motor availability
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
motor availability
please excuse what it probably a dumbass question but, does anyone ever see the ZR-1 motors up for sale? i'm a total corvette neophyte though i know a bit about C-3's since that is what i drive. i was just thinking about how cool it would be to have a ZR-1 motor in my 78.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 26
they show up regularly. As to how feasible that swap would be...well.... I will have to wait for someone more experienced for that answer.
Although, I am a big fan of the LT5...I'm not sure that is the easiest/best/cheapest way to go unless you just have to have that particular engine....but sounder opinions will be forthcoming.
Although, I am a big fan of the LT5...I'm not sure that is the easiest/best/cheapest way to go unless you just have to have that particular engine....but sounder opinions will be forthcoming.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
are they pretty high dollar? and what are parts availability like? before i broke my neck and back in 2007, i was a factory certified BMW, Triumph and Ducati tech, i've built and fabricated loads of stuff too, i can even run a cnc mill. basically, i have major mechanical abilities, i can do everything on a car with the exception of paint, i actually LIKE doing electrical work and diagnostics.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
are they pretty high dollar? and what are parts availability like? before i broke my neck and back in 2007, i was a factory certified BMW, Triumph and Ducati tech, i've built and fabricated loads of stuff too, i can even run a cnc mill. basically, i have major mechanical abilities, i can do everything on a car with the exception of paint, i actually LIKE doing electrical work and diagnostics.
I've seen a few LS motors in the C3s, but never an LT5...Something tells me it would be quite a show stopper!
You see LT5s regularly between $3500-5500. You would need the computer and peripheral stuff, OR an aftermarket computer with their damper mounted reluctors, etc. - Parts are also available, and there are some gurus that work on these cars exclusively. However, due to the uniqueness (the ONLY DOHC ever put in a Corvette) parts are pricy, compared to the omnipresent LS motors and SBCs.
Wander over to the zr1.netRegistry too, should you decide to drop an LT5 in your C3, or just to chat. Someone with your skills would be welcome, and chances are you could put your CNC skills to work over there!
P.
P.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
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From: Columbia South Carolina
yikes, i had no idea a used motor would go for that much. i've been offered a 22k mile 6.0 LS from a 2010 GMC pickup, the motor, trans (4L80) computer and harness for a steal. after the research i've done it looks like the ls motor IS the way to go. i'll keep the 3:08 gears, the motor will be kept totally stock except for maybe a set of mid length headers. stock this 6 liter ls motor has close to double the horsepower of the motor that came in the car when new, a 185hp L48. my goal is to make the vette my daily driver and i'll put the 461k mile 94 saturn into semi retirement to be used only when i'm going to a gig since theres no way in hell i could fit the amplifier and speaker cabinet into the 78' LOL.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
even though the cool-factor is off the charts for a conversion like this, i can buy a new 290 BHP crate motor and a built 2004R for less LOL. thanks for the offer though.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
so, as cool as this swap would be, i couldnt even begin to justify doing it. ah well, it was a nice thought, i just didnt think it through enough. thanks very much for the information on this swap. there is just one more question if i may. wasnt it Yamaha that designed the ZR-1 motor? or was it Mercury Marine? I knew who it was at one time but damage to the frontal lobe in my brain has pretty much shot my memory to ****.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,854
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
so, as cool as this swap would be, i couldnt even begin to justify doing it. ah well, it was a nice thought, i just didnt think it through enough. thanks very much for the information on this swap. there is just one more question if i may. wasnt it Yamaha that designed the ZR-1 motor? or was it Mercury Marine? I knew who it was at one time but damage to the frontal lobe in my brain has pretty much shot my memory to ****.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Columbia South Carolina
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 66,854
Likes: 86
From: Santa Cruz CA
St. Jude Donor '15
When you have one of these amazing cars you read everything you can get your hands on about them. A book called The Heart of the Beast has most of the historical info on the ZR-1 and LT5. Very interesting read.http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Beast-An.../dp/0971146845
Last edited by ZR-71; Sep 26, 2011 at 01:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 164
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From: Columbia South Carolina
i'll head over to books-a-million later this morning and see if they have it in stock. i got a book about corvettes back in the mid-late 70's that has all the odd and hard to find information and specifications. there were pictures of a rotary engine powered mid-engine concept car, there was one with a turboed V-6 too. i think it's title is something like Corvette past, present, future. i've been obsessed with these gems made of fiberglass since i was a toddler my mom told me. I'll never ever forget this in a million years, my dad always owned a full size Chevrolet and one day in late september of 1977 we walked into the showroom at Ardery Chevrolet in Windsor Connecticut and i saw it............a bubble rear glass 1978 L-48 Vette. i've loved this body style ever since.
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: cleveland ohio
BRAND NEW IN CRATE 93-95 ZR-1 ENGINE and HARNESS
Still in crate, stored in climate controlled space all these years.
11,000.00 - sale is pending
Mike @ 440-832-0786
11,000.00 - sale is pending
Mike @ 440-832-0786
Last edited by mloboda; Oct 27, 2011 at 05:45 PM. Reason: motor is sold
