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Old Jan 28, 2018 | 12:02 PM
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Hi all, the ZR1 engine has known problems? It consumes a huge quantity of lubricant right? Do you recommend it for an hot rod with T56 gear box?
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Old Jan 28, 2018 | 12:16 PM
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pretty reliable, but wont be cheap when you need to find parts and have them shipped. Are you using aftermarket EFI & fuel system?. They hold quite a bit of oil-

Would it be cool, sure but not cheap and easy.
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Old Jan 28, 2018 | 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by oVoSanto
Hi all, the ZR1 engine has known problems? It consumes a huge quantity of lubricant right? Do you recommend it for an hot rod with T56 gear box?
I have a 95 ZR-1. The engine is bullet prof. Mine doesn't use oil if that's what you're asking. It holds 9 quarts of oil. Parts are easy to get at Jerry's Gaskets.com Anything you need except new ECM.



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Old Jan 28, 2018 | 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
Are you using aftermarket EFI & fuel system?
I will use the standard ecu and wiring
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Old Jan 28, 2018 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by oVoSanto
Hi all, the ZR1 engine has known problems? It consumes a huge quantity of lubricant right?
That's a new one, The early LT5s may have burned a bit as no exhaust valve seals, huge quantity HAHA
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Old Jan 29, 2018 | 03:11 PM
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Yea, the 90-92 motors used some oil because they don't have valve seals. But it isn't very much (1/2 quart max between oil changes), and it just gets blown out the exhaust. When they redesigned the heads in 93, they added valve seals.

My dad's 90 did develop a leak, but it was the oil pressure sensor that caused it. He replaced it and no issues since.

Actually the motors hold 11 quarts of oil, but when doing an oil change, you will only get 9 quarts out (and only put 9 quarts back in). This is due to the design of the motor there are places where the oil will not drain back to the pan.

As for being in a hot rod, there shouldn't be an issue as long as you can find a bell housing to bolt the T56 to the motor. The motors are bulletproof and there are quite a few here in the states with 150,000+ miles on them. The only downside, is there really isn't anybody around willing to work on them any more.
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Old Jan 29, 2018 | 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by vettehardt
Yea, the 90-92 motors used some oil because they don't have valve seals. But it isn't very much (1/2 quart max between oil changes), and it just gets blown out the exhaust. When they redesigned the heads in 93, they added valve seals.

My dad's 90 did develop a leak, but it was the oil pressure sensor that caused it. He replaced it and no issues since.

Actually the motors hold 11 quarts of oil, but when doing an oil change, you will only get 9 quarts out (and only put 9 quarts back in). This is due to the design of the motor there are places where the oil will not drain back to the pan.

As for being in a hot rod, there shouldn't be an issue as long as you can find a bell housing to bolt the T56 to the motor. The motors are bulletproof and there are quite a few here in the states with 150,000+ miles on them. The only downside, is there really isn't anybody around willing to work on them any more.

The other two quarts of oil are in the oil cooler sandwiched between the radiator and AC condenser yes it is large! The fittings on the lines from the motor to the cooler were also redesigned as the could leak on the 90-92 cars.
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