I presently own a 1988 Z-51, 4+3 car that is in really good shape. I have modded the exhaust, polished the rims and installed a high performance clutch, and have taken no shortcuts along the way. It was my intention to do a head/cam/intake swap with the car and make around 360rwhp with a good tune. And might I add, I have bought all of those parts.
But it is Winter time, and my brain is going into ZR-1 mode like it did last winter, but it is more intense this winter. I feel the itch, and I dont know if i can truly turn back now. I am presently 30 years of age, and back when I was a teenager, the big car that was making all the noise in the automobile industry was the "ZR-1". I remember that car very well. I remember going to car shows, and seeing the car, and thinking I will own one of this 175 MPH vehicles. Back when i was a teenager, It was all about topspeed. I remember I used to say to guys with 5.0 Mustangs that they were junk, "What do u mean its fast, It only does like 140 MPH, what do u expect with that bus looking windshield". I have since learned more about cars, and its not about topspeed anymore, there is more to life then that, but you when you are younger, **** happens.
So this brings me to this morning. I haven't been able to sleep much of late. My solid 8 hour sleeps have turned into 4-5 hour sleeps. Reason being, I am freakishly thinking about seriously considering buying a ZR-1 come spring. I cant right now due to the weather, and due too i will need to sell my Z-51 coupe.
I have been talking to Dwight as of late. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to these cars. I know he wont lay me a stray when getting serious about purchasing one on this diamonds in the rough. After our phone conversations, I am thinking more, and more about owning a piece of automobile history. It is even hard for me to grasp, a small block V-8 off the showroom floor running right to the 7000 rpm mark. I would have a smile from ear to ear, I can tell that. My 88 right now makes peak power at 4500 rpm, So you see what i am getting at.
Well I hope this wasnt too boring off a read. I hope to become a part of the ZR-1 family sooner then later. We will see how it goes.
For the proud owners of ZR-1, What does it mean to own one of these cars? Is it truly a family of loyal owners like I hear it is? I will be looking for a 90-91 with around 25000-50000 miles in the $18000-$21000 dollar mark. I think this is a great time to buy one of these cars, I dont see the valve dropping much more for one that is kept in good shape, and has reasonable miles. I will be looking for one in the Northern to Central States most likely, so if you are thinking of selling yours come 2006, and it fits my budget, maybe we will talk then.
My goals "if" I bought one would be to trap 116-118 MPH. I think I would be happy with that.
Take care guys, and thanks.
Rick.
Believe it or not, I beat every C6 at Wasaga Beach at this Slalom.
After a coat a NXT polish...I try to keep her looking clean. My baby that I may have to sell, but if the replacement is a ZR-1, that's ok in my books.
Last edited by 88BlackZ-51; 12-19-2005 at 06:50 AM.
Rick-You got the fever bad, your'e screwed. You wont be happy til you have one. Grab one, do a full top end port, some 4.11's and get a permagrin like a mofo! Too bad you have to sell that Z51 to get one, its pretty clean.
You'll find all the know-how you need in this section, these guys are extremely knowledgeable. And yeah, there is a lot of ball busting going on here.
I still think about a way to get boatman's z.
Rick-You got the fever bad, your'e screwed. You wont be happy til you have one. Grab one, do a full top end port, some 4.11's and get a permagrin like a mofo! Too bad you have to sell that Z51 to get one, its pretty clean.
You'll find all the know-how you need in this section, these guys are extremely knowledgeable. And yeah, there is a lot of ball busting going on here.
I still think about a way to get boatman's z.
yeah, my Z is clean. i truly dont want to let it go. we are somewhat attached.
Rick,
seems right to welcome you to the ZR-1 owners club...
it's simply a question of when, not if.
you have a superb car, based on it's apparent condition.
unfortunately, when you try to sell, 95% of the people buying are going to want to pay you what a poor condition one is worth, and they will spend hours telling you of all of the cheaper ones for sale, and you should in their opinion, reduce your price.
despair not!, for one day along will come a buyer with the money, who has looked at all of the "bargains",who falls in love with your car at a fair price, and the next thing you know there will be an empty spot in your heart and garage.
As to the ZR-1......
if in 1980 you could buy a 66-67 big block car for one-third of what it sold for in it's new condition, which back then new was around $5,000.00. what would you think of a deal like that today?
Big block cars of that era were more abundant in production numbers than the ZR-1, yet look at their desireability and price today.....
When will it happen for the ZR-1....Who really knows when.....
But I will bet there are about 5-10,000 current or former owners who would agree it WILL happen, just don't know when.
You, sir, represent that hope. As someone in another thread correctly said, that once the kids of the late eighties, who were around when the ZR-1 was introduced, reach a point in their lives, that they can and will spring for the "one they always wanted", stand back and watch out..
So while i do not view my car as an investment, but rather as the most fun car I have ever owned, I have no doubts, that when it passes on to my son, it will indeed be treated with the same almost reverence that today belongs to say a 67 tri-power car.
So start looking, and keep dreaming, and soon that dream will come true for you.
Good Luck!; and remember, the search is almost as much fun as the buy!
See you at an owners gathering in the near future!!
Rick,
seems right to welcome you to the ZR-1 owners club...
it's simply a question of when, not if.
you have a superb car, based on it's apparent condition.
unfortunately, when you try to sell, 95% of the people buying are going to want to pay you what a poor condition one is worth, and they will spend hours telling you of all of the cheaper ones for sale, and you should in their opinion, reduce your price.
despair not!, for one day along will come a buyer with the money, who has looked at all of the "bargains",who falls in love with your car at a fair price, and the next thing you know there will be an empty spot in your heart and garage.
As to the ZR-1......
if in 1980 you could buy a 66-67 big block car for one-third of what it sold for in it's new condition, which back then new was around $5,000.00. what would you think of a deal like that today?
Big block cars of that era were more abundant in production numbers than the ZR-1, yet look at their desireability and price today.....
When will it happen for the ZR-1....Who really knows when.....
But I will bet there are about 5-10,000 current or former owners who would agree it WILL happen, just don't know when.
You, sir, represent that hope. As someone in another thread correctly said, that once the kids of the late eighties, who were around when the ZR-1 was introduced, reach a point in their lives, that they can and will spring for the "one they always wanted", stand back and watch out..
So while i do not view my car as an investment, but rather as the most fun car I have ever owned, I have no doubts, that when it passes on to my son, it will indeed be treated with the same almost reverence that today belongs to say a 67 tri-power car.
So start looking, and keep dreaming, and soon that dream will come true for you.
Good Luck!; and remember, the search is almost as much fun as the buy!
See you at an owners gathering in the near future!!
i may be at bowling green in may. i think i might be riding down in DDSLT5 415 ZR-1. so i might met u then.
Last edited by 88BlackZ-51; 12-19-2005 at 12:43 PM.
As you read my comments below, consider that I too am looking for a ZR-1 but also happen to have a 67 435HP coupe.
>>>>if in 1980 you could buy a 66-67 big block car for one-third of what it sold for in it's new condition, which back then new was around $5,000.00. what would you think of a deal like that today?
The going price for a 67 big block in 1980 was more like $15,000. In 1981 when I bought my first Corvette (a 64 365HP Convertible), 67 435s were going for about $18,000 which is to say that they went for a price just a little above that of a new Corvette. The only time a 435HP car "might" have been worth about "1/3" of what it sold for new was in 70-71, and even then only if severely beaten up.
>>>>Big block cars of that era were more abundant in production numbers than the ZR-1, yet look at their desireability and price today.....
This is true, but big blocks are likely to be more rare than ZR-1s because so many people are storing ZR-1s without driving them. Nobody ever considered such a path in the 60s and early 70s. It wasn't until the early 70s that people started to consider that performance cars may be phased out (for regulatory and other reasons). That is what kick started the value of muscle cars and especially big blocks.
>>>>When will it happen for the ZR-1....Who really knows when.....
But I will bet there are about 5-10,000 current or former owners who would agree it WILL happen, just don't know when.
The ZR-1 will appreciate over time, but unlike the big-blocks which were followed by lack-luster cars, the ZR-1s are being followed by Z06s from both the C5 and C6 generations.
>>>>So while i do not view my car as an investment, but rather as the most fun car I have ever owned, I have no doubts, that when it passes on to my son, it will indeed be treated with the same almost reverence that today belongs to say a 67 tri-power car.
I'm not sure about the "reverence" thing (though I love looking at my 67), I agree with your attitude about viewing the car as a "fun" car rather than an investment. It's why I want a ZR-1 as well. It's got one of the best engines ever produced and if you love engines as I do, a ZR-1 will do quite nicely.
Rick, I started out looking for a new c6 cp 0r a c5 vert in the summer. I never thought of a c4 let alone a ZR1. That all changed the day I came accross a Z on the internet. After researching the KING a little further I had to have one. You will not find a better car for the $. trust me I looked. You will own a legend that you can drive and drive hard. There are some great deals out there on some sweet Z's. most guy really have taken care of their babies. The guys at this forum and others are really great and helpful. I get a rush everytime I go into my garage and see it sitting there. I'm 41 and this is my first vette so I waited a long time but it was worth it. I can go on forever but I think you already understand where I'm coming from. Good Luck and welcome. Rick (also)
+
The ZR-1 will appreciate over time, but unlike the big-blocks which were followed by lack-luster cars, the ZR-1s are being followed by Z06s from both the C5 and C6 generations.
I wonder how this will affect values of performance cars from the '80s and '90s as well. But I suspect value will be driven by people who remember these cars from a certain timeframe of life that was important to them. I think that's more what drives the value of 60's muscle than the fact that they perform better than modern cars (since they don't). Who knows, though.
The ZR1's and B2K's seem like the most collectible versions of the C4, though, given that they were the most powerful and best performing, while also being the least common.
I had a 1987 4+3 Z51 also, though I sold it a few years before my ZR-1. They are different cars in a lot of ways, but they aren't so different in others. Both are C4's so a lot of the basics are the same. The motor is a real gem in the ZR-1, though. Smooth and it just keeps on pulling.
thank you ever-so much for proofing my hastily typed email.
your discerning eye, and thoughtful commentary are always welcome.
yes 1970 would be appropriate, and perhaps if you re-read the sentence, you will see the 5,000.00 number referred to was the "when new price"
I find your supposition about increasing prices intersting, but subscribe more to the theory that as kids reach their earnings potential in life, they tend to pay premium prices for toys of their youth; supported by the waxing and waneing of all collector cars of the 20's through today, as each age group reached it's pinnacle, the prices climb to their highest level, and then begin their fall.
Muscle cars of the 60's and 70's and their less competent offspring had little to do with prices for Buick Roadmasters of the 50's, 32 duece coupes, or Dusenburg's etc.
As far as your questioning the "reverence" bestowed on big blocks..
let's see as a longtime NCRS member, and owner of top-flighted cars,
yes, i'll stick with the word reverence, have you never witnessed judges
putting cloth's on door handles in order to open them...
i never did that to any car i owned, even Blue ribbon car's.
i also see lot's of do not touch signs at every show i go to, by the driving my ZR-1 not trailoring it.... so yes i elect to use the word reverence.
lastly, best of luck in your search for your ZR-1!, while your current ownership of a tri power coupe is, i am sure quite enjoyable, you have a whole new world of pleasure awaiting you, the first and every time you go to 7200 rpm in any gear in a ZR-1.
None of my Big Blocks EVER broke loose again at 5500-6000 , as my current ZR-1 does routinely... and the sound.... pure music! They are simply FUN!
So,enjoy them all, and i look forward to meeting you as well at a future gathering
I wonder how this will affect values of performance cars from the '80s and '90s as well. But I suspect value will be driven by people who remember these cars from a certain timeframe of life that was important to them. I think that's more what drives the value of 60's muscle than the fact that they perform better than modern cars (since they don't). Who knows, though.
The ZR1's and B2K's seem like the most collectible versions of the C4, though, given that they were the most powerful and best performing, while also being the least common.
I had a 1987 4+3 Z51 also, though I sold it a few years before my ZR-1. They are different cars in a lot of ways, but they aren't so different in others. Both are C4's so a lot of the basics are the same. The motor is a real gem in the ZR-1, though. Smooth and it just keeps on pulling.
smooth, and keeps on pulling is something i hear time, and time again by ZR-1 owners. can't wait if things go to plan......
Your story sounds very familiar to me. I am a little bit older(35) and I also remember when the ZR1 came out and put the automotive world on end. I decided then that one day I would own one. In high school('84-88) the Mustang 5.0 was the hot car to have since we were in Dearborn and nobody could afford a Corvette anyway. My first vette was an '87 coupe but my ZR1 dream came true in late '98 when my cousin was about to trade in his '90 quasar blue ZR1. I was able to buy it directly from him even though I had just gotten married and bought a house that year.
It took me a long time to get used to the ZR1's powerband after having owned a L98 for so long. It was hard to rev it past 4500 rpm, I kept thinking I was going to throw a rod or something. I have no problem winding it to 7000 now that I know better.
Don't know what part of Ontario you're in, but if you are ever in the Detroit area(and the weather is nicer than it is now) drop me an email and we'll go for a ride. You probably won't be too impressed by my car if you've been in Dwight's 415, though. My car is stock, albeit with 4.10 gears.
Location: This city NEVER sleeps! Frank's back yard!
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZR1 Jim
Don't know what part of Ontario you're in, but if you are ever in the Detroit area(and the weather is nicer than it is now) drop me an email and we'll go for a ride. You probably won't be too impressed by my car if you've been in Dwight's 415, though. My car is stock, albeit with 4.10 gears.
Any ride in a Z is impressive - no doubt about it! I'll have to make a trip down to visit you sometime too Jim - where in Michigan are you?
Or the first time you hit the rev limiter because it just kept pulling so hard and smooth, you didn't realize the RPM's were that high! My first time was at an autoX one week and 500 miles after I bought it...scared the hell out of me because I thought I had blown the engine. I could feel my old '71 'Vette begin to taper off on the HP curve so I knew when to shift, that technique definitely does not work with the LT5. You will enjoy this car very much, it is intoxicating and addictive, but in a good way.
Or the first time you hit the rev limiter because it just kept pulling so hard and smooth, you didn't realize the RPM's were that high! My first time was at an autoX one week and 500 miles after I bought it...scared the hell out of me because I thought I had blown the engine. I could feel my old '71 'Vette begin to taper off on the HP curve so I knew when to shift, that technique definitely does not work with the LT5. You will enjoy this car very much, it is intoxicating and addictive, but in a good way.
They rev quicker than you think. On this run the guys car was so loud I couldnt hear my own car. Looked down at the tach in second gear and saw 7400 and climbing fast No harm done, runs like a champ. Try doing that with any other smallblock and see what happens. So much for shifting by ear....
Any ride in a Z is impressive - no doubt about it! I'll have to make a trip down to visit you sometime too Jim - where in Michigan are you?
I'm in Dearborn, about 2 miles away from Les Stanford aka C6 heaven. I'd love to meet up with you anytime. There will be a lot going on here next summer, do you ever make it to the Woodward Cruise? We also had our first ever Telegraph cruise last summer which was excellent. Plenty of cool cars, but I never saw another ZR1 at either cruise.
Send me an email or IM if you're ever going to be down this way!
Or the first time you hit the rev limiter because it just kept pulling so hard and smooth, you didn't realize the RPM's were that high! My first time was at an autoX one week and 500 miles after I bought it...scared the hell out of me because I thought I had blown the engine. I could feel my old '71 'Vette begin to taper off on the HP curve so I knew when to shift, that technique definitely does not work with the LT5. You will enjoy this car very much, it is intoxicating and addictive, but in a good way.
It's strange doing an autocross using only 1st gear but sometimes I get my best times that way.
Corvette Store
My thoughts on buying a ZR-1....
They rev quicker than you think. On this run the guys car was so loud I couldnt hear my own car. Looked down at the tach in second gear and saw 7400 and climbing fast 
No harm done, runs like a champ. Try doing that with any other smallblock and see what happens. So much for shifting by ear....
