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1991 ZR-1 #1639 is not your regular Corvette ZR-1. This particular ZR-1 started off life as a Black on Black 1991 ZR-1 sold from Berger Chevrolet in Grand Rapids, MI; however it did not stay that way for long. The ZR-1 was purchased new by the Dieline Corporation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Dieline Corporation built all of the tooling for the C4 Corvette frame along with other GM cars; and the company also did R&D for the C4 platform and helped GM get the C4s ready for the coming of the King of the Hill program (KOTH as it was known inside of GM). Dieline also just so happen to race Corvettes in the FIA Escort World Challenge and won the Series in 1990 and again in 1992 partnered with Doug Rippie Motorsports (DRM). Jay Groendyke was the President and CEO of Dieline Corp and wanted to build a car that showed just what his company had learned from racing Corvettes and what Dieline could do. Dieline applied what they had learned in racing and built a Corvette frame from the ground up in house, the frame to some may look stock but is far from it. Compared to the standard C4 frame this frame would have a total of 144 feet of mig welding to all of the seams. The frame was fully boxed and most standard bolt in bracing was boxed and welded into the frame. Once the frame was completed it was then completely foam filled. In addition to the other bracing a four point roll bar was installed to sure up the rear and additional fire wall and frame bracing added throughout the new frame and engine cradle. The suspension mounting points were also modified and beefed up for the coilover suspension that the ZR-1 would be receiving.
Engine/Drivetrain Modifications:
The LT5 motor was sent to Kim Baker of Bakeracing where it was taken completely down and the heads ported and polished along with the injector housings and plenum. The stock cams were degreed, timed, and the engine received the Black crinkle finish. Watson long tube headers and a custom computer tune with 7,200 red line were also added to the LT5. The HP output was rated at 475 BHP.
Suspension Modifications:
The ZR-1 has a complete Coilover suspension with larger front and rear sway bars. All bushings are poly or aluminum. The hub assemblies are GM HD units.
Wheels/Tires Modifications:
The Dymag wheels for this car are also special; the design is Jays own. Jay started with blocks of foam and Jay personally cut out the design and contacted Dymag England to have the wheels cast. The wheels are cast Magnesium light weight and amazingly strong. The standard design was 17 x 9.5 inches front and 17 x 11 inches rear but Jay wanted this car to be different he had a special castings done and used 17 x 11 front and 17x 13 rear on the ZR-1. Two batches of 3 sets were produced. The first set of extra wide wheels developed issues and were supposedly destroyed the new castings were done and the issues resolved. Only 3 sets of these wheels are known to have been made and all 3 sets are accounted for.
Interior/Exterior Modifications:
With the exception of the 4 point roll bar the interior appears stock. Read more »