Can the C4 ZR1 Be A Dependable 5000 mi/yr Carr
06-23-2011, 10:37 AM
#21
Team Owner
Just reading on another thread that the 1990s have valve seal (or potential) issues? Can you all chime in on that. I was looking hard at a 1990 and after we get settled into our new home this weekend I figured to go ahead and make a move on something. I really don't want to go more than 15-16K for one so that's why I figured the 1990 is my most likely option.
Also it looks like the prices probably wont get much lower than they are now for these C4 Zs so I see no need in waiting much more.
Thanks again for your input!
Also it looks like the prices probably wont get much lower than they are now for these C4 Zs so I see no need in waiting much more.
Thanks again for your input!
06-23-2011, 10:57 AM
#22
Race Director
06-23-2011, 12:58 PM
#23
Just reading on another thread that the 1990s have valve seal (or potential) issues? Can you all chime in on that. I was looking hard at a 1990 and after we get settled into our new home this weekend I figured to go ahead and make a move on something. I really don't want to go more than 15-16K for one so that's why I figured the 1990 is my most likely option.
Also it looks like the prices probably wont get much lower than they are now for these C4 Zs so I see no need in waiting much more.
Thanks again for your input!
Also it looks like the prices probably wont get much lower than they are now for these C4 Zs so I see no need in waiting much more.
Thanks again for your input!
06-23-2011, 01:28 PM
#24
06-23-2011, 04:24 PM
#25
NCM Lifetime # 982
06-23-2011, 04:29 PM
#26
Intermediate
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Computer Issues
When I had a 1990 ZR-1 inspected by the best Corvette shop in the DC area, it had an airbag light lit up in the little screen that would not go out. In Virginia, the car would not pass inspection unless the computer was indicating the airbags were working. The fellow told me that GM no longer makes the replacement part, that it would be necessary to get it as an NOS part if it could be found and that it could take many months to find it at a cost of, as I recall, of up to $2,000. He generally warned me off of the early ZR-1s because parts are hard to find. He said to get a 93, 94 or 95. It was enough to scare me off the car.
06-23-2011, 04:48 PM
#27
1994 Admiral Blue ZZZZZR1
When I had a 1990 ZR-1 inspected by the best Corvette shop in the DC area, it had an airbag light lit up in the little screen that would not go out. In Virginia, the car would not pass inspection unless the computer was indicating the airbags were working. The fellow told me that GM no longer makes the replacement part, that it would be necessary to get it as an NOS part if it could be found and that it could take many months to find it at a cost of, as I recall, of up to $2,000. He generally warned me off of the early ZR-1s because parts are hard to find. He said to get a 93, 94 or 95. It was enough to scare me off the car.
Parts are not hard to find. Love to hear the name of "the best Corvette shop in DC" that couldn't troubleshoot the airbag light.
David
06-23-2011, 05:41 PM
#28
Melting Slicks
The ZR-1 uses the exact same airbag light circuit and sensors as all other C-4's.
Nothing unique or different here.
Perhaps that shop should stick to minivans and any remaining Vegas that are out there, and stay very very far away from real cars.
Some mechanics! Can't fix stupid.
Marty
1FUNZR1
06-23-2011, 09:38 PM
#29
Le Mans Master
When I had a 1990 ZR-1 inspected by the best Corvette shop in the DC area, it had an airbag light lit up in the little screen that would not go out. In Virginia, the car would not pass inspection unless the computer was indicating the airbags were working. The fellow told me that GM no longer makes the replacement part, that it would be necessary to get it as an NOS part if it could be found and that it could take many months to find it at a cost of, as I recall, of up to $2,000. He generally warned me off of the early ZR-1s because parts are hard to find. He said to get a 93, 94 or 95. It was enough to scare me off the car.
06-24-2011, 02:14 AM
#30
I am looking at buying a zr1. If I buy this car I plan to drive it. I heard different things about dependability and parts availability. I don't plan to race only cruise and maybe the occasional 0 to 60 sprint. Okay maybe 0 to 100 sprint. That would be about it though. Please advise. Much appreciated.
06-24-2011, 10:06 AM
#31
NCM Lifetime # 982
Heck , my modded ZR1 is used as a DD and is dependable as can be. It's not used in the snow-ice.
06-25-2011, 09:36 AM
#32
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
06-25-2011, 04:41 PM
#34
06-28-2011, 12:56 AM
#35
Race Director
06-28-2011, 01:12 AM
#36
Race Director
When I had a 1990 ZR-1 inspected by the best Corvette shop in the DC area, it had an airbag light lit up in the little screen that would not go out. In Virginia, the car would not pass inspection unless the computer was indicating the airbags were working. The fellow told me that GM no longer makes the replacement part, that it would be necessary to get it as an NOS part if it could be found and that it could take many months to find it at a cost of, as I recall, of up to $2,000. He generally warned me off of the early ZR-1s because parts are hard to find. He said to get a 93, 94 or 95. It was enough to scare me off the car.
If VA is a "visual" inspection state Take out the damn light bulb.
and its a airbag jesus when did everyones vaginas get all full of sand.
Check EBAY for airbag parts. I think you will be suprized.
and It probably was just a damn ground issue pathetic Best Corvette shop my ***.
06-28-2011, 07:21 AM
#37
Le Mans Master
What a crock.
If VA is a "visual" inspection state Take out the damn light bulb.
and its a airbag jesus when did everyones vaginas get all full of sand.
Check EBAY for airbag parts. I think you will be suprized.
and It probably was just a damn ground issue pathetic Best Corvette shop my ***.
If VA is a "visual" inspection state Take out the damn light bulb.
and its a airbag jesus when did everyones vaginas get all full of sand.
Check EBAY for airbag parts. I think you will be suprized.
and It probably was just a damn ground issue pathetic Best Corvette shop my ***.
there are TONS of very knowledgeable ZR-1 guys in the registry. Phrogs is one of them.
seek them out,, they can help you. also know that fixing a ZR-1 is less complicated than a new honda or bmw, audi or any of the new cars for that matter.
people see a vette with a DOHC engine and run. the LT5 is a very simple engine. the rest is a standard c4 with some wider hips
don't fear the zr-1, it's more reliable and I've had less problems with it than I have anything else I own, including my C5
06-28-2011, 09:18 AM
#38
Instructor
Thread Starter
Finally in the new house and got a few little issues to work out. But I hope to pull the trigger by the end of the week.
I will do that. Thanks for the heads up. One thing I have noticed is that you ZR1 owners are a tight nit group of folks and thats encouraging especially when buying a car that is rare.
I would take a hard look at Johno!'s '91 ZR-1. It is tempting me but I'm just not in the market at the moment
06-28-2011, 10:01 AM
#39
NCM Lifetime # 982
Yes the LT5 group is very tight knit. And we all watch each other's back. A brotherhood if you wish.
There are quite a few real nice car's on the market right now.Plus being in a buyers market , you da man ! If you are in the Georgia area there is a great group of guy's there. As well as a top knotch wrench in the south west corner of the State.
Either way......happy hunting
There are quite a few real nice car's on the market right now.Plus being in a buyers market , you da man ! If you are in the Georgia area there is a great group of guy's there. As well as a top knotch wrench in the south west corner of the State.
Either way......happy hunting
06-28-2011, 10:27 AM
#40
Team Owner
Yes the LT5 group is very tight knit. And we all watch each other's back. A brotherhood if you wish.
There are quite a few real nice car's on the market right now.Plus being in a buyers market , you da man ! If you are in the Georgia area there is a great group of guy's there. As well as a top knotch wrench in the south west corner of the State.
Either way......happy hunting
There are quite a few real nice car's on the market right now.Plus being in a buyers market , you da man ! If you are in the Georgia area there is a great group of guy's there. As well as a top knotch wrench in the south west corner of the State.
Either way......happy hunting
I went the C5 route after my LT1 but should have gone with the ZR-1. The group is much more tight knit and IMO the C4 chassis is much more rewarding to drive.If SGC has their fall get together it is alot of fun.
