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1990 zr1

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Old 04-05-2019, 04:17 PM
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mmkkpro
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Default 1990 zr1

Hello everyone, I have found a 1990 ZR1 close to where I live, it is not running and has been sitting a long time by the way it looks. It's all there body is straight, interior is dirty and dusty but is in tact, it has around 80,000 miles on it. The guy is asking 6000 dollars for it so I was wondering if anyone has any advise as to how much it's worth in this condition?
I am a drag racer since the late 70s and have a shop so I know how to work on cars, although I know the LT5 is a special case, but just wondering if any of you guys have an opinion. I can buy a running car for starting around 20k or so not its worth restoring. Thanks.
Old 04-05-2019, 06:21 PM
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billschroeder5842
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I'd say for 6 thousand you can't go wrong--- you have that much that you can sell in parts.

Now, "bringing it back" is a different story and a crap shoot. Figure that the fuel system, injectors, filters...etc will needs replacing. Also, the brake system will need a lot of attention. When you "power it up" you never know what you will get for working components.

If you check out marc Haibecks sit "ZR! specialist" he has a whole section on bring a ZR1 back to life.

Any pictures or an ad to look at?
Old 04-05-2019, 06:24 PM
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81c3
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Any more to the story on why it stopped running? 6k sounds like a decent price if the LT5 doesnt have engine damage. What color combo is it? What car number is it? (last 4 of the VIN)
Old 04-05-2019, 08:48 PM
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Assuming it’s all there with no damage, that’s a great deal. The engines are solid and highly unlikely to have any major issues there. Most problems are with the fuel and vacuum systems. Get the FSM manual and educate yourself. Become a member of the ZR1net Registry and surf their forum for technical advice. http://www.zr1.net/forum/index.php If you have a shop and are familiar with modern engines this is not problem. Where are you located? We can point you Z owners in the area that may be able to help.
H

Last edited by ccmano; 04-05-2019 at 08:50 PM.
Old 04-06-2019, 06:51 AM
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Z51JEFF
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If you can work on cars the Z is a piece of cake. I do my own maintenance and when the injectors needed replacement never once did I consider taking it somewhere. I asked aloooooooot of questions,bought a FSM and took a lot of photos.

Old 04-06-2019, 09:19 AM
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mmkkpro
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Default More info on 1990 ZR1

The car is white with red interior , the guy said it needs a started and fuel pump , I will try to post images. I have not got the vin# yet , I am meeting him in the morning to look it over in person. I have my own shop and have drag raced all my life , built many engines and cars.
It is the LT5 which is a different beast , has the ZR1 emblems on it along with dirt , leaves and pine straw . All glass looks ok on photos , body seems straight , only thing that worries me is on the pic of the engine the number 2 plug wire is off and I can't tell if the spark plugs and is screwed in , it's sitting outside in one pic and in a garage with crap piled on it in another pic.
I plan on bringing her back if possible , want to make a nice driver out of it.
Thank you all for your opinions , I appreciate it , will try to import pics.
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Old 04-06-2019, 09:29 AM
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mmkkpro
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Default Images of 1990 ZR1





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Old 04-06-2019, 09:30 AM
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Z51JEFF
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Not too many white/red 90s,at least that’s what I’ve seen. I’m not a fan of the black rub strips on 90s but do like it on the where cars. I am a little partial to white/red Zs anyway. If the car is solid buy and start tearing it apart,any alnd all questions you will ever have can be answered right here or on the Z Registry site. I do luuuuuuuuvz me a bleeder!
Old 04-06-2019, 09:31 AM
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Default Sad sight

It's a sad sight to see this baby sitting there like that , I would love to return her to her former glory , she needs some love and mucho cash👍👍🏁
Old 04-06-2019, 09:34 AM
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Originally Posted by mmkkpro



Why would anybody let a car like that turn to $hit,that’s just sad. As stated that car parted out would at least double your money. If the car does get parted I would like first shot at the ESC under the plenum.
Old 04-06-2019, 09:39 AM
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Default Rebuild

I plan on rebuilding her , just can't see ripping her apart unless it's absolutely necessary , I'm 58 and remember when these cars came out , they were awesome then and they are awesome now , I think they were way ahead of their time.
I really appreciate everyone's input , makes me feel more confident buying it , meeting him in the morning will keep you guys posted , thanks.
Old 04-06-2019, 11:29 AM
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It would be nice to see if saved,cleaned up.
Old 04-06-2019, 11:52 AM
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Crabs
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Actually, it looks like it might clean up pretty well. The paint will need attention, especially the rear bumper. The insides look like it just needs cleaning and leather conditioner.
No, it'll never be a NCRS Top Flight, but.... get in it and " Drive It LIke You Stole It"....
Because you did.
;-)

'Crabs
'90 ZR1 #792
Old 04-06-2019, 12:04 PM
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dmaxx3500
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wheres the wheels and tires?
Old 04-06-2019, 12:33 PM
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Paul Workman
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YES! I have restored a few cars, including my wife's 69 C3 vert, and with those low miles coupled with the fact you (worst case) part it out for way more than $6k, it's hard to see how you would loose!

Might want to visit the ZR-1 Net Registry site and even consider joining the Registry. You won't find a more enthusiastic group of ZR-1 nuts AND expertise anywhere!
Old 04-06-2019, 02:15 PM
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Wow, if the engine is good
along with the trans, this is amazing. What an excellent find. Please post pictures of your progress. Any bets on how big the rat’s nest will be under the plenum?
Old 04-06-2019, 04:00 PM
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zrc3john
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If it were me,and this may raise a few eye brows, no way.....I think that Z is done....Im guessing the paint alone is most likely shot....A good paint job and now your over 10 grand with the price of the car without anything else...

I have seen some solid Z's in the 14-17 range you can do a few things too and enjoy without dealing with all that this car seems to need....I agree with parting it out if the motor and tranny are solid.
If it was a big block C-2 or C-3 I would say go for it.

...If you really want a Z check the forum here and the registry..There out there...

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Old 04-06-2019, 06:50 PM
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ccmano
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Originally Posted by Crabs
Actually, it looks like it might clean up pretty well. The paint will need attention, especially the rear bumper. The insides look like it just needs cleaning and leather conditioner.
No, it'll never be a NCRS Top Flight, but.... get in it and " Drive It LIke You Stole It"....
Because you did.
;-)

'Crabs
'90 ZR1 #792
I agree with Crabs, but then I luv these kinds of projects. As long as you can put your own labor into it, it can be a fun project. I’m just finishing putting a Z with 180k miles back on the road that by all rights should have been a part out. Paid $6800 and I’m in it another $4k or so not counting my labor. I don’t really care what it’s worth, it was and still is the work I enjoyed. With those spark plug wires out and maybe having sat without plugs just be careful the engine is not seized. But then you probably already know that. Let us know if we can help.
H
Old 04-06-2019, 10:19 PM
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ghlkal
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Originally Posted by Z51JEFF
If you can work on cars the Z is a piece of cake. I do my own maintenance and when the injectors needed replacement never once did I consider taking it somewhere.
OP, it seems like you can do the work, and as long as you're looking for a driver, this may be it.


BTW, Jeff, that valley is clean! Nice work.
Old 04-06-2019, 11:24 PM
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Z51JEFF
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Originally Posted by ghlkal
OP, it seems like you can do the work, and as long as you're looking for a driver, this may be it.


BTW, Jeff, that valley is clean! Nice work.
Why,thank you very much.


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