New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Chris 90Z · 10-11-2018

Hello all! Last month I picked up a red/red 1990 ZR-1 # 1932. I have been enjoying putting some miles on the car before the bad weather hits the Midwest and I have to put the Z to sleep for the winter. I have already taken a 600 mile round trip with the car, and she performed flawlessly! Here are a couple of pictures taken by the previous owner:

37132409105_cf12d586ec_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr

37132405155_7880deebfa_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr

26268066203_6c3d7e0156_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr

I've been enjoying getting to know the car and trying to shake down any issues that might need attention over the winter. So far I have only identified three issues with the car:

1. The stick shift moves upward under hard acceleration. Based on my research, this is likely caused by loose C-beam bolts. I'm planning on getting under the car and re-tightening them. I am also considering buying the C-beam plates to help solve the problem
2. The passenger side headlight sometimes gets stuck half way up. This sounds like a bushing issue. I am planning on replacing the bushings on both headlights over the winter, which will hopefully solve this problem.
3. The stereo only works intermittently. This sounds like a common problem with the C4s in general. I have not completely decided if I am going to send the stock head unit out for repair or simply upgrade the entire stereo system. I do like the look of the stock head unit, and am not in love with the look of an aftermarket head unit. Because of this, I am leaning towards pulling the head unit over the winter and sending it out for repair.

All and all, I am really pleased with the car so far. It is stock with the exception of a Corsa exhaust, which sounds great, and being lowered 1'' front and back. I don't really have any solid plans to modify the car at this point, but I have to admit that many of the write-ups I see on this forum might sway me into making some changes as time goes on.

In the meantime I am looking forward to enjoying the car as she sits. I'm not always the biggest poster on forums, but I wanted to thank those of you that contribute to this site. I do most of my own work on my cars, and I have learned over the years that the most valuable resource for me is an active and helpful online forum. Without this site I do not think I would have taken the plunge on a ZR-1 given the exotic nature of the LT5. So, thank you all for taking the time to share information. I hope to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to the forum as time goes on. I'm also hoping to get a chance to meet some of you at events in the future. It sounds like there is a fairly active group in the greater Chicago area!

Chris

Vettemann98 · 10-11-2018

Congrats! Nice ZR-1. Welcome to the ZR-1 world. Scott

Sent from my iPad using ZR-1 Net Registry

efnfast · 10-12-2018

Congrats. Welcome to the forum. Steve

Paul Workman · 10-12-2018

Welcome to the madness! (And, obviously you know the RED ones are the fastest!!

)

JThomas · 10-12-2018

Nice car, and welcome to the insanity that is ZR-1! We understand your passion.

We Gone · 10-12-2018

Welcome

TX '90 ZR1 · 10-12-2018

Congratulations.
As Paul says, the RED ones are the FASTEST!!. If they are RED on the inside also, they are DOUBLE Fast!!!
I recall someone telling me a long time ago that ALL Corvettes are RED,some just got painted a different color.
Welcome.

Ccmano · 10-12-2018

Welcome and congrats on the purchase of what appears to be a very nice 90’. You are correct on the shifter issue. By all means get the C-Beam plates. They really help in firming up the feel of the car.

You live in the land of the “FBI”. Fast Boyz from Illinois. A great bunch of Z owners! Get to know them, Mark Haibeck and Pete “the Greek” and you should never have a worry while having a great time with the car.
Enjoy...
H

tgonyaw · 10-12-2018

Welcome to the forum and the driving experience.
I have put about 800 shakedown miles on 91#1838 the last 2 weeks. Still kind of neat how it’s sorta normal till you choose it not to be

.

WARP TEN · 10-12-2018

Hi Chris--Welcome to the FBI group and let me say you will really enjoy this car. It's a beauty. Let me also suggest another thing: Even if you like to work on your own cars, get the car an appointment with Marc Haibeck in Addison (http://www.zr1specialist.com or 630-458-8427) and have him go through the car and make recommendations on what needs to be done to it. That is what I did when I bought both my '93 and '95. He found and corrected things that I never would have even thought of. Also changed all the fluids, serp belt, etc. These later cars didn't need any injector work but it is possible that yours might. Just a thought. In any event you should certainly get over a meet him; he's a real good guy and one of the most knowledgeable people on ZR-1s, as it is all he does. Best of luck with your new ZR-1. --Bob

10-11-2018	#2
Vettemann98 Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Fort Wayne IN Posts: 44	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Congrats! Nice ZR-1. Welcome to the ZR-1 world. Scott Sent from my iPad using ZR-1 Net Registry __________________

10-12-2018	#3
efnfast Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Dunbarton NH Posts: 7,257	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Congrats. Welcome to the forum. Steve

10-12-2018	#4
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Welcome to the madness! (*And, obviously you know the RED ones are the fastest!!) __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez!* 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry

10-12-2018	#5
JThomas Join Date: May 2008 Location: Okemos, MI. Posts: 1,186	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Nice car, and welcome to the insanity that is ZR-1! We understand your passion. __________________ 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

10-12-2018	#6
We Gone Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: ATL. GA. Posts: 2,162	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Welcome __________________ Steve 1990 Steel Blue/Black #2355 1990 Red/Red #1473 1991 Quasar /Black #118 Sold 1991 Turquoise/Black #766 Parted Out 1993 Yellow/White #179 Sold 1990 Black/Gray #1361 Headers/4:10s Sold

10-11-2018	#1
Chris 90Z Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 8	New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Hello all! Last month I picked up a red/red 1990 ZR-1 # 1932. I have been enjoying putting some miles on the car before the bad weather hits the Midwest and I have to put the Z to sleep for the winter. I have already taken a 600 mile round trip with the car, and she performed flawlessly! Here are a couple of pictures taken by the previous owner: 37132409105_cf12d586ec_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr 37132405155_7880deebfa_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr 26268066203_6c3d7e0156_o by el_jefe125, on Flickr I've been enjoying getting to know the car and trying to shake down any issues that might need attention over the winter. So far I have only identified three issues with the car: 1. The stick shift moves upward under hard acceleration. Based on my research, this is likely caused by loose C-beam bolts. I'm planning on getting under the car and re-tightening them. I am also considering buying the C-beam plates to help solve the problem 2. The passenger side headlight sometimes gets stuck half way up. This sounds like a bushing issue. I am planning on replacing the bushings on both headlights over the winter, which will hopefully solve this problem. 3. The stereo only works intermittently. This sounds like a common problem with the C4s in general. I have not completely decided if I am going to send the stock head unit out for repair or simply upgrade the entire stereo system. I do like the look of the stock head unit, and am not in love with the look of an aftermarket head unit. Because of this, I am leaning towards pulling the head unit over the winter and sending it out for repair. All and all, I am really pleased with the car so far. It is stock with the exception of a Corsa exhaust, which sounds great, and being lowered 1'' front and back. I don't really have any solid plans to modify the car at this point, but I have to admit that many of the write-ups I see on this forum might sway me into making some changes as time goes on. In the meantime I am looking forward to enjoying the car as she sits. I'm not always the biggest poster on forums, but I wanted to thank those of you that contribute to this site. I do most of my own work on my cars, and I have learned over the years that the most valuable resource for me is an active and helpful online forum. Without this site I do not think I would have taken the plunge on a ZR-1 given the exotic nature of the LT5. So, thank you all for taking the time to share information. I hope to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to the forum as time goes on. I'm also hoping to get a chance to meet some of you at events in the future. It sounds like there is a fairly active group in the greater Chicago area! Chris

10-12-2018	#7
TX '90 ZR1 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: TX Posts: 1,956	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Congratulations. As Paul says, the RED ones are the FASTEST!!. If they are RED on the inside also, they are DOUBLE Fast!!! I recall someone telling me a long time ago that ALL Corvettes are RED,some just got painted a different color. Welcome. __________________ Kenny 1990 #442

10-12-2018	#8
Ccmano Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 2,852	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Welcome and congrats on the purchase of what appears to be a very nice 90’. You are correct on the shifter issue. By all means get the C-Beam plates. They really help in firming up the feel of the car. You live in the land of the “FBI”. Fast Boyz from Illinois. A great bunch of Z owners! Get to know them, Mark Haibeck and Pete “the Greek” and you should never have a worry while having a great time with the car. Enjoy... H __________________ 90'ZR-1 #1461 Red/Black Ported Intake, Degreed Cams, OBX Headers & Exhaust, Fidanza FW, Secondary Delete, Custom tune, C6 GS Wheels. Sold 08 C6 Z51 Crystal Red Metallic Sold Vararam Intake, Tune, Sold 05 C6 Z51 Red/Black Sold 90'ZR-1 #1723 Black/Gray Sold but not forgotten 91' Z51 L98 White Vert. My First, you always remember your first. Sold.

10-12-2018	#9
tgonyaw Join Date: May 2018 Location: VA Posts: 191	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Welcome to the forum and the driving experience. I have put about 800 shakedown miles on 91#1838 the last 2 weeks. Still kind of neat how it’s sorta normal till you choose it not to be.

10-12-2018	#10
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,036	Re: New owner of 1990 ZR-1 #1932 Hi Chris--Welcome to the FBI group and let me say you will really enjoy this car. It's a beauty. Let me also suggest another thing: Even if you like to work on your own cars, get the car an appointment with Marc Haibeck in Addison (http://www.zr1specialist.com or 630-458-8427) and have him go through the car and make recommendations on what needs to be done to it. That is what I did when I bought both my '93 and '95. He found and corrected things that I never would have even thought of. Also changed all the fluids, serp belt, etc. These later cars didn't need any injector work but it is possible that yours might. Just a thought. In any event you should certainly get over a meet him; he's a real good guy and one of the most knowledgeable people on ZR-1s, as it is all he does. Best of luck with your new ZR-1. --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough" Last edited by WARP TEN; 10-12-2018 at 10:58 AM.