[RichieDMD]

Originally Posted by WARP TEN

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

Bob,


Thanks for the great post with great info. I really appreciate it.


I really am trying to learn as much as I can about these cars and figure out exactly what I want. I do think I want a car that is either 1990 or 1993. I don't want a newer one than that. As odd as it sounds, the reason for this is I don't want a passenger air bag. My wife has been a little against this idea of selling the Camaro and buying one of these in part because our young kids (3 and 5) won't be able to enjoy it with me as much. I can put car seats in the back of the Camaro...that's not an option in the ZR-1 and the kids love the cars. Just this morning, I found this...and I think right now both are in the garage doing the same thing:




Oregon law allows a car seat in the front as long as there is no issue with air bags. A 1993 or older car would make this more doable and let the kids (one at a time) still ride in the car every once in a while.


I really like 1990 as it was the first release...the first true American Super Car. However, 1993 has the advantage of a few years of experience for GM to get the car ironed out and, they built less (so they are rarer), and they have the upgraded multi-port injection with more power. So, both have benefits.



I really think Red is what I want...so in 1990 that is Bright Red and 1993 its Torch Red. Is there much difference in the colors? I know in 1990 1565 were made in Red and in 1993 only 59 were. So, the 1990 will be a lot easier to find. I wonder what the cost difference between an otherwise similar red 1990 and 1993 would be.


As far as originality...I'm OK with some mods. Just nothing crazy. Little improvements and upgrades are great. I don't want anything that has been heavily altered or hot rodded. I also have to worry about Oregon emissions standards so there's that too.