Guys, I am looking at a 92 ZR-1, one of the ones from ZR-1 Net. I am wondering what you guys would think about this car? The car had the original engine trashed at 4000 miles in 94. Basically it sat unused until last year when Bill Boudreau received it and counseled against trying to repair the original engine. So an engine from a totaled 91 (70k) was acquired and installed. Bill also did his magic on the transmission. Bill has assured me that the car is in tip top shape. Videos and pictures have been sent to me and it sure as heck shows that the body is a low miler (shows 22K on the clock now).
What I am would like is your input. I have negotiated a price (which I am holding in reserve), but no deal is set in stone at this point. I am looking at this to be a "driver", not interested in a garage queen.
Since you plan on keeping it as a driver and it will likely never be restored by you to a collector level condition, then only a slight downgrade in price for the 91 motor as compared to its original motor. Since 91 and 92 motors are virtually the same I don't see a good reason to drop the cars value, especially since the rest of the car is in good shape with 22K on it. My only reservation was how the 92 motor became unrepairble and how that would affect the rest of the car. Since the trans is in tip top condition ( I also have a ZF Doc built trans ) the only consideration would be the rear end which is the least costly component to rebuild. Given the market today I would say it is a great deal at $19K and still a good buy up to $23K... above that it would require upgrades to increase the value. I paid $25K for my 91 over 5 years ago and got lots of extra parts plus some good bolt ons and a gel coated motor already in place. Since you are a "driver", the bang for buck by the mile factor still ranks high as compared to other Corvettes. So, I say buy it! Bill knows C4s and is a definate plus for you on this one given the history of the car. If you budget some money to do a few upgrades like headers, plenum porting, and gears the fun factor will increase substancially!
Just my blue collar opinion... other may disagree with my price range.
Since you plan on keeping it as a driver and it will likely never be restored by you to a collector level condition, then only a slight downgrade in price for the 91 motor as compared to its original motor. Since 91 and 92 motors are virtually the same I don't see a good reason to drop the cars value, especially since the rest of the car is in good shape with 22K on it. My only reservation was how the 92 motor became unrepairble and how that would affect the rest of the car. Since the trans is in tip top condition ( I also have a ZF Doc built trans ) the only consideration would be the rear end which is the least costly component to rebuild. Given the market today I would say it is a great deal at $19K and still a good buy up to $23K... above that it would require upgrades to increase the value. I paid $25K for my 91 over 5 years ago and got lots of extra parts plus some good bolt ons and a gel coated motor already in place. Since you are a "driver", the bang for buck by the mile factor still ranks high as compared to other Corvettes. So, I say buy it! Bill knows C4s and is a definate plus for you on this one given the history of the car. If you budget some money to do a few upgrades like headers, plenum porting, and gears the fun factor will increase substancially!
Just my blue collar opinion... other may disagree with my price range.
This was a question of mine as well. Apparently the timing chain broke causing lots of damage to the block and breaking some other parts.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Current owner
The engine was over rev'd and the timing chain broke. It did internal damage to the engine and in 1994, people were not familiar with the engine and how to repair it.(You had to be deemed a certified ZR1 mechanic and go through training.) The cam pulley which mounted on the front of the block was oval'd out. Thought to be not repairable.
Here are a couple of portions of the email I received from Bill:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Boudreau
When the car first arrived it was a basket case engine wise. The motor was mostly taken apart due to a left bank cam-chain failure. After exploring through the motor we determined that the labor and parts required to put it back together were way more than what it costs to get a fully operational (known good) ready to install replacement used LT5. If you open the hood, you wouldn't be able to tell that another engine was put in it just by looking.
We balance and blueprinted the transmission. The dual-mass flywheel and clutch are like new. The driveline is very smooth operating. The engine was replaced with an LT5 from a 1991 ZR-1 (~70K miles) which is essentially the same engine as '92 LT5. We used the original ECM and wire harness. The transplant went flawlessly. All of the vacuum lines and secondary intake actuation system are in excellent condition.
In another email the current owner said that Bill went through and checked everything out including the rear end. With all that I am waiting to hear what you guys think. Thanks Bigvmaxx for your comments.
Beings I am buying this from a different state, I have to have an inspection and VIN check done once i get it here. What kind of documentation will I need in order to prove that the engine is not out of some stolen vehicle? This has me a little concerned. Anyone know anything about this dilemma?
Beings I am buying this from a different state, I have to have an inspection and VIN check done once i get it here. What kind of documentation will I need in order to prove that the engine is not out of some stolen vehicle? This has me a little concerned. Anyone know anything about this dilemma?
I never had the state inspection check the engine serial Number, and im sure if bill worked on it there will be no evidence of a engine swap.
Is there anyone in the area that can, or would be willing to, go take a look at this car for me? And give me an honest evaluation. It is in the Phoenix area.
Is there anyone in the area that can, or would be willing to, go take a look at this car for me? And give me an honest evaluation. It is in the Phoenix area.
Goldcylon or Fred ZR-1 may know or have seen the car already
He's baaack! Sorry I missed you Mike, I was really hoping to meet you and see your car (I had bid against you on it). As far as the 92, he has it down to $15k or best offer now, he was trying for $18k+. I personally don't know the car, but I would be willing to look at it for you. However if Bill knows the car, there is little I could add but present condition. I would say (without actually seeing the car), it is a very good deal if it's as stated. I believe it's a salvage HISTORY, not a salvage title which is important. Present condition would be the over riding concern at this point. I don't see any big jump in prices soon, but when they do, I'd assume the car would keep up with the others (assuming good condition) though at it's present discount. If I can help, please PM me. Fred.
There is another ZR-1 here in Arizona for sale (not mine). A slightly modded black 94 in Tucson on Craigs list for very low 20's with 90k on the clock.
When everything checks out and you have considered the rest of the ZR-1s out there, go drive it yourself. $15K plus or minus is a great price. With only 22K on the rest of the car you should find it very tight and most everything working as designed. You can expect to buy fuel injectors ( if they haven't already been replaced ) and some other parts like speaker amps perhaps. Overall it sounds like a very good deal... the market is your friend right now.
There is another ZR-1 here in Arizona for sale (not mine). A slightly modded black 94 in Tucson on Craigs list for very low 20's with 90k on the clock.
I saw that one too. Would love to add it to the stable. 4 Bolt motor with higher HP, bigger wider seats, Another airbag and mods. Sweet
When everything checks out and you have considered the rest of the ZR-1s out there, go drive it yourself. $15K plus or minus is a great price. With only 22K on the rest of the car you should find it very tight and most everything working as designed. You can expect to buy fuel injectors ( if they haven't already been replaced ) and some other parts like speaker amps perhaps. Overall it sounds like a very good deal... the market is your friend right now.
According to Bill, the engine is in good shape and the body is tight. The owner says that the Bose works good (had to have one amp repaired), and that everything else is working, even the seat bladders. I am having a hard time thinking that this isn't a very good deal. Black isn't my favorite color as they are difficult to keep clean, but the tan interior is a plus in my book.
Corvette Store
Looking at 92 ZR-1
Big spender 
). A slightly modded black 94 in Tucson on Craigs list for very low 20's with 90k on the clock.
