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Originally Posted by RichieDMD
Thanks for the info! I figured that the 1990s would be the least expensive as they made more of them. Were there any issues with the 1990 cars to watch out for...that were fixed as a few years of production went by?
I know that in 1993 they increased the performance slightly...but were any actual major changes made?
Part of me wants to look for a 1990 because that was the first year...the first true American Supercar. Then again, a later one has more power (slightly) and I assume some upgrades and improvements.
My interest is a mostly original car. Color...I know I'm going to want either red or back...probably red.
Where they all 6-speeds (which is what I want) or will I have to avoid some automatics? Also, I know they didn't make convertibles but I have seen some with the Targa Top. Where they all Targa top's or were some hard tops?
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Hi Richie--
I no longer have a ZR-1 but owned two and miss them to this day. Yes they were all 6 speed manuals, the early cars with a somewhat awkward lift ring reverse lockout, the 94 and 95s with just a push detent. A few cars have been converted to automatics. All were Targa top coupes; some came with just one top and some with two, a painted one and a transparent one. My '93 ZR-1 had one top, painted. The '95 came with two tops and I never once put the second one on. While some sellers hype a two top car, I personally would not worry about one with only one top. When I ordered my new 2016 Z06 coupe I specified only one top.
You will have your own preferences, but I will relate my approach to my ZR-1 hunts. In 1993 I first decided I wanted a ZR-1 for all the same reasons you have mentioned. First I joined the ZR-1 Registry, essentially a predecessor to the ZR-1 Net Registry, to gather information. You are correct that most (about 80%) of the ZR-1s were made in 1990 and 1991 and as a result you may or may not get a better price on one than later cars. Depends on condition, mileage and other factors. You can find a fine early car and will be very happy with it. Do not worry to much about higher mileage cars; worry more about how well the car has been cared for over its lifetime. The '90s had a couple of issues that are repairable and should not be a deterrent to a purchase at the right price. Fuel injectors come to mind; also '90s did not have valve stem seals. Probably '95% of all ZR-1 issues are simply regular C 4 issues; the others relate to the engine.
While there are many great early cars out there, I personally, I decided that I wanted only a 1993 to 1995 car for a couple of reasons. First, they had a bit more horsepower (405 vs. 375) than the earlier cars but many will argue that the performance was about the same and in any case if you port the engines as many have done that difference is moot anyway. Second, I figured that the later cars, like most autos, will have had any early engineering or production issues pretty well worked out towards the end of the model run. Third, I liked the idea of the rarity. In 1993,4 and 5 only 448 were made each year, about 2% of total Corvette production for those years. That has not translated into any material price difference, maybe a few thousand dollars, but it was a factor for me. (Note that when I bought my '93 in October of 1994 I did not know that they would end in 1995, but I did when I bought my 1995 in 2012.)
I echo the sentiments of others in that you should decide on what you want in a ZR-1 then stick to that goal. It took me about 6 months to find and buy my Quasar Blue 1993, and almost a year to find the Polo Green/Beige 1995 that I purchased in 2012. I was pleased with the results of those somewhat extended searches. The 1993 was only 6 months old when I bought it, essentially just a used car, but I felt I got an appropriate deal on it. On the 1995, I arguably paid a bit too much for the car but it was exactly what I wanted. It will be your call on that.
While you are looking for a stock car, don't be put off by some modifications if they have been done by known and competent people. I fairly quickly modified both the '93 and the '95 for a few things that wanted and what you will find are fairly common modifications on many cars. They included a Corsa exhaust, a (Hurst) short shifter, a 4.10:1 rear gear set (stock is 3.45), and a few others. I eventually added headers to the '93 and only on the '95 did I have serious engine work done to bring the car up to about 510 HP. This is actually a disease, and it is quite contagious, so watch out. All of my work was done by Marc Haibeck, who you will come to know as one of the true experts on ZR-1s in the world today.
When I first decided I wanted a ZR-1 in 1993, one of the first things I did was travel to the Bloomington Gold get together to meet with ZR-1 owners and to see the cars. Similarly, others have suggested to you attend the annual Gathering in Bowling Green KY. I heartily second that suggestion if you can swing it. May 13-16. Fly in, rent a car and join the fun. You will find this group to be very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful to someone like you seeking to join the madness. You will learn more about ZR-1s in those three or four days than you would otherwise in a couple of years on your own. If you can't make it this year, plan on being there next year for sure.
Good luck with your search-- I hope you come up with a ZR-1 that fits your needs soon.--Bob