DriveV8Faster

I'm looking to get into a C4 ZR1 next spring, (because I've alway loved the subtle looks and history of the car) once I free up some cash( selling my 1992 lt1 6 speed right now). But my question is, in today world with Nissan Maximas having 300+ hP, how does an early 90's ZR1 stack up in a race(in Mexico of course). Especially all these new M3's or base C7's I see everywhere. I'd be looking for one with a Haibech 500hp package. Does the ZR1 still have what it takes to get some respect on the road from the new herd more technologically advanced cars cars? Or are these really just relicts of the past...

Sorry seems I can't edit typos in thread title, kinda tipsy right now daydreaming of the great ZR1.

Dominic Sorresso

500chp is still nothing to sneeze at. You aren’t going to keep up w the 700+ hp monsters like Demons, C7 Zs, and SuperCobras, but 5.0s, Camaro SS etc, u’ll be competitive. You’ll run low 12’s, maybe high 11’s w DRs and good DA. Its a great sleeper.

Paul Workman

Just to add, 500 hp is more than you'll be able to appreciate on the road, in most cases. Coming from a 300 hp LT1 to a 500 LT5 is quite a jump

Far as stock Corvettes up to base C6s and C7s go, you'll give 'em grief and a view of your tail lights at the drag strip (my experience).

WAXERS vs. WARRIORS: Truth be known, the majority* of ppl buying and driving new or special performance models especially (e.g., "ZR-1, ZR1, Z06, etc.) buy them not because they intend to test the performance limits, but because they want to be associated with the Corvette aura.

*A pole of C4 ZR-1 owner showed approx. 60% had NEVER hit their 7100 rpm rev limiter, and most of that (WAXER) group admitted to refraining from reving to more than 6100 rpm!

My point is, if you test the limits of a Haibeck "500" package (now upped to "510s), you'll be blowing away the majority of newer "Z" owners whether on the drag strip OR the twisties!

And, if you need MORE, (and what WARRIOR doesn't want more!) there are bore (sleeve) and stroking (NA) options that tip their hats to NO ONE!

AND, one last very important thing: The ZR-1 community is one of the very tightest groups of any car club organizations. The central slogan/theme of the ZR-1 Net Registry club is "KEEP THE LEGEND ALIVE!" There's experts in every aspect of the ZR-1 and making the slogan a reality.

Join us and see!

G35c6MT

And recently 527hp on my '94

FASTAZU

With both above posts. As you can see the LT5 makes HP from 5k to cutoff. I've owned my 91 (Haibeck "500" package done 5 years ago ) 16 years and hit the rev limiter every time I drive Bought it with (9k miles now has 60K)

randy ransome

Now you're talking Steve. My rev limiter gets used most times I'm out and about also...and mine is stock except for exhaust.

DriveV8Faster

Hey thats awesome man. I see your's is also Quasar Blue like my LT1 model which is my favorite color for a C4. Maybe with some extreme luck you will decide to sell yours at the same time I'm in the market for my Z

DRM500RUBYZR-1

Yes, it certainly has what it takes.

No, no relics here.

Drive one.
You will understand.

Good luck in your search!

Marty

zrc3john

zrc3john

I may be able to help you when your ready ....442 RWHP.......Mature owner.....Looking to go to a C7-Z.....

1971 Judge

DriveV8Faster, I can give you some perspective on the ZR-1. It offers you a true driver's experience. I can say this as I've owned a lot fun cars, old school nitrous drag cars to a highly modified Z06 and a highly tuned Audi RS4, these cars were heavy metal musicians, where the ZR-1 is a well tuned orchestra that plays beautifully.

The ZR-1 feels very different from the C6 and C7 generation. It is more raw to drive. The C5/6/7 gens are smoother, more refined. The ZR-1 is a car that you drop in and squeeze into; when you get on the throttle, you do a "roll on" vs. drop the hammer. The ZR-1 is actually more of a driver's car; you experience more behind the wheel, it gives you much more feedback vs the newer cars. Oh - one of the most compelling reasons besides cache is the fact you can drive the ZR-1 at 7100rpm and it won't hurt the drive train - at all - Lotus engineers designed it to hold high rpm's consistently and reliably, which truly makes it unique in the supercar category. I had to replace my heads on my C6 Z06 twice with less than 25k miles on the car, where the ZR-1 will break the 200k mile mark with stock heads (think about that)!!

In terms of straight line performance, the ZR-1 will hang with just about anything on a highway, it is a true autobahn performer and it responds incredibly well with simple modifications (headers/exhaust/tuning/porting). A well modified ZR-1 (500hp) will chase down most modern sport cars (M3/Z06/AMG) - and freak them out.

The great news is that the ZR-1 is truly respected in the car community; there are Ferrari owners that love this car and own them, because they understand the engineering and purpose of the car. Heck, the ZR-1 matched the Ferrari 512TR in performance! And if you know a Ferrari owner, then you know they own those fancy Fiat's for the driving experience and cache, not for the 1/4 mile times. !!

Hope you get you a ZR-1 soon; they are worth the effort and when you learn the power-band, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable driving experience; it will put a smile on your face every time.

neat

A few weeks ago I took a client for a ride in my 1991 ZR-1. He was reasonably familiar with the ZR-1 history, but had never actually seen or ridden in one. He was aware that back in 1991, my car was a world beater. He was also aware that it ain't 1991 anymore, lol. He wasn't expecting slow, but he wasn't expecting to be impressed either.

After a short drive to bring the oil temp up, I found a secluded spot, ran the car lightly to 3000 RPM in first gear, quickly squeezed the throttle to the floor, grabbed second gear at about 6700, stayed in the throttle for another second or so, and then lifted. He was absolutely shocked at how strong the car was. He then hit me with the most perfect analogy I've ever heard used to describe a ZR-1:

"This car is like Jerry Rice the last few years he played in the NFL. Not as fast as the kids anymore. But if you slept on him, even just a little, he'd hurt you."

DriveV8Faster

Funny to see you pop in, I've been eyeing your car in the back of my mind, because I know you're local in NY from your older posts. The only thing that gets me is the black because its so hard to keep looking spotless. But you will probably hear from me in the future

zrc3john

Hey good morning.....When I started looking for a Z I actually only wanted blk/blk......Yes a black car does require more attention to detail than other colors, but if you maintain it,as I do , you can never go wrong with a black Z.....I will keep this car spot on until I do decide to pull the trigger on a C7Z...

I would Def like to drive a C7Z first of course....I drove a 15 sting ray at Ron Fellows driving school in Vegas.......Very refined sports car and the handling was incredible around the race course...

The ZR-1 like others have said just gives you more of a roar driving experience especially the way mine is modded.......I had Dempsey do the intake cams on mine along with his package and it pulls really really hard......Either way, best of luck and will chat again.

John..

1971 Judge

NEAT - great write up; it sums up the ZR-1 performance character very well. Not a modern car, but still demands respect as it will captivate and surprise the driver.

G-Sting

Do NOT... either test drive a ZR-1, nor even think about buying one.

Never EVER!

If you do... it will only add to the long list of one's addictions.

wdo-mkr

I can completely agree with never getting behind the wheel of a zr1 unless you are going to buy one. I did and then bought one a couple weeks later. Then six months later I went to SGC picnic and drove and rode in a 368 car. I also got to ride in a 415 cam car. Six months after that the second Z project was purchased and we intended to rebuild it as a 368 car. After sitting next to a really nice gentleman at the bar in bowling green who mentioned that lpe had a 415 crank for sale. That nice person turned out to be Graham Beham. Fast forward 8 yrs and a 93 black on black zr1 came to the shop last week. It's a deadly disease for which there is no cure. Love these monsters.

Tom400CFI

I think that 15% is VERY generous of you. My '92 LT1 which has the same drivetrain as your car, did rear wheel'd about 9% lower than it's crank rating. I think 15% is obsolete or for cars w/very heavy wheels, drivetrain, etc.

Mr. Gizmo

zrc3john

Hmm...Very interesting.....Like I said I would have to take a C7-Z for a ride.....Really don't know anyone that actually owns one.....Maybe my best shot is pulling up to the dealer with the Z and seeing if the salesman will let me take it by myself.....Don't think that may happen though....I would also consider a C6-Z but it seems to me they are priced similar to the C7-Z......