ZR1 v. C5

[secondchance]

Hi, Remo.
He said we provide unbiased info. Did'nt say that he was going to.

 

[UvetteIrace]

Wow!!! You mean there are people out there that dont know what a ZR1 is? . . . I thought when a ZR1 pulls up on a traffic light, the cars next to it just are in deference, unless it's another Vette (in its own right, of course).

I live in NYC, and here just about every other car is either a BMW, a Benz, or a Porsche . . . regardless whether its a rich neighborhood or a not.

But if I decide on the ZR1 I certainly want these Un-american auto affecionados to bow down and recognize the ZR1 when I pull up next to them.

Thanks for your input Remo - to be honest I am starting to leaning towards the new C5.

 

[A26B]

Looks like I inadvertently stepeed on a sensitive toe! Sorry about that. When I was referring to a C5 being ordinary and common compared to a ZR-1, what's to argue about. There are TWICE as many C5's made each model year as the total run of ZR-1's over 5 years. The LT5 engine is exponentially more durable than the pushrod engines. We are in a Corvette forum. Everyone is a Vette enthusiast.

Want to be noticed at stoplights?? Don't expect the Mercedes, BMW drivers to know you apart from a C4. Even so, C5's are probably even more common. To be noticed by the "unknowing", you'll either have to trick the exterior or show them the ass end as you pull away.

There are lots of folks out there who don't know about the ZR-1, even car enthusiasts. They were only made 5 yrs and the last was produced 8 model years ago. If you didn't follow Corvette's then, you were probably not aware or only aware in passing. My neighbor just bought a new, yellow vert and had never heard of a ZR-1.

Admittedly I am biased to the ZR-1, I made my choice and I drive one. To the C5 driver who took offense and thought I was calling him common and ordinary, I'm sorry you took it that way. You drive a great Corvette and I take nothing away from that. You drive a C5 and you are biased. I thhink that's the way it should be. Love what you drive! Ain't none of them bad!!

 

[CKA_Racing]

Seems like you would be better off in a C5. If you want it to handle better and have more power, there are plenty of upgrades out there. There are more shops out there that work on C5 and parts are plentiful and cheaper.
The C5 will be newer, therefore not that many things might go wrong with it.

The truth is there is nothing unique about a ZR1 when seen at a traffic light. To just about everyone it looks like a regular C4. So if you are trying to impress other people by the looks of the car, forget it. Might as well get a regualr C4. Since they will not know the difference.

I believe ZR1 are for people who really appreciate the history behind this vette and the performance it has even today.

 

[Rob]

The truth is there is nothing unique about a ZR1 when seen at a traffic light. To just about everyone it looks like a regular C4. So if you are trying to impress other people by the looks of the car, forget it. Might as well get a regualr C4. Since they will not know the difference.

Not unless you happen to be behind it at a stoplight.

 

[CKA_Racing]

Not unless you happen to be behind it at a stoplight.

People don't notice the baby got back width of the ZR1. Is that what you are referring too?

 

[Karl Snedeger]

WOW! I have owned 5 vettes in the last 11 years- 3C4s and 3 C5s. I like the C5 over the C4 (except the ZR1). Just worry about the high maintainence bills with a ZR1. Parts are not cheap and some are very hard to find. Buy a 2000 Nassau Blue Hardtop and you have a unique Vette(189 made).

 

[Rob]

People don't notice the baby got back width of the ZR1. Is that what you are referring too?

LOL :L Yep

 

[A26B]

WOW! I have owned 5 vettes in the last 11 years- 3C4s and 3 C5s. I like the C5 over the C4 (except the ZR1). Just worry about the high maintainence bills with a ZR1. Parts are not cheap and some are very hard to find. Buy a 2000 Nassau Blue Hardtop and you have a unique Vette(189 made).

Maintenance can be high in the event of an engine related problem, no argument here. Counter-point is how incredibly durable this engine is and how little engine maintenance is ever required. The rest of the car is essentially a C4 and maintenance in accordance.

I'm sure the 2000 Nassau Blue is rare (189 made) but here again, how many would know that? Certainly none of the preppie Euro crowd, and probably not many Vette drivers unless they have a specific interest in that area. So, no stoplight recognition there either!!

I think the real bottom line here is which type of Corvette enthusiast are you and what do you want from one. We can debate this forever and never come to a unanimous decision for that reason. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[CKA_Racing]

LOL :L Yep

I agree, that's one fine back...:booty

But my wife and two other's that were riding with me never notice the wider back when compared to a regular C4.

But I educated them.. :gap

 

[CKA_Racing]

"Maintenance can be high in the event of an engine related problem, no argument here. Counter-point is how incredibly durable this engine is and how little engine maintenance is ever required."

Sure, just ask Phrogs. He found a motorless ZR1 and does not want to pay an arm and a leg for a ZR1 engine. Let's time it and see how long it takes for him to find one. Oh wait, this can't be happening because ZR1 engines are bullet proof. :s :J :L :z :Silly :duh

 

[secondchance]

With all due respect, I don't believe unique color creates unique Vette.
As far as durability goes, I've put on 98,000 miles on 91 before her untimely demise and additional 40,000 on 94 I bought with 25,000 on odo. Apart from one burnt out starter caused by my attempt to wash the motor, back in 92, and pulling plenum twice for, yes you guessed it, vacuum leak on 94, I had no failure resulting in engine repair.
Ofcourse, periodic driverside rear bearing failure is something you learn to live with when you have 405 hp and 390 lb ft.
I know first hand that most people, Vette owners or otherwise, are ignorant of ZR-1s. Actually, this is why I prefer ZR-1 to Viper GTS, a car that scream for attention.
As far as the "motorless ZR-1 is concerned, you will always find some idiot who manages to destroy even the most durable of all due to neglect, stupidity or both. Bullet proof? Yes. Idiot proof? No.
ZR-1, for sure, is for those who appreciate the history and performance and, might I add, fine engineering.
After I wrecked 91 in 96, in order to pacify my wife who was petrified, I bought a 94 BMW 850csi. Now, this is a car everybody noticed. Even with a 5.6 liter V12, she was slow as hell! Sucked down more gas than a Nav. Talk about expensive repairs!
Anyway, UvetteIrace. I think C5 probably is a better choice for you at this stage. Also, living in NY, C5 would be easier to live with due to superior chassis rigidity and more compliant suspension.

Yo, Rob. Did we get some discussion going or what?

 

[A26B]

Sure, just ask Phrogs. He found a motorless ZR1 and does not want to pay an arm and a leg for a ZR1 engine. Let's time it and see how long it takes for him to find one. Oh wait, this can't be happening because ZR1 engines are bullet proof. QUOTE]

You must be getting really desperate for any kind of a legitimate response to the LT5 durability issue. Phrogs is a true motorhead and ZR-1 driver. He already has a ZR-1 and a 69 427/435 and wants another ZR-1. He is on active dute in the Marine Corps and presently in the Middle East. He is in no hurry to find another LT5 engine so he's just shopping for the best possible deal so he can build one up for his wife. I fail to see how one ZR-1 without an engine for an unknown reason is any kind of legitimate criticism of LT5 durability.

Do you really think an LT1, LT4 or LS6 could do 400 hrs non stop on the dyno cycling between max torque and max hp every 5 minutes? The LT5 did!

 

[secondchance]

A26B. Take it easy on the guy. He is almost my neighbor. Its one of those older brother-yonger brother kinda thing. You know, LT4 was purposely under rated due to Chev anticipating LS1 and GS/LT4 is more collectible since total numbers produced is less than the ZR-1.
And since LT4 is almost as powerful to nip at the heels of ZR-1s and ZR-1s are hideously expensive to maintain and LT4 is more rare, only total idiots buy ZR-1.
I'm sure you read all these finer points.

 

[secondchance]

A26B.
We drive twins I see. I have 94 #256 blk/blk.

 

[A26B]

A26B. Take it easy on the guy. He is almost my neighbor. Its one of those older brother-yonger brother kinda thing. You know, LT4 was purposely under rated due to Chev anticipating LS1 and GS/LT4 is more collectible since total numbers produced is less than the ZR-1.
And since LT4 is almost as powerful to nip at the heels of ZR-1s and ZR-1s are hideously expensive to maintain and LT4 is more rare, only total idiots buy ZR-1.
I'm sure you read all these finer points.

I'm sorry, my emotions must have gotton the best of me:L Why, it's almost like traction, once you loose it, you just gotta back clear out of the throttle to get it back! Only another ZR-1 driver could possibly know what we're talking about! :bang :bang

 

[secondchance]

I don't much care what others think. I just hope there is an ample supply of low milage ZR-1s(thank you, those who buy them for investment and lose interest later) and price is kept down(thank you those who are scared to own due to fear o repair) so that I could continue to enjoy them without a fear of finding the next one.:L

 

[Rob]

Remember one thing here, they are all CORVETTES, regardless of what motor they have or how much you paid for it, or what type of Corvette someone chooses to own.

I love the ZR-1 and I'm proud to own one, but I'm not proud of it to the point that it overshadows my reasoning in the understanding that there are better Corvettes out there than the ZR-1.

 

[DDSLT5]

Its obvious to me that all those without an LT5 under the hood are uncontrollably jealous - thats cool, I appreciate the compliment, as do all us venerable ZR1 drivers!!!

:s :J :s :J :s :J


We should all :BOW to the wonderful LT5!!!

 

[secondchance]

"I love the ZR-1 and I'm proud to own one, but I'm not proud of it to the point that it overshadows my reasoning in the understanding that there are better Corvettes out there than the ZR-1."

IMHO, there are more expensive ones (i.e. 69 ZL-1). There are better cars. Better Vette? Not yet. Not yet...

Ofcourse, this is only my opinion.