Standard/ZR1
 

I have been looking at 1993-6 C4's on line. I have found several that are advertised as coupes and priced as standard LT1 coups.

But when I look at pictures on the rear bumper is the ZR1 emblem. Most from dealers. So is the dealer ignorant of what the car is? or do people just put the ZR1 badge on the standard model.

How can I tell if it is really a ZR1? from the pictures? Don't want to tip off seller that they may have underpriced the car. LOL

Thanks.

You need the VIN to tell the difference OR you mention '93+ so if it has a CHMSL on the rear bumper cover it's a "base car" with a narrow rear tag pocket, a ZR-1 would have the CHMSL on top of the rear hatch glass at the halo and a substantially wider tag pocket.

Eighth digit of the VIN for a ZR-1 will be J for any year, '93+ base cars would be either P or in '96 could be a 5 but there were no ZR-1's in '96.

If the VIN were to start with 1G1YY that's a base-car but 1G1YZ would/should make it a ZR-1.

Should be obvious if they show any pictures of the engine.

The VIN and engine bay are dead give-aways. From the front, it is not so easy. But from the side or especially the rear, here are some pix showing what WVZR-1 was referring to:

A ZR-1

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...1rearSmall.jpg

Standard with ZR-1 badges

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x.../5-3-09010.jpg


Lots of people stuck ZR-1 badges on standard cars.

There were NO production convertible ZR-1s

ALL ZR-1s have the convex rear bumper with the squarish tail lights AND the CHMSL (center brake light) mounted high.

ALL Zs rear ends are 3.x" wider to accommodate the 315x35x17 tires without the stick-on "eyebrow" seen on the Grand Sports. This is easy to spot, as there is a 1-1/2" spacer between the license plate and the equally wide backup lights. (compare the Z (top) to the fake on the bottom.

The GM rear wheels have deep lug bolt dish areas

The slope of the rear fender where it contacts the rear bumper is more vertical, whereas the fenders of the standard C4 are more sloped outward toward the belt line.

On the bottom, left corner of the center dash, below the radio controls is the ZR-1's "NORMAL - FULL POWER" key switch.

And, of course if the hood is raised, the LT5 is unmistakable, AND the sound is unique to the twin exhaust valves.





Z:

As Paul's pictures show, look at the space between the end of the license plate and the backup light.

A standard C4 will not have any space. The license plate will be right up against the backup light.

A ZR-1 being 3" wider will have a 1.5" space from the end of the license plate to the backup light.

And once you open the hood, everything should be very obvious. :D


LT1 engine
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...96313d39f5.jpg

LT5 (ZR-1) engine

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...4a22a65a73.jpg

Seller descriptions
 

Take 99% of seller's ads as being wrong. Just look at the number of coupes that are listed as convertibles because the roof panel can be removed. Same thing on items like an engine out of a Buick wagon being listed as a Vette engine because it's claimed to be a LT1. Takes more than an emblem to be a ZR1 and there are those that will fake it to try and take advantage of the gullible.

thank you. very helpful. all of them I had bookmarked did not have the spacer next to license plates. Thanks.

Also, make sure you are not seeing an LT1 badge rather than ZR1