Looking to get into my 1st ZR1

[Growler]

Originally Posted by EvanZR1

I think pretty much everything has been covered. My biggest piece of advice, if you're looking to mod one, see if you can find one that's already done. Will be way cheaper than doing it all fresh (speaking from experience).

I'll echo the sentiment that there's nothing else like a C4 ZR-1, it's American muscle combined with European exoticness. The LT5 at 7000+ rpm is a joy (especially a modded/built one). It may not sound like much, but the extra revs over the 6500 of an LS1/2/3/6 make a big difference (especially in my case with a 7400rpm limit). I've had C5s (including Z06), C6s (GS & ZR1) and C7, and my modded C4 ZR-1 is the most raw, driver focused driving experience of any of them. The only one that compares for fun/uniqueness is my C6 ZR1, but that car has over 200HP more, an incredible sound (between the exhaust & blower whine) and is an even rarer color.

And that's EXACTLY why I'm in love with these cars.. The other Z06's and ZR1's are impressive no doubt, but not terribly unique or different compared to the other models.. The C4 ZR1 is just different.. Different then, and different now.. It's the unicorn of the corvette family.. Plus Mercury Racing has always pumped out the baddest motors in offshore racing. Be cool to have some custom cam covers made up that have Merc Racing on them instead of Corvette

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Growler

And that's EXACTLY why I'm in love with these cars.. The other Z06's and ZR1's are impressive no doubt, but not terribly unique or different compared to the other models.. The C4 ZR1 is just different.. Different then, and different now.. It's the unicorn of the corvette family.. Plus Mercury Racing has always pumped out the baddest motors in offshore racing. Be cool to have some custom cam covers made up that have Merc Racing on them instead of Corvette

Um, yeah... As you get into these cars, as someone said: these are a "hands-on" car - a lot to learn - these ain't your basic pushrod mills! (For example: The cam covers make up the retaier caps for the cams - are in integral part of that particular engine and ARE NOT interchangeable. Or, porting the heads requires an engine pull as cam timing is easier with the engine out - including the work to remove/reinstall it - than attempting to do it while in the car...stuff like that!)

For the mechanically inclined, they (DOHC motors) aren't at all that difficult, but each has their quirks - dos and don'ts - that pretty much eliminates most of the dealer mechanics from consideration (many dealer mechanics have never even seen an LT5 before). However, There are some specialists around the country, e.g., Marc Haibeck (ZR1 Specialist), Pete Palatsidis in the Chicago area and Steve (Cross Flags Performance) in the Tx area (and there are others too).

Anyway... NO WORRIES on that 57k mileage...she's still just a baby!!! Or paraphrasing Dorthy - speaking of the LT5: "We aren't in pushrod land any more, ToTo!!"

[Growler]

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Um, yeah... As you get into these cars, as someone said: these are a "hands-on" car - a lot to learn - these ain't your basic pushrod mills! (For example: The cam covers make up the retaier caps for the cams - are in integral part of that particular engine and ARE NOT interchangeable. Or, porting the heads requires an engine pull as cam timing is easier with the engine out - including the work to remove/reinstall it - than attempting to do it while in the car...stuff like that!)

For the mechanically inclined, they (DOHC motors) aren't at all that difficult, but each has their quirks - dos and don'ts - that pretty much eliminates most of the dealer mechanics from consideration (many dealer mechanics have never even seen an LT5 before). However, There are some specialists around the country, e.g., Marc Haibeck (ZR1 Specialist), Pete Palatsidis in the Chicago area and Steve (Cross Flags Performance) in the Tx area (and there are others too).

Anyway... NO WORRIES on that 57k mileage...she's still just a baby!!! Or paraphrasing Dorthy - speaking of the LT5: "We aren't in pushrod land any more, ToTo!!"

Looks like the LPE car might be gone and going over seas. I've been in touch with him and told him I want the car, but it's a waiting game now and hopefully the exporting is going to be a problem with todays environment and I can get the car.. Honestly, I've never been this excited to get a car..

IF I'm lucky enough to get it, I would go ahead and update the exhaust with SW long tubes, an SLP Claw, new tune, and possibly swap out the BB cat back with a corsa system.. A short throw would definitely be the first thing, but from what Ive been gathering, it's not easy to swap out the shifter for a short throw.. But first thing first, we gotta get the car or one just like it.. Fingers crossed!!!