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Sooooo,the fact that the ZR-1 pulled up a chair at the supercar table doesn't get any love? The car would beat most that the World had to offer and if it didn’t beat it it was right next to it neck and neck but I’m sure you guys will find some way to discount that.
I'm not sure who you're talking to, but *I* don't discount that at all. In fact, it's that (combined with other attributes) that is the reason why I still love the car, the effort and the people who made it happen. It was epic when it first came out, on so many levels. Be that as it may...I wouldn't pay $30k for .5 in the quarter...or to pretend that I'm able to "pull up a chair at the super car table", because in reality, even though the ZR-1 could smoke a Countach...it's not and will never be a Countach.
because in reality, even though the ZR-1 could smoke a Countach...it's not and will never be a Countach.
Smoke a car that cost more than twice as much,works for me. As far as the Countach goes,you could have used a better comparison. That Lambo has got to be one of the ugliest cars out there but I am definitely in the minority here. Plenty of people out there wet themselves just thinking of one.
Right..that worked for me too, when I first got my C6 back in '06. But that car was absolutely nothing special and in no way, "pulled up a chair at the supercar table".
You are definitely in the minority. The Countach is sex on wheels It is the utter definition of a "super car". The ZR-1, while I love it and it is a "super" car...is not a "super car".
Anyway, this is veering off topic; 2044 ZR-1's sold in '91 to 502 in '92 with the advent of the LT1. That's a 75% drop in sales. There is a strong correlation there, if you think about it...
Right..that worked for me too, when I first got my C6 back in '06. But that car was absolutely nothing special and in no way, "pulled up a chair at the supercar table".
You are definitely in the minority. The Countach is sex on wheels It is the utter definition of a "super car". The ZR-1, while I love it and it is a "super" car...is not a "super car".
Anyway, this is veering off topic; 2044 ZR-1's sold in '91 to 502 in '92 with the advent of the LT1. That's a 75% drop in sales. There is a strong correlation there, if you think about it...
Just curious,how many in this thread actually own or have owned a ZR-1? You guys got plenty to say about the car,how many?
Just curious,how many in this thread actually own or have owned a ZR-1? You guys got plenty to say about the car,how many?
I don't have one. I have been poised to buy one several times (hence the test drives), but as I said, as great as they were and they (2 of the three) were pretty great, for ME, it wasn't enough over the LT1 that I already have.
totally impressed by the mid range power as the car broke the tires loose .............. ripped the tires loose about mid way through first gear, and spun 'em until about 5k -pretty similar to the ZR-1 had, then hooked and I shifted at my limiter; 5800..
Ditto, and more in my antique SBC. Kinda took the wind outta my ZR1 zeal, especially b/c ma-ma-ma-ma-my bests a stock ZR1 and most newer gens, but the C6Z.
With speed limits, does anyone need top-end capability above 75? Oh, Prez. Peanuts tried that flop.
Worth is a buyer's valuation.
Sizzle is part of what sells Corvetetes and other cars. hell, we're still talking about that iconic engine(package) damn near 30 years later!
Just curious,how many in this thread actually own or have owned a ZR-1? You guys got plenty to say about the car,how many?
I don't and I can. I could buy any c4 zr1 I can find for sale at any price I have seen so far.
I'm not interested.
It has some features that are different from a base, z51 etc BUT the engine is the main difference that matters.
I would like one for the novelty. I would like to drive /ride in the hell out of one and see what the fuss is about on the 7+k rpm stuff.
Most of all IFFF there was a special feeling that engine gave I would only consider it to make the 441ci out of it. I just have a different interest.
There is no denying the bang for buck with the 405 hp editions back then, and there is no denying that it has it's place in history.
If you can or could afford the next latest Z will you buy it for the same reasons you listed? If I had the money to buy whatever and was looking for certain criteria, I can think of many cars to get. Now For me parts replacement and repair is the issue. The '09+ would have been the Z for me. Some really expensive parts but overall GM.
This is the reason I chose the most base car I could find. it was a good platform to make a car that is close to "super car" performance of today's standards and a fraction of the price. (other than the frame will never be as stiff of course)
I'm not knocking the car at all. The question is what stopped it.
you told me it can take 10 years to get a car designed, I don't know but are the facts out there on how much time was spent to develop and release the c4 Z?
Was it always a ploy or was it intended to be a part of long term production? My gut feeling is it was always a play line. Considering people were buying callaway packages, so if "your" car the manufacturer that is is being modified for lots of money by someone You might want a piece of that market too.
Just a note on why sales dropped from the 1990 totals to 1992. For those who lived through the time, in 1991 and 1992 there was a recession - largely driven by the higher energy costs that were a fallout of the 1st Gulf War. The Corvette ZR-1 was not the only high priced car to experience sales reductions. Porsche saw sales in North America of over 9000 units in 1990 but fewer than 4000 by 1993.
The recession coupled with the lack of internal GM enthusiasm for the car (after 1992). It's hard to tell how many ZR-1s could have been sold after 1992, but GM made the decision to sell ONLY 448 vehicles in each of those final 3 years with the upgraded 405HP motor.
When the LT5 came out, it was a huge upgrade over the L98. The LT1 and LT4, less so. The power difference was still big, but the weight difference was too.
I suspect to the people who had the money for the ZR1, it wasn't a question, it was definitely worth it.
I was going to make a comment about how I'd have a hard time justifying it over a 911 Turbo at the time. Then I realized that the ZR1 was ~60k, whereas the 911 Turbo was $105k! In the very early 90s!
Just a note on why sales dropped from the 1990 totals to 1992. For those who lived through the time, in 1991 and 1992 there was a recession - largely driven by the higher energy costs that were a fallout of the 1st Gulf War. The Corvette ZR-1 was not the only high priced car to experience sales reductions. Porsche saw sales in North America of over 9000 units in 1990 but fewer than 4000 by 1993.
The recession coupled with the lack of internal GM enthusiasm for the car (after 1992). It's hard to tell how many ZR-1s could have been sold after 1992, but GM made the decision to sell ONLY 448 vehicles in each of those final 3 years with the upgraded 405HP motor.
OP: We have TWO Zs. I think we "understand". Both modded and both over 510 chp with drivability on par with granny's Buick.
Maybe the question should be reversed: "How many ZR-1 owners would cash out of their ZR-1 decision and replace it with a base mo C4?
For me, it's more than performance. It's the intangibles which are as important - just as important as performance.
And, in terms of HP, yes it has been eclipsed - yes (almost entirely by bigger displacement, one might consider when comparing). But to assuage some of the advances, the DOHC LT5 responds to simple mods with such vigorous relish! And it does so without sacrificing drivability or reliability or (even) gas mileage in many cases. It's all good.
One might say... trying to describe the ZR-1 to non-Z owners is like trying to describe sex to a virgin.Just something one has to experience to really appreciate it.
(Below) our 2 Zs. And oh, speaking of the LT5's propensity to respond to basic modifications - This TEAM TROPHY has been held for the majority of the 8 years a local Corvette 1/4 mile shootout has been held - including C5,6,and 7s.
/| Serious question about the rpms though. I have a built motor and if I want to red line 7200. Another guy here has a similar motor to mine but built to spin like 8200+? rpms.
I wonder at those rpms what the difference is in feeling between a z platform and just single plane intakes?
With speed limits, does anyone need top-end capability above 75? Oh, Prez. Peanuts tried that flop.
Worth is a buyer's valuation.
Sizzle is part of what sells Corvetetes and other cars. hell, we're still talking about that iconic engine(package) damn near 30 years later!
Yeah, my dad used to make the speed limit argument to me all the time. There's NO QUESTION that in order to really appreciate (Corvettes & their ilk) is on the track; C1-C7s alike. And, the fact is most Corvette drivers don't ever track their cars. So, it kinda takes performance outta the picture when it comes down to "is this or that worth more".
Worth is a buyer's valuation.
OP: We have TWO Zs. I think we "understand". Both modded and both over 510 chp with drivability on par with granny's Buick.
Maybe the question should be reversed: "How many ZR-1 owners would cash out of their ZR-1 decision and replace it with a base mo C4?
That is an interesting way to put it. Good point. If I already HAD a ZR-1...I'm sure I wouldn't sell it...just like I won't sell my LT1. I already have it, it's paid for and it's a fantastic car. Z would be the same..."only more so" (as Dave once said).
I've got both a ZR-1 and a L98. I like them both for different reasons; like a curvy brunette or a thin blonde fits different "tastes". (Aklim, your chance to chime in here....)
I liken this discussion to the current one that the Dodge guys are having with the HellCat vs Scat Pack vs the Demon. Everyone one has their opinion on the horsepower calculations, power per cube and blah, blah. I ordered a Hellcat (realizing I'd pay more) and "settled" on a 392 Shaker as the engines had a back log and I got tired of waiting after 10 months. Yes, the Scat was 30k cheaper so I bought two Corvettes with my "savings" and have money left over.
Btw... I didn't pay twice the price for my ZR1, The original owner did. Thank you Gary for taking the depreciation hit for me.
11-13-2017, 01:28 AM
