LT4 Lt4 or a ZR1, that is the question

[Paul G]

I want to move up from my 88 vert. I am trying to decide which car I would rather have. An LT4 CE vert, or a ZR1. The decision gets hard because we love top down cruising. We can keep that with a LT4 car. But the ZR1's have that special appeal to them. "King of the hill".

Please give me reasons to go with the LT4, or the ZR1. I need help.

 

[vetteguy]

If I were in your situation I would look at both, drive both and buy the nicest one you can find. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Good Luck, Guy

 

[Vettelt193]

LT4 'vert!!! I switched from a convertible, I love top down driving, and now I am going to sell to buy an earlier C4 convertible automatic. I love top down/off too much to buy another coupe. I have always regretted buying a coupe, but the security is better. if you can live with the smaller storage space, less security, and love top down driving... just stick with the 'vert.

Another thing is the LT4 has an excellent powerband for street driving. I think you would be more than happy with the LT4 powerplant.

The only problem is, LT4 convertibles are much more rare than ZR1's, so good luck finding one:eyerole

 

[6 Shooter]

Paul,

U definitely have a tuff/enjoyable decision in front of U . . . I went through it a little over a year ago.

As earlier stated, drive both, a few of both is better. I'm sure U realize . . . buy the Best/Lowest Mileage Vette U can afford.

If it's Top Down Cruising U like, then it's the LT4. but both the ZR-1 & LT4 R Great/Fun Vette's !

Enjoy the Hunt :cool

Later . . . . . .
6 Shooter

 

[Edmond]

I would go with the LT4 since you like the top down driving. Either way, both the LT4 and LT5 are capable of laying the smack down on most opponents you'll run into on the road.

 

[Ominous C5]

I own both a '91 ZR1 and a '96 GS. Both are special, but I'd say the ZR1 is the meanest horse in my stable.

 

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

Can't go wrong with either car. But you see my choice.

 

[Michael Malone Smith]

I'd say ZR1......you can always take the targa top off

 

[Vettelt193]

I'd say ZR1......you can always take the targa top off

If you have owned both C4 coupe and convertible, you would know how much easier and fun a convertible is.... if you like topless driving anyway. for daily driving, and trips, the coupe is hands down better.

 

[iron cross]

ZR1 Vettes have a engine oiling problem with the camshafts. Never rev it up until it`s good and hot. The other Vettes are more reliable and also come in roadsters as opposed to only a coupe body style.

 

[Jeffvette]

ZR1 Vettes have a engine oiling problem with the camshafts. Never rev it up until it`s good and hot. The other Vettes are more reliable and also come in roadsters as opposed to only a coupe body style.

WTF is this???????

That is with any car, you shouldn't expose them to high revs un til the engine is warm.

 

[TWINRAY]

I should have decisions as tough as this:crazy

 

[90 Corvette ZR-1]

ZR1 Vettes have a engine oiling problem with the camshafts. Never rev it up until it`s good and hot. The other Vettes are more reliable and also come in roadsters as opposed to only a coupe body style.

And you get your information from where. There are far less LT5 failures then any other vette motor to date I would be willing to bet.

 

[iron cross]

Don`t bet on it! Where? From GM. Why do you think they don`t make that engine any more. The cams are the last to get any oil and are way up in the engine riding on aluminum in very expensive heads. Trick looking cars, lots of HP, but marginal on durability and they know it. and now you do also. Too each, his own, :L In fact I was ready to buy one when they first hit the streets, but I`m crazy, not stupid.:cool

 

[Ominous C5]

Spoken like a true novice.

 

[Huffer]

LT5,

With some people, they hear a good thing and they tell a friend. If they hear a bad thing. dirty laundry, rumors and unsubstantiated information, they tell EVERYBODY as though they were an expert. Some people arm themselves with other peoples intellect. If this guys borrowed/stolen intellect were a bomb, he wouldnt have enough to blow his nose.

Do you REALLY thing Keiffer/Mercury would release their engine without it being bulletproof enough to put their reputation and name on it? For every LT5 you can verify as destryed due to cam oiling, or the lack there of, I'll show you three times as many L98s with blown head gaskets. But you dont hear much about these do you? Does overheating an L98 engine and blowing a head gasket compare to reving a street legal F1 LT5 mill before it's warmed up enough for the clearances to right? Yes. Though the LT5 will last longer.

I just realized,,,,I wasting my time...

 

[Jeffvette]

Don`t bet on it! Where? From GM. Why do you think they don`t make that engine any more. The cams are the last to get any oil and are way up in the engine riding on aluminum in very expensive heads. Trick looking cars, lots of HP, but marginal on durability and they know it. and now you do also. Too each, his own, :L In fact I was ready to buy one when they first hit the streets, but I`m crazy, not stupid.:cool

OMFG, I don't even know how to respond to this idiotic comment.....

To bad you didn't buy one, maybe you would know a little more about them.

 

[Wegone]

OMFG, I don't even know how to respond to this idiotic comment.....

To bad you didn't buy one, maybe you would know a little more about them.

You tell him Jeff

 

[Joe Shown]

ZR1 Vettes have a engine oiling problem with the camshafts. Never rev it up until it`s good and hot. The other Vettes are more reliable and also come in roadsters as opposed to only a coupe body style.

I beg to differ with your assessment. You are not crazy, but you are stupid. What f-----g planet are you from? I get a real kick out of people who don't even own a ZR-1 commenting on their reliability. By far the most durable engine I have ever had in a car. Of all of the ZR-1 owners I know (hundreds) not one has had the problem you describe.

Joe Shown
1990 Jeal 415 ZR-1
1991 ZR-1

 

[lt4 gs]

I figured after a month that this thread had well run the course. Let's just ignore the flaming and trolling, alright? The fella is trying to get your Goat.......not your Vette.........