Question: Buying a ZR-1

[killain]

I've been thinking for quite awhile about buying 'One More' Vette and have given serious considering searching for a Steel Cities Gray or light blue or dark green C-4/ ZR-1. Is this a reasonable choice for a C-4 ? I know of two locally in New Jersey one is a gray and the other a white. Naturally I'm concerned about the engine ever needing work as parts for ZR-1's arn't all that plentiful. Both are in $25+ neighborhood? Any thoughts Please ?

 

[92BlackVette]

If your willing to spend a lot of $ if something goes wrong with the engine, and if your willing to learn a lot about the engine, I would say go for it. Other then the engine/ECM/ZF6/wheels everything else is pretty much the same.

 

[killain]

If your willing to spend a lot of $ if something goes wrong with the engine, and if your willing to learn a lot about the engine, I would say go for it. Other then the engine/ECM/ZF6/wheels everything else is pretty much the same.

Well I gotta tell you that back in the nineties I bought a 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo with the Z34 engine option. What a major PITA. Not because of the engine not performing, it was fantastic running DOHC V6 powerplant. But you couldn't find a dealership with anyone who would dare work on the motor. The only dealership I found who'd do any work on it was in Moorestown, NJ and towards the end of 1998, they told me they couldn't work on the car anymore. I sure wouldn't want to buy another 'White elephant' that needs to be shipped to New york or Texas to be worked on ? :W

 

[KingCorvette]

If you are gonna get a C4 get a regular C4 coupe. The ZR1 isnt much
faster than a regular C4. ZR1 0-60 4.3 Base Vette 6 speed 4.9
If you are gonna spend 25k get a 1996 or get a 2004 C5.
The ZR1s are old tech. The new 2009 Vette has 436 hp. 0-60 4.0
Always get the newest Vette you can afford. ZR1s are over-rated.

 

[warren s]

I also always wanted a late model ZR-1. I drove a few. There is no comparison between a 405hp ZR-1 and a 300hp LT1. Even though I have been known to turn a wrench or two my self over the years, the parts situation for ZR-1s as you noted has something to be desired and the price for available parts make me hold off at the time.

There is lots of information and support for ZR-1s on the net, but with a base C5 being only 50 ponies less and a night and day better ride, I went with that.

 

[Schrade]

Whatever you decide, do it soon. Financial markets have bottomed out, and if you're sittin' on cash, it's losing value QUICKLY, with the Fed givin' it away hand over fist yup.

The edge that buyers have right now (buyer's market), will soon get a little dull as dealers and re-sellers move more and more of theirs...

 

[92BlackVette]

Well I gotta tell you that back in the nineties I bought a 1995 Chevy Monte Carlo with the Z34 engine option. What a major PITA. Not because of the engine not performing, it was fantastic running DOHC V6 powerplant. But you couldn't find a dealership with anyone who would dare work on the motor. The only dealership I found who'd do any work on it was in Moorestown, NJ and towards the end of 1998, they told me they couldn't work on the car anymore. I sure wouldn't want to buy another 'White elephant' that needs to be shipped to New york or Texas to be worked on ? :W

I guess I have an advantage then.....
<------See my state listed (where I live)

 

[sstearns2]

I'd like to have a ZR-1 too. Sure for the same money you could get an early C5 ZO-6, but it's not about logic. A ZR-1 is something special. I'd looking into getting one with some mods like a ported intake and heads and an aftermarket exhaust. $25K is kind of a lot to spend on a Z in todays market. Make sure you're getting exactly the car you want, a later year, and in great condition for that price. There seem to be a lot of parts around for the LT-5, but you might need to look a little (they did make 6000+ LT-5 engines), and lots of knowledge on this board and others.

Have fun...

Scott

 

[Toms007]

I also always wanted a late model ZR-1. I drove a few. There is no comparison between a 405hp ZR-1 and a 300hp LT1. Even though I have been known to turn a wrench or two my self over the years, the parts situation for ZR-1s as you noted has something to be desired and the price for available parts make me hold off at the time.

There is lots of information and support for ZR-1s on the net, but with a base C5 being only 50 ponies less and a night and day better ride, I went with that.

I think some of you are missing the point....he already has an 03 and would like something else. Maybe you aren't suggesting that he buy one, IDK?

Over-rated? I don't think so...the ZR-1 was absolutely the "King of the Hill" back in the nineties and will still hold it's own. Yes the C6's have 400 and higher horsepower....but they will never (OK maybe a slight exaggeration) have the mystic and history of the 90-95 ZR-1. The sound of the LT5 engine is simply amazing. Arguably the toughest engine GM has ever produced. Beat on it and it loves it and just keeps on ticking away. If you have problems, yes there is some reason to be concerned, but there is quite a support group out there to help you through. Guaranteed, if I had the extra cash (and place to house it) a ZR-1 would be one of the cars I'd own. Right now they are as affordable as they might ever be. If you want one and can afford to do it...I say go for it.

Keep us posted.