nutcase today, pass.

bb62

It's difficult to compare one road test with another given the different conditions one can encounter. It should be noted that C&D tested a 96 Grand Sport a year later than your attached article and ended up with the exact same 5.1/13.7 times with its 330 HP engine. I can tell you having driven both the LT1 and the ZR-1 side by side that there is a significant difference in performance feel from one to the other.

You should also note that people who complain about the potential high cost of maintaining a ZR-1 engine may not recognize that C2 big block cars are even more expensive to maintain than a ZR-1 - yet it doesn't deter the C2s from attaining high prices in the market.

aklim

Question. While I don't doubt there is a difference in power, do you think that it is worth the ZR-1 premium? IOW, can I spend less than 35K and make my LT1 exceed what the LT5 can do?

I think part of the problem of maintenance is that there are few mechanics who can do more than throw parts at a problem. Probably even fewer who will work on the ZR-1 motor. So even if I were willing to spend the money, I would have to travel to someplace several states away which adds to the issue. That or you hope the mechanic gets lucky when he throws parts at it and finds the problem before your wallet empties.

5abivt

If you have to ask.. easy answer is C6.

Retired Mechanic

The C4 ZR1 may be the most underrated Car , in the Sports Car field , ever , cant truly explain why cauze I test drive a 94 resently e the torque and one with the Car feel was insane!

Retired Mechanic

I feel ya brother I too have da 5th gen Z/28 and darn he runs like a crazy Bull yaa hoo.

Retired Mechanic

I do feel ya brother as my search still goes on e nobody in my parts working on this 90-95 ZR1 , only dude I know of is mechanic way up north in Chicago by da name Mark Haybeck so ***** ya gota ship Z several states away just to do sservice or I pull out my old 70s wrenches again e mess up my fingernails.

aklim

Parts are also an issue

jay23ls

Where's the OP?

Retired Mechanic

If they even make C4 ZR1 Parts anymore?

aklim

IDK but I heard NLA a lot. More and more and I don't have a ZR1.

81c3

Once you enter ownership, its almost imperative to become a ZR1NetRegistry participant. Once you do, theres worlds of opportunities in obtaining parts... pretty much anything you need can be had. Very seldom is there hard parts needed for these engines.... theyre bulletproof... You can get gaskets, injectors, starters, alternators, and really anything maintenance related. Nobody who can turn a wrench should be scared away from a C4 ZR1...I did all my own work on mine when I had it. It really aint that big of a deal...Other than the LT5.... the rest of the car is just C4.

Cool Runnings

Lurking...

Tom400CFI

The poeple who shout about "no parts" are mostly people who don't have ZR-1's! The guys who want to make it work, make it work.