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No ZR1, ever. I'm a driver and they look like a PITA.
Well, I can tell you this... a C3 has its many problems just like all other Vettes... The 81 I had was by far the worst Corvette I ever had. Think a C4 squeaks and rattles huh? It was cool to look at and all.... but never again would I own especially a late C3. If I had enough dough, probably a 69-72 would be cool to have as part of a collection.
But if you want a drivers car.... its definitely a ZR-1. How, or why would you think a ZR-1 is a PITA? Im not sure what mis-information you've heard.... I would suggest you read Heart of the Beast and maybe speak to people who actually have experience with ZR-1's before dismissing them.
If it was ZR-1 vs chrome bumper C3 then it would be a tougher decision. 73 or later C3 vs ZR-1 is an easy decision for me..........ZR-1 by a landslide.
With the exception of the engine and some body panels, the car is largely a C4.
There is quite a "cottage industry" of parts, manufactures and enthusiasts that keep these cars going. I drive mine about 3-4 times a week and have put about 10k on it in 18 months.
Maybe I've been lucky, but every time I've needed something I've been able to get it with no appreciable wait.
You have to drive one and then "you will know" that it is worth any additional effort.
No, I'm sure it is a fantastic car.. I'm positive of it.
But what concerns me is I keep hearing in the back of my mind:
"Sorry, that part is no longer available..."
Or:
"Except Corvette ZR1..."
The LT5 engine is bullet proof. Through the ZR-1 Net you would get whatever help you needed to get what ever part required in short order that is ZR-1 related. There is no issue with part availability. There are also tuning shops that know the LT5 really well, and if so inclined could give you an engine that would allow you to run 10s in the 1/4 mile - reliably.
By comparison, the C3 were the worst quality Corvettes (from both a durability and reliability perspective), the least powerful Corvettes, and to at least one chief Corvette designer - the least desirable from a styling perspective. I also know of one nationally renowned Corvette shop that will not restore 75 and up C3s because they give guarantees of quality for their restorations to factory specs, but have found that ANY late C3 will not stay within factory specs for more than a few months at a time (given the factory calibrations were always on a knifes edge due to the ever more stringent emissions legislation).
The LT5 engine is bullet proof. Through the ZR-1 Net you would get whatever help you needed to get what ever part required in short order that is ZR-1 related. There is no issue with part availability. There are also tuning shops that know the LT5 really well, and if so inclined could give you an engine that would allow you to run 10s in the 1/4 mile - reliably.
By comparison, the C3 were the worst quality Corvettes (from both a durability and reliability perspective), the least powerful Corvettes, and to at least one chief Corvette designer - the least desirable from a styling perspective. I also know of one nationally renowned Corvette shop that will not restore 75 and up C3s because they give guarantees of quality for their restorations to factory specs, but have found that ANY late C3 will not stay within factory specs for more than a few months at a time (given the factory calibrations were always on a knifes edge due to the ever more stringent emissions legislation).
The ZR-1 is a no brainer for this selection.
Seriously not interested. I understand why you guys love them and it's a fabulous car.. But I don't race.
The Vette is something to travel in and go places for a day out. I understand the merits of a 10 second quarter, but it's not something I want to do.
And the Zr1 is such a unicorn I wouldn't want to change it in any way. It's too nice and too valuable to just drive around..
There's a lot of classic cars I wouldn't want to own, but I'm glad other people do so I can enjoy them when I see them out. At the car shows. Etc.
06-16-2018, 08:23 AM
It was cool to look at and all.... but never again would I own especially a late C3. If I had enough dough, probably a 69-72 would be cool to have as part of a collection.
