ZR1 Purchase Advise

[lnirenberg]

I will be looking at a 90 ZR1 on Friday reportedly with only 6000 miles and all options. I need general advise on what to look for and specifically what types of problems I might find with a 15 year old car with so few miles. I have admired the ZR1s for some time and have gotten to the point where the bang for the buck is really hard to resist and harder still to comprehend. Can anyone have any recommendations for an experienced ZR1 technician in the Boston area to give the car the once (or twice for that matter) over?

 

[invinceablevett]

Sorry I can't help but I would bring a mechanic.

 

[lnirenberg]

The plan is to bring the car to a mechanic, the art is finding one who works in the area and has a large enough body of knowledge about these specific cars.

 

[tomtom72]

Hi, look I'm a rookie Z owner so my knowledge base is shallow. I used the ZR1NetRegistry's web site and learned so much from their "maintenence" section. You don't have to be a member to read all the info in that section. I suggest that as required reading.

The only other thing is remember it is a 16 yr old car and what works today may not last as long as you would like. With 6K miles all the common issues will not have been addressed unless the owner is into pre-emptive maintenance. It doesn't make it a bad buy; it just means be aware of what can fail due to age. If you have an OBDI scanner look for codes, track the VIN @ a local chevy dealer for warranty history & recall history. These cars were expensive so even if the owner is not a do it yourself type, he will most likely have taken very good preventative steps.

The only thing I can say is once you drive one you may not be able to forget what it's like and you may be hooked. The car is so powerfully smooth it's obscene. It don't handle like a C5 or C6 but it is better than a C3. Oh and if you get one be prepaired for , perma-grin. It really never goes away.

Oh and the parts thing is real as far as some stuff just can't be had at the local chevy store. It don't mean you can't get it. It's just more difficult to search some stuff out. If you have any specific issues with the car post up or PM me. Whatever knowledge I have is yours.


Tom

 

[B17Crew]

lnirenberg, recently Corvette Fever (CF) had an issue that listed the top 100 trustworthy/reliable Corvette service facilities (referred by CF readers) across the country. They’re listed by state, I’m sure a large city like Boston is listed in there.

Good luck on your search for your Z, I think it was one of the most exciting Corvettes built.

B17Crew

 

[JimVette]

One thing to remember is when you drive it the ZR1 power band is best in the 5 grand + range. By this I mean when you test drive it and you are 30 mph in 4th and nail it it may not seem all that quick. If you want to really get a feel for it, at 60 mph pull it back in 2nd nail it and smile.
Good luck!

 

[redvett]

The Vette Dr's are in your area. They are real good. Here's there web site. http://www.thevettedoctors.com/

 

[lnirenberg]

I saw the car today but it was a bit nasty out so I am going back early next week to drive it. It has 6100 miles and looks almost new. It appears to be very clean and the only non-functional item that I could find were the rear stereo speakers. It does, however, have its original tires. My black book says 315/35-17 and tire rack show a few very expensive matches with The Goodyear F1 GS-D3. As I have a strong suspicion that I am going to be this car's new owner any recommendations for tires?

Editorial comment: I am a fairly thin person but those vintage 90 seats are a real bear to get in and out of! Once in they are comfortable though.

 

[tomtom72]

Inirenberg, The OE tires are hard and will not give you grip, and may be unsafe. The 15 yr old tires are good for the NCRS meets but that's it. The real Q is what do you do about the tire sensors? Be very careful whom you choose because there may not be alot of early style sensors left in the system. If you want P/N's just ask. Run this P/N 10098494 @ GMpartsdirect.com, it's a R Fr sensor.

As to what brand? JMHO. I bought D3's. I don't think at this level any brand is bad. Buy what you can afford and know that unless you use the car alot you may end up with old hard tires again before they wear out.

Bose or Doctor Don's can turn around your speakers, figure about $80.00 ea w/shipping. I went with Bose & I'm happy with the results. Bose uses your chassis & puts new amps + new speakers, kinda like a reman job. Bose said to send all of them in one shot.

Good luck
Tom

 

[lnirenberg]

Thanks for the advice.I didn't note the tire size when I saw it yesterday and I can't seem to find the size of the fronts in any of the reference books I have and I assume they are smaller than the rears.

 

[tomtom72]

Tire size & etc.

Hi E, front 9.5" rim width, 275/40/17" Rear rim width 11", 315/35/17"
Offsets: Front = 56mm. rear = 36 mm.
source "suspension chart" @ ZR1NetRegistry.com look under "maintenence" section

Tom