1990 ZR1 Info
 

Getting real close to buying a 1990 ZR1 that's pretty low mileage...Can anyone clue me in on the highs or lows of this car...OK for weekend driver as I don't want a garage queen? Comfort vs a C5 or C6? I would imagine a lot of cost for cams & headwork.

Thanks in advance

Greg

C4 is very cockpit oriented with more difficult ingress and egress if you are a bigger or somewhat immobile guy. The LT5 engine speaks for itself...it's a great piece, one of the best looking engines to ever reside in an american car for sure, and it's pricey to fix. 1990 was the year of the highest production volume and I'd gauge it as the least desirable of all ZR1's, though never the less, desirable. C5 and C6 is a better car...that's the bottom line, but a ZR1 is a joy to keep. At this stage, these aren't being generally purchased as drivers, more being purchased as keepers.

Go on the ZR1 registry if you haven't already, that's the place to find good ones. Ownership records and maintenance are key otherwise the price goes down. In the end, it's a C4...your main issues are the expensive weather seals and things that dry rot and leak.

I guess I'll add, with low mileage/not driven...look for leaks and look for a car that was still driven frequently, even if for small stints. Check the date code on the tires...they may have great tread depth but may be out of their service life. Ask about how the car was stored, if fluids were removed or if the car just basically sat. Ask what environment it was kept in, what the current owner knows about the car from the prior owner, etc. Look underneath the car and be sure the floor/pan isn't cracked from being jacked up improperly...that happened a lot to C4's. With a ZR1...I'd seek to get a PPI from someone knowledgeable about the cars.

Oh yeah...and wrong forum.

ZR-1 not ZR1 those started in 2009.:cheers:

Oh crap, I think I spelled 1990 wrong also.

:lol:

All I can add is my buddy bought one new in 91 and still has it he never had any big issues that I know of except for the leather on the drivers seat scuffing pretty easy other than that it was a beast in it's day and still will hold it's own today...as far as comfort goes compared to my ZR1 and other Vettes I've had it rides a bit on the rough side but not much more than my 10 ZR and about the same as the C6 Z06 and C5 Z06 I had...I personally think it would be a great weekend driver.

Here is just 1 link to a great site. Highs..just open the hood and drool or run it up 7K RPM's. If you want a touring car buy a C5. If you want something not everyone has Buy the ZR-1. :thumbs:

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/Market...yersGuide.aspx

Absolutely. My 1990 ZR-1 is a great weekend driver, and not a garage queen.

Lows ... tech. There are no electronic aids to help you drive :willy:
Highs ... RPMs. 7K ... try that with an LSx :D

My advice is to get it if you like it and don't try to compare it to a C5 or C6.

thanks for the replies...very helpful.

Greg

The Spelling Police show up often around here. Be careful... they can ban you ! :lol:

I am not to far from you and wrench regulary on mine. Doing some exhaust work right now. Always happy to help out a ZR-1 owner ! :yesnod:

Revved my LS6 to 7k at track days...limiter is at 6700 now, post forced induction. Just sayin...

LT5 is good to 8K if you want to raise the limiter. Having owned both a C5 Z06 and a C4 ZR-1 together, I found the C4 ZR-1 more entertaining to drive, but the Z06 is easier to get in and out of. I sold the Z06.

Great.....I thought you sold/were selling the 94' ZR1????

You did not??? :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

Lows: That's a low?? Not in my book.

Highs: Didn't the LS7 redling at 7k?


OP, C5 or C6 will be much more "comfortable" for DD'ing or driving in general. C4 will be more visceral, more raw, more honest, and IMO, a LOT more fun. You really need to drive them all and see what suits you best.


.

I have been a member here for many years now and I have found that owners of both the ZR-1 and a C5 or C6 seem to keep the ZR-1 and sell the newer car. There are also those that sell a ZR-1 and end up buying another.. there is definitely something special about these cars.

:cheers:

Tommy, I know what you mean. When I sold my '93 in 2007 after 13 years of ownership I thought I was done with ZR-1s. But I was twitchy for several years so finally in 2012 I got my '95 and have put 10,000 miles on it since, plus had Marc H add 100 HP just for grins. While it is currently for sale, I recently got it out for its initial Spring run and I am once again amazed. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, Permagrin all over again. If it doesn't sell then I am stuck once again with an almost new low mileage 500 HP ZR-1. :D Life is tough. Heading for Bowling Green in May. --Bob

Hey Greg. I purchased a 1990 ZR-1 in Oct 2012 with 11,000 original miles and meticulous records. I have been in love with her every since. I am admittedly not a Corvette guy but I am a ZR-1 guy. I choose to own and weekend drive my ZR-1 because not everybody has one. I dig the exclusivity factor. Very subdued and undercover if you will. My first long drive came last august with the Corvette Caravan from Miami to Bowling Green and it was a complete joy. Enjoyed the sound of my LT-5 that I don't think I even listened to the radio for more than 30 mins. She does have quirks, a few eccentricities, but those are the things I have come to love. Z's have character. In my opinion if you are a true auto enthusiast you cannot go wrong with a C4 ZR-1 whatever the year. Good luck with your purchase and I can help with anything don't hesitate to PM.

Pricy to fix, please explain. other than fuel injectors what else is there to fix, the motor is about as solid as they come and NEVER need major work as long as you don't get stupid you have nothing to worry about.