C4 ZR1 or not
04-25-2011, 04:26 PM
#1
8th Gear
Thread Starter
C4 ZR1 or not
Howdy all. Wanting to sell my 1980 L48 with plans to get a 90-96 C4. Is a ZR1 worth the money and time or am I better off buying a cheaper LT1 and upgrading it? My main concern is if something goes wrong with the ZR1 and that engine. I live in Cheyenne, WY and not sure if there's any mechanics that have any experience with the LT5 in the surrounding area. There's also a Doug Rippie modified 1995 that has my eye as well. Thanks for any insight!
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oldpro (06-07-2020)
04-25-2011, 04:51 PM
#3
If your main concern is money, buy the LT1. A passion is required to own a ZR-1 and it sounds like it's more of a "want" than a "passion" for you. I'm not trying to be negative, just honest. If you're just hiding the passion, then jump on the DRM '95 you have your eye on...if you ever need help, he's really not that far from you and has helped me several times.
To address your concerns about the reliability of the LT5, they are like an anvil. I've beat the crap out of my '93 for over 18 years with zero engine problems...can't say that about the rest of the car. Autocrossing really takes its toll on the suspension pieces but they're the same for an LT1. If you do have problems with the LT5, there are plenty of people in the "Brotherhood" willing and waiting to assist you with advice and how to locate parts. The people on the ZR-1 forum here and at the ZR1registry forum are the best you'll ever find on any car forum when it comes to helping a fellow owner. Good luck with whatever you decide!
To address your concerns about the reliability of the LT5, they are like an anvil. I've beat the crap out of my '93 for over 18 years with zero engine problems...can't say that about the rest of the car. Autocrossing really takes its toll on the suspension pieces but they're the same for an LT1. If you do have problems with the LT5, there are plenty of people in the "Brotherhood" willing and waiting to assist you with advice and how to locate parts. The people on the ZR-1 forum here and at the ZR1registry forum are the best you'll ever find on any car forum when it comes to helping a fellow owner. Good luck with whatever you decide!
04-25-2011, 05:39 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
If your main concern is money, buy the LT1. A passion is required to own a ZR-1 and it sounds like it's more of a "want" than a "passion" for you. I'm not trying to be negative, just honest. If you're just hiding the passion, then jump on the DRM '95 you have your eye on...if you ever need help, he's really not that far from you and has helped me several times.
To address your concerns about the reliability of the LT5, they are like an anvil. I've beat the crap out of my '93 for over 18 years with zero engine problems...can't say that about the rest of the car. Autocrossing really takes its toll on the suspension pieces but they're the same for an LT1. If you do have problems with the LT5, there are plenty of people in the "Brotherhood" willing and waiting to assist you with advice and how to locate parts. The people on the ZR-1 forum here and at the ZR1registry forum are the best you'll ever find on any car forum when it comes to helping a fellow owner. Good luck with whatever you decide!
To address your concerns about the reliability of the LT5, they are like an anvil. I've beat the crap out of my '93 for over 18 years with zero engine problems...can't say that about the rest of the car. Autocrossing really takes its toll on the suspension pieces but they're the same for an LT1. If you do have problems with the LT5, there are plenty of people in the "Brotherhood" willing and waiting to assist you with advice and how to locate parts. The people on the ZR-1 forum here and at the ZR1registry forum are the best you'll ever find on any car forum when it comes to helping a fellow owner. Good luck with whatever you decide!
Well stated.
04-25-2011, 09:41 PM
#11
Instructor
Howdy all. Wanting to sell my 1980 L48 with plans to get a 90-96 C4. Is a ZR1 worth the money and time or am I better off buying a cheaper LT1 and upgrading it? My main concern is if something goes wrong with the ZR1 and that engine. I live in Cheyenne, WY and not sure if there's any mechanics that have any experience with the LT5 in the surrounding area. There's also a Doug Rippie modified 1995 that has my eye as well. Thanks for any insight!
What's all done to the 1995 DRM Zr1?
04-26-2011, 08:14 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
Howdy all. Wanting to sell my 1980 L48 with plans to get a 90-96 C4. Is a ZR1 worth the money and time or am I better off buying a cheaper LT1 and upgrading it? My main concern is if something goes wrong with the ZR1 and that engine. I live in Cheyenne, WY and not sure if there's any mechanics that have any experience with the LT5 in the surrounding area. There's also a Doug Rippie modified 1995 that has my eye as well. Thanks for any insight!
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A_S (06-04-2020)
04-26-2011, 11:03 AM
#15
Safety Car
04-26-2011, 10:58 PM
#18
Le Mans Master
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Having had both an LT1 and a ZR-1, I can definitely say the ZR-1 is the ultimate C4.
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A_S (08-02-2020)
04-26-2011, 11:16 PM
#19
We all love our Z's so the best thing to do is drive one and you will answer your own question. Tons of support from the brotherhood no matter where you live. Good Luck on your choice
04-27-2011, 12:20 AM
#20
Safety Car
I said LTx car in the other duplicate thread in C4 general. You have to really want to want the ZR-1, because for the money (2 to 3 times the cost of a regular coupe depending on condition etc). C5 Z06 is the logical counter argument to the C4 ZR.