Buy ZR or not?
01-25-2018, 04:24 PM
#21
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
That L83 is now a 383 stroker, after plenty of mods while still in the Vette. It now powers a '55 F100 sitting atop C4 suspension w/modified frame. While presently carbureted, one day I'll get the garage-cabinet-bound TBI modified as replacement.
The 409 currently in m-m-m-my Shinoda is fast and quite rude. The power curve starts early and pulls hard to 6200 rpm fuel shut-off. The raspy, uneven idle keeps ricers at bay just by sound, after initially wanting to teach an old fart in an old Corvette a lesson. I neither street nor drag race, especially with Vette bretheren. (Well, there were two bikes that I spanked badly.)
Last edited by whalepirot; 02-14-2018 at 12:51 PM.
02-14-2018, 09:17 AM
#22
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2004
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As I've said B4, the low hanging fruit in the ZR-1 comes from porting the motor and installing a free-flowing exhaust and headers (and "X" pipe).
The result is a 500+ hp beast that idles as stock (stock cams, after all), keeps original fuel economy and drivability including in stop and go traffic w/ the AC turned ON.
It wasn't bad before the mods, but they completely changed the car's personality! It is a real sleeper...idling at a red light, but screaming like a banshee as the tach passed 7000 and 121 mph in the quarter!
And, first time you do a 5-2 downshift at about 50 mph and stand on it to 90 mph, if that doesn't get your attention, it sure will get attention from any ricer that happens to drag his fart can up along side of you on the open road!
The result is a 500+ hp beast that idles as stock (stock cams, after all), keeps original fuel economy and drivability including in stop and go traffic w/ the AC turned ON.
It wasn't bad before the mods, but they completely changed the car's personality! It is a real sleeper...idling at a red light, but screaming like a banshee as the tach passed 7000 and 121 mph in the quarter!
And, first time you do a 5-2 downshift at about 50 mph and stand on it to 90 mph, if that doesn't get your attention, it sure will get attention from any ricer that happens to drag his fart can up along side of you on the open road!
The following 2 users liked this post by Paul Workman:
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02-15-2018, 10:46 AM
#23
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '05
buy it because you like the history, engine etc
buying one for just power your 409 is the winner
stock Zs run like youd think a stock C4 "should" is one way to put it. Good but not oh chit fast
buying one for just power your 409 is the winner
stock Zs run like youd think a stock C4 "should" is one way to put it. Good but not oh chit fast
Last edited by cv67; 02-15-2018 at 10:47 AM.
02-27-2018, 07:35 AM
#24
Instructor
Currently on Vettes #5 and #7; still stricken with ZR mystique. The 2002 C5 Vert is stock and a pleasure, such that my opionion of them has totally reversed.
The '84 C4 has the ultra rare Shinoda body, a ZF6-40 and a modified 409 SBC that cranks out mid-500s. Tis a blast to drive and reportedly outruns (at least initially) a stock ZR1 (this, from a professional who is a Vette nut/owner and straight shooter)! I tend to prefer low end torque and it's been years since I drove a ZR1, so my recall of it is dim.
So, what is it that you owners find that keeps you nuts about keeping/driving your ZR1?
The '84 C4 has the ultra rare Shinoda body, a ZF6-40 and a modified 409 SBC that cranks out mid-500s. Tis a blast to drive and reportedly outruns (at least initially) a stock ZR1 (this, from a professional who is a Vette nut/owner and straight shooter)! I tend to prefer low end torque and it's been years since I drove a ZR1, so my recall of it is dim.
So, what is it that you owners find that keeps you nuts about keeping/driving your ZR1?
I’ve also owned several corvettes: ZO6 C5s and C6s coupe and GS. The uniqueness and history of the ZR-1 has always intrigued me. Believe me once you see a ZR-1 in person and then drive one it’s an unbelievable feeling. Read the heart of the beast book, visit ZR-1 registry, and start looking. You’ll have ample resources for any questions or concerns as the ZR-1 community is an extremely helpful one. I pulled the plug last summer. Best thing I ever did!
02-27-2018, 10:01 AM
#25
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Well, Summer is almost on us. How's the hunt doing? You know you want one. 
02-27-2018, 12:56 PM
#26
Melting Slicks
Thread Starter
I want a C3 a C2 and a C1! (so I'm nuts)
Isn't it great to have a positive, supportive community like this? I mean, there are Corvette enthusiasts, then there are ZR1 enthusiasts!
02-27-2018, 02:20 PM
#27
Race Director
Member Since: Feb 2002
Location: Compound in the Grove, Ga.
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2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
2015 C4 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '16
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Its an addiction.