C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

weneversleep · 09-19-2012

As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car.

However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well.

My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform?

I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one.

I just like talking about the cars.

cvette98pacecar · 09-19-2012

I can tell you this as I own both a C5, and two ZR-1 my C5 is a lot more comfortable to drive. I have no clue what mods you have done to your car. however, if your C5 is stock you have 405HP, the 93 to 95 ZR-1 have 405hp with the torque and power curve of a monster big block.
In lay mans terms at a track you are going to get away from the Z at the gate, but once the Z starts coming there is nothing you can do to stop him from blowing bye you before the traps. Go Drive a ZR-1 and you will understand the true meaning of Permagrin.

I think we should patent that term as a group.

FYI. when you hit 5500 RPM and the car is still pulling hard you have another 1700 RPM before you have to shift.

ZZZZZR1 · 09-19-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by weneversleep

As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car.

However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well.

My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform?

I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one.

I just like talking about the cars.

Drive a few and decide! There are quite a few ZR-1 owners in Houstin and I'm sure they wouldn't mind you driving or being a passenger.

What in particular are you looking for? Have you researched them alot and know about what you are looking for? (color? modifications? year?)

When I looked for a ZR-1 it took almost a year and I was all about color....

There is nothing like a Permagrin in 2nd and 3rd @ 7k RPM!

David

USAFPILOT · 09-19-2012

As the previous owner of a 2004 Z16...when it came time to choose one of the two Corvettes I owned at the time the ZR-1 stayed and the Z-16 was let go. I do miss it though. If you want to see a ZR-1 in person drop me a pm...I am in Spring.

ScottZ95ZR1 · 09-19-2012

I had a '95 ZR-1 and sold it 3 years ago (damnit).

A few months later a local dealer took a low mile, lightly modified '04 Z16 in on trade and let me have the car for a weekend.

It was fast but just didn't feel right. No offense intended but driving that car was almost boring to me.

I bought another C4 ZR-1. You really should drive one for yourself.

USAFPILOT · 09-19-2012

yeah the C5's are quick...but I can understand the underwhelming feeling you get behind the wheel of a stock C5 Z06 after a few months with it. What those cars really need is a Heads and Cam upgrade and a short throw shifter, plus exhaust. Once you wake them up they are a BEAST as well. Whats fun about the ZR-1 is all you really need is nothing. 3" Exhaust and Stainless Works headers sure sounds incredible though.

I am by no means putting down a C5 owner, they probably are the better performing car, but if I can gently nudge one into a ZR-1 I think that owner would be happy and surprised with just how sweet the KOTH is.

mike100 · 09-20-2012

difficult comparison since I have a C6 and it has an extra 1/2 liter and nearly 300 lbs less heft to push around.

C5Z's do sort of beg you to 'beat-me beat-me' everytime you get it it, but the ZR-1 is a little less athletic from a dead stop, but just beg to be wound up to the top of third for some reason. It has a unique power delivery- the curve is more useful up high than the LSx engines.

jcruz · 09-20-2012

I used to own a 97 C5 but I sold it after a few years. I loved the styling and performance but I just didn't enjoy the driving experience like I do with my ZR-1's. One thing that always bugged me with my C5 was the cheap feeling doors, hood, and seats. I don't miss it...in fact, I got rid of my C5 to get another ZR-1!

JThomas · 09-21-2012

The two cars are no comparison. I have owned two C5's and liked them both, a '97 automatic coupe and an '03 Z-51 equipped 6-speed coupe.

But my first Corvette was an '89 coupe so I too have a love of C4's.

I currently own a '95 ZR-1 and it is my second ZR-1 and I love it. Yes it is not as comfortable as the C5 or my current C6 Z06, but I love the history of the car and what it meant for Corvette development. It is still a joy to drive and so unique. And when people ask, "Is that a REAL
ZR-1?" I love to open the hood and watch them stare.

RyanChappel · 09-21-2012

My almost stock (Haibeck mild chip, Sumis) '91 ZR-1 is my third corvette, following a '69 427/390 and a '69 350 (highly modded)...I absolutely love the car, and as others have stated, third gear is unreal.....but the car is a lot of work to drive. Don't know if it is the concentration required or the stress of sitting on/in a stick of dynamite, but there are times I just hop in my daily driver and go, leaving the Z sitting under the cover....Although I do love to see the look on the wife's face at WOT.....!! I wanted one forever, and now I have it....about the only other car I would consider would be a low mileage fixed roof coupe..

09-19-2012	#1
weneversleep Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 8	C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 As the title says, I own a pristine 2004 C5 Z06. Red/mod red, 17K miles. My first Vette, and the car that I've always wanted. I do love the car. However, my "first love" has always been the C4. And, even though I've been looking at "regular" C4s for a while now, I have always lusted after a ZR-1, and I've been looking at them casually as well. My question is: given that I'm driving a C5 Z06, will I be disappointed with a C4 ZR-1? Obviously, I'm not looking at pure performance stats; I'm beyond that, and I'm looking for another Vette experience. However, once the newness wears off, will I be disappointed by the C4 build quality, the rattles and shakes, and everything else that was improved in the C5 platform? I'm just posting this to generate some discussion. If I really want a C4 ZR-1, I'll buy one. I just like talking about the cars.

09-19-2012	#2
cvette98pacecar Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 2,479	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 I can tell you this as I own both a C5, and two ZR-1 my C5 is a lot more comfortable to drive. I have no clue what mods you have done to your car. however, if your C5 is stock you have 405HP, the 93 to 95 ZR-1 have 405hp with the torque and power curve of a monster big block. In lay mans terms at a track you are going to get away from the Z at the gate, but once the Z starts coming there is nothing you can do to stop him from blowing bye you before the traps. Go Drive a ZR-1 and you will understand the true meaning of Permagrin. I think we should patent that term as a group. FYI. when you hit 5500 RPM and the car is still pulling hard you have another 1700 RPM before you have to shift. __________________ Robert J. DeMarco [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] [COLOR=blue]G[/COLOR][COLOR=red]rand[/COLOR] [COLOR=blue]S[/COLOR][COLOR=red]port[/COLOR] Registry Lifetime Member NCM Lifetime Member #2655 Pacecar Registry Member [COLOR=red]ZOOM Charter Member - ZR-1 Owners of Michigan[/COLOR] [COLOR=plum][I]ZR-1[/I] Registry member since 2012 [/COLOR] [COLOR=black]1990 LPE "368" Aerobody ZR-1, Last ZR-1 built by John[/COLOR] 1991 Callaway Aerobody ZR-1, DRM 500 1991 Shinoda Aerobody Spyder, 1998 Pace Car Last edited by cvette98pacecar; 09-19-2012 at 09:08 PM.

09-19-2012	#4
USAFPILOT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spring TX Posts: 1,348	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 As the previous owner of a 2004 Z16...when it came time to choose one of the two Corvettes I owned at the time the ZR-1 stayed and the Z-16 was let go. I do miss it though. If you want to see a ZR-1 in person drop me a pm...I am in Spring. __________________ 1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI.

09-19-2012	#5
ScottZ95ZR1 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Pendleton, IN Posts: 647	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 I had a '95 ZR-1 and sold it 3 years ago (damnit). A few months later a local dealer took a low mile, lightly modified '04 Z16 in on trade and let me have the car for a weekend. It was fast but just didn't feel right. No offense intended but driving that car was almost boring to me. I bought another C4 ZR-1. You really should drive one for yourself.

09-19-2012	#6
USAFPILOT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spring TX Posts: 1,348	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 yeah the C5's are quick...but I can understand the underwhelming feeling you get behind the wheel of a stock C5 Z06 after a few months with it. What those cars really need is a Heads and Cam upgrade and a short throw shifter, plus exhaust. Once you wake them up they are a BEAST as well. Whats fun about the ZR-1 is all you really need is nothing. 3" Exhaust and Stainless Works headers sure sounds incredible though. I am by no means putting down a C5 owner, they probably are the better performing car, but if I can gently nudge one into a ZR-1 I think that owner would be happy and surprised with just how sweet the KOTH is. __________________ 1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI.

09-20-2012	#7
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,802	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 difficult comparison since I have a C6 and it has an extra 1/2 liter and nearly 300 lbs less heft to push around. C5Z's do sort of beg you to 'beat-me beat-me' everytime you get it it, but the ZR-1 is a little less athletic from a dead stop, but just beg to be wound up to the top of third for some reason. It has a unique power delivery- the curve is more useful up high than the LSx engines.

09-20-2012	#8
jcruz Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 343	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 I used to own a 97 C5 but I sold it after a few years. I loved the styling and performance but I just didn't enjoy the driving experience like I do with my ZR-1's. One thing that always bugged me with my C5 was the cheap feeling doors, hood, and seats. I don't miss it...in fact, I got rid of my C5 to get another ZR-1! __________________ 1992 #043, Aqua/Gray 40k miles

09-21-2012	#9
JThomas Join Date: May 2008 Location: Okemos, MI. Posts: 1,186	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 The two cars are no comparison. I have owned two C5's and liked them both, a '97 automatic coupe and an '03 Z-51 equipped 6-speed coupe. But my first Corvette was an '89 coupe so I too have a love of C4's. I currently own a '95 ZR-1 and it is my second ZR-1 and I love it. Yes it is not as comfortable as the C5 or my current C6 Z06, but I love the history of the car and what it meant for Corvette development. It is still a joy to drive and so unique. And when people ask, "Is that a REAL ZR-1?" I love to open the hood and watch them stare. __________________ Joe Thomas Corvette Club of Michigan NCRS-Michigan Chapter Member NCM Master Ambassador NCM Lifetime Member Former NCM Board Member 1991 ZR-1 Melon Copper Metallic/Black 1992 ZR-1 Bright Red/Black (Sold) 1995 ZR-1 Bright Aqua/Gray (Sold) 2012 ZR1 Super Sonic Blue / Dark Titanium

09-21-2012	#10
RyanChappel Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Boone County, Indiana Posts: 132	Re: C5 Z06 owner thinking about a C4 ZR-1 My almost stock (Haibeck mild chip, Sumis) '91 ZR-1 is my third corvette, following a '69 427/390 and a '69 350 (highly modded)...I absolutely love the car, and as others have stated, third gear is unreal.....but the car is a lot of work to drive. Don't know if it is the concentration required or the stress of sitting on/in a stick of dynamite, but there are times I just hop in my daily driver and go, leaving the Z sitting under the cover....Although I do love to see the look on the wife's face at WOT.....!! I wanted one forever, and now I have it....about the only other car I would consider would be a low mileage fixed roof coupe..