Sounds like he needs to make sure it's ported/exhaust/headers too, like FASTAZU mentioned.


I totally "second" the motion to test drive one...or several. That will really tell you if it's worth it.

 

I love my ZR-1. I've had 7 Corvettes including a 92 LT1 6-spd and two 91 ZR-1s (slightly modded, stock and then heavily modded), and I can tell you there's no comparison between even a stock ZR-1 and an LT1. If you think it feels the same, then there's something wrong with the ZR-1. Most common issues being either the secondaries aren't working, or the tach is way off and you're shifting too early (my latest ZR-1, the tach was off by almost 2K rpm). I specifically bought my latest ZR-1 because I got tired of keeping up with the rat race of modern Corvettes and wanted something I could keep long term and enjoy. Not that I won't keep up with current models (have a 2015 daily driver and am anxiously waiting to see what C8 Z06/ZR1 is), but having a modded C4 ZR-1 is just a blast. It's old school and raw like you can't get in a modern car. There's no driver aids (other than ABS) and it's completely up to you to drive the car. Every time I drive it I thoroughly enjoy it, even when it was stock it was a blast. Of course modified with a 391 cubic inch, porting, big cams, headers and Corsa, it's like nothing else out there (and this is after previously having a 700RWHP 2013 GS). Every time I drive the car, I take it to redline (7400rpm on mine), there's just nothing else like an LT5 at 7K, especially one with a good exhaust. You'll have to re-calibrate yourself every time you drive the car as you'll want to shift too early, all the fun of the LT5 is at the top end. I get thumbs up from random drivers on the road all the time, and everyone loves the car at shows. Open the hood at a show, and I don't care what you're parked next to (C6 ZR1, C7 ZR1, Porsche, even Ferrari), the ZR-1 will draw the crowd. As others have said, a modded ZR-1 (ported top end, gears, etc) is the way to go if you can find one, but honestly a stock ZR-1 is a lot of fun as well. If you really want a blast, try to find a built (bored/stroked) LT5 car, it's a totally different experience.

 

I drove 3 of them. One, it was clear the 2ndaries weren't working. The other two, it seemed like they were. The last one was THIS car. I'm confident that everything was working right.

I'm not alone in my sentiments:

 

Not sure what to tell you, but there should definitely be a difference. Stock LT1 rev limit is 5700rpm, LT5 is 7200 (if I remember correctly). Factory HP ratings were:
LT1: 300HP @ 5000rpm
LT4: 330HP @ 5800rpm
LT5: 385HP(405HP for later years) @ 6000rpm
The big difference between them is the LT1/4 both fall off fairly quickly after they peak, the LT5 holds power from peak to redline. A stock LT5 has essentially the same HP at 6000rpm as it does at 6700rpm, which gives significantly more area under the curve.

 

Yep. I'm abundantly aware of the two engines' specs, and have been for about 30 years.

Here is a counterpoint, however: Perception of power isn't tied exclusively to actual power. There are factors other than power, that play into our perception of power...and influence the experience. IOW, it's possible for a less powerful car, to feel faster, than a more powerful car (which is why people's SOTP meter, is worthless). An example of that is that my LT1 FEELS every once as fast as my C6 felt (this opinion was shared by several riders/drivers of both cars). But the C6 was 1 second/10mph faster in the 1/4 mile -it was no contest...on paper.
Noise, vibration, shape of the tq curve, veh weight and other things all play into the perception of "speed" and power -the experience. The ZR-1 has these features against it's "perception" of power: smoothness/refinement, tq curve shape (your aforementioned flat hp from ~5800 on up), and WEIGHT. Everyone talks about the ZR-1's fantastic hp, but the whole picture includes the added weight. My LT1 has ran 13.74 here in Salt Lake City. I've only ever seen one ZR-1 run at our track (a '90). He was a "regular" test 'n tune'r and bracket racer for many years and consistently ran 13.5x's. So while the ZR-1 has 75-100 more hp than an LT1 car...that doesn't translate proportionally to faster times.

SO; what we have is what I said; a car that isn't really as much faster than an LT1 car and/or doesn't feel faster....as what you read from the pundits here on the forums. And none of this is a "put down" of the ZR-1; awesome car that it is....in stock form the "wicked top end" that you read about is definitely not what I've experienced.

 

I appreciate all the opinions and hearing about the personal driving experiences. For me it’s more about owning the car from my childhood/early teen years and the rarity of these in Canada is certainly an attraction as well. However unless he’s willing to drop the price more it’s just going to stay a dream for now. I can’t test drive it until the weather improves and even then the salesman says they don’t allow test drives?? On top of that they keep d!cking around with the asking price, I’m not sure what kind of sales strategy that is!

 

Word of advice.... if youre truly serious about buying a ZR-1, look for someone on the ZR1netRegisty who is in Canada and either buy it from him or see if he can line you up with someone who has one to sell. Skip dealers when possible.... Just my 2 pennies

 

hey CE. i flew to toronto last spring and drove my zr1 back to calgary. it was....incredible. the car id always wanted and driving through the shield was off the charts.

if u want a real low klm car i know where there is a 1000klm car out west.

ive only had L98 c4’s. the zr1 spanked them like they were standing still.

you have a c7!! so obviously u must temper your expectations.

my trip to get my car from my childhood:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...le-zr-1-a.html

get a zr1. if u dont like it u can always sell it. i took mine to the track. big grins.

 

I admire Tom's opinions, even tho his personal impressions are just that - his personal impressions. And, the graph below supports his impression with regard to wringing the stock LT5 out to 7k. And, too, way too much emphasis is heaped on 1/4 mile numbers.

But, that said, the stock LT5's development with regard to porting and exhaust configuration, especially the 1990 ZR-1 left A LOT of performance on the table!. DIY top-end porting, LT headers and either the Corsa system or the SW 3" "X" pipe and Dynamax true 3" in and dual outlet mufflers is the tried and true path to ~ 400 rwhp and totally transforms the car into a serious animal. Adding the aluminum Fidanza FW and it will melt the tires in first gear by accelerator alone. (I live at ~ 400 feet AMSL). If you let the big dog breathe, it becomes an entirely different animal!

NOTHING wrong with the LT1/4s at all! I loved my 95 LT1. But, the LT4 is a highly developed SBC and the LT5 (especially the 90-92s) were, IMO, severely under developed in stock form. There's soooo much more the LT5 can offer (and get this!) without sacrificing driveablilty OR fuel economy! Before my last round of improvements, my LT5 made 432 rwhp and sitting at a stoplight in traffic, except for a throaty exhaust note (unique to DOHC motors) you'd never know there was a BEAST purring under the hood!

Before and after porting & headers and dyno tuning...

 

I've always wanted a ZR-1 since they came out. I was in the AirForce and looked at a 90 when they came out that was roped off at a dealer in NJ for 100g. Being a E2 that wasn't happening! 3 years ago I was looking for another C6 GS and came across the 94 ZR-1 close to home near a plant I go and do work for. I ran over at lunch to look at it, then went back over the weekend to drive and strike up a deal.

My first driving impressions were it's smooth but not crazy fast. I've had and built 2 blown C6, CTSV, My 96 GS and numerous other fast cars so I'm a little immune to a stock car, and my wife has been on a few "spirited runs" to say the least. After I bought it I took her for a quick ride and she said "that's it"? haha So I did 4.10's, basic tuneup, tires ect and it felt better. Then I pulled the motor to port everything, add headers, had the cams reground. Made a big difference how the car is now like Paul said. I really enjoy the car how it is now and glad I fulfilled the want for one. If you can pick up one that was modified all the better, but I enjoy buying stock cars and modding them to make them mine!

 

I agree with these guys. Expand your search. Ditch the dealers. If you're serious, travel to get the right car. It may take a few DAYS to go get one from afar...but how long are you going to have it? YEARS, likely.

 

I’m not sure how long I will keep it. It depends on how much I enjoy the car. I’ve found another one (a ‘95) on the ZR-1 registry in Toronto but again the price tag is inflated IMO. I realize the rarity of these cars drives the price tag upwards but at the same time there needs to be a demand. Which where I live there is not! I would rather not expand my search south of the boarder but If it means getting a better deal then I will. My ‘96 LT4 came from Florida when I bought it and it was a great car other than the sun beat dash!

 

It's also worth remembering thaglt demand isn't always visible. You may think there's no demand, but how would you even know?
​​​​​​
There's a lot of cars I consider to be overpriced but people will gladly pay the money for them. All I can say is that it's better to overpay for the car you really want than to miss it. Life is too short to compromise on your dreams.

 

i would consider the demand to be low or the price is too high if the car(s) are still available after a year.

 

A lot of people with cars like that will say "This is the price" and let it be for sale forever. If they're not desperate for the money... They don't really care.

 

That is true...but not common. I sold a Duramax about 6 months ago....I liked the truck quite a bit, so didn't really GAF if it actually sold or not. I priced it accordingly: HIGH. It went un-sold (with a LOT of low-balling, tire-kickin' dreamers) for about 6 months. That was fine with me. Finally someone came along who was in lust and bought it for my asking price. If I were the buyer...I'd have kept looking. But it was a clean, un-modified, not-coal rolling, LBZ....so someone wanted it and I knew someone eventually would. Had he not come along though, I might still have it and I'd still be using it for towing, when the occasion arose....and that would be fine with me.

 

I totally agree and would/have done the same. I do understand the saying that there is “an *** for every seat” and I also understand that a vehicle is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I don’t “need” the car, it is a want. I have patience will eventually find one that meets my expectations and price range.

PS I’m a big Duramax fan and ‘06-‘07 LBZ’s are getting tough to find around here! I regret selling mine 10 years ago, but you know what they say about hind sight!