kylebuck89

I have been wanting a zr-1 for most of my life (21) I have a reliable 95 corvette that I use for daily use. Here is what i want to ask yall in Zr-1 discussion.
What do I look for when I look for a "cheap" zr-1. I know the Zr-1 Registry has a 91 with 190k on the clock. What sorts of problems would one have other than the fact the car has 190k on the clock
What would yall suggest? I am going to be buying one... i just dont know when.

Z51JEFF

If this 91 was in Ca I think it was sold.These cars are out there,just how much you want to spend?

DDSLT5

Uh oh, the ZR-1 section just got Joebucked.

zr1fred

"Cheap" ZR-1 really doesn't exist. The "cheap" ones will cost far more than just spending the money for a good one. If you plan on spending a lot of time and money to make one exactly what you want, fine. But if you think you can buy one cheap, think of these prices.... Paint - Anywhere from $3000-$10000 (just the base coat/clear coat paint, solvent, catalist, in PPG, to paint my 92 polo, $850 my cost). Transmission/clutch $1000-$6000 (the cost of replacing just one syncro, $1500 up). Engine, $3000-$10000+, Interior, $500-$5000. And so it goes. There are alot of very nice 90-91 Zr-1's with under 100k on the clock from $12k-$16k. Make sure that the seller has done all the repairs, or figure them into your offering price. One of the problems with a ZR-1 is that condition is far more important than on your basic C4. In other words, bad body work, Maaco paint, cheap seat covers and interior trim, and incorrect parts are worse than bad paint, poor interior,etc. as far as car value. Buy one in good shape. And don't get too tied to mileage, time and how it's used/maintained are more important as far as I'm concerned. JMO

Goldcylon

Buy the best one you can afford young man. Just saying

ZR-71

Take your time in searching for one. There's decent condition/priced ZR-1's that come up every now and then, on fleabay and your local CL. And you may be able to find one less than a day's drive away.
I suggest you look for one with no more than 2 or 3 owners so you'll have a better chance in knowing the car was most likely taken care of properly. And if you find one that's too far to drive to, ask here for someone close by it to check it out for you.

VetteMed

That 190k mile one is now sitting in my garage. It's a project, no question about it. If you want a project, they are out there -- I didn't want something pristine and perfect, but some folks prefer the well-preserved cars... If you enjoy the hunt for parts, and the act of working on a unique piece of machinery, then a cheap high-mile ZR-1 might be right for you... If the thought of being covered head-to-toe in 20 years of grease isn't appealing, then you ought to hold out for a car in the 18-20K range.

kylebuck89

Well im trying to gauge the average on a 90-92 models
yeah ... ill be around. I love my LT4 but I want an LT5 in my life... for the ladies (nah i kid for me)

thank! anyone know where there is a z for around 12-13k?

Coupe89

Just keep looking. It took me a few months to track down a Z. The other 4 I was looking at got sold I spent ~12K on the current one I have.

sal826

I'm glad to hear mine is worth at least 12k.

JetJock

I paid $17,500 for my 92 Z. The interior was in really good condition, the motor was good and the paint was good except for chips from driving. Fixed up, I figure around $25,000. However, I did have to take out the screwed up alarm system and the aftermarket stereo and fix some other parts that some idiot did. I did have to replace the clutch (Jimmy Van Dorn, thanks dude!) and replace the flywheel. I have just replaced the hoses, injectors, starter, plugs, and shocks. I plan to fix the seats (lumbar and bolsters) and replace the carpet where is worn. I don't have to but I want to. So far, beside insurance, I have spent around $6000 to $7000 extra. Some stuff you have to and other stuff you can hold off on. The clutch I really had to but the other stuff I could have waited on except the hoses. 18 years is a long time for hoses. I wanted a ZR-1. End of story and I have had 2 of them. This is the perfect car to work if you like frustration. You gotta want it bad because there is nothing like driving a Z. Been in a Z06, wasn't inpressed (C5) The new Z06, different story. Want one of them but will wait for it later. Good luck!

MRDZR1

lgaff

I paid $10.5 a year and a half ago for my high mile 90, it ran 12.88 @ 112.68 at the track. Runs great, getting headers and some upgrades this year, they are out there, keep looking!

WydGlydJim

We're doomed!

wildanblue

cv67

Do yourself a favor unless youre a really good wrench save up and get a better one to start with;ZR1 isnt a car you can bring back and patch together on the cheap like a base C4 unless all the work is stricly needing C4 parts which usually isnt the case.
There are some who do that have a lot of experience with these and keep some parts laying around dont be fooled thinking you can do the same thing.

Rkreigh

although the lt5 is durable, I think the md car for 14k with 90+ k miles is a bit better deal

with a zr-1, but the nicest car, with the best maint, and if you want a "modded" car, get one DONE

the lt5 is an animal, even stock

as for me, franks car at 42k is a SCREAMING deal. check out that dyno sheet. only a few 441 LT5s out there as this is new technology

but there are a TON of really nice early cars in the 15-20k range depending on miles

don't be afraid of one that has been driven, as long as it's cared for

buying a zr-1 with alot of problems, can be a big headache, but the lt5 usually isn't an issue, the normal c4 stuff is.

kylebuck89

im a pretty decent wrench. I have the LT4 to drive every day so im not worried about that. I just dont wanna get the "got to have it " syndrome and buy a basket case

dallas916

You'll do fine with a ZR-1. I paid around $17K for mine about 9 years ago. It took almost $10K worth of maintenance/R&R/ light mods to get it really roadable and showable. I can't drive it anymore (you can see my sale info somewhere on this site), but offers have been duds or just too low for what the car really is. I'll probably bite the bullet somewhat because I hate to see it sit and deteriorate...but I know it will climb back up someday and don't want to give it away. At 21 you'll be able to keep and drive any ZR-1 long enough to get your money back, and then some. Between now and then, there's nothing quite like the growling, sophisticated rarity of the LT5 and the performance it give back to you.

I found the link. Not much has changed except I think it has a leaky injector, which I would replace or get you another set (too much time sitting). Maybe this is close to what you want:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4s-...nd-strong.html

kylebuck89

that car is pretty. I would defiantly have to save a little bit of cold hard cash to be able to afford that car. But who knows what the future holds.