MPH in OKC

I am planning a trip this weekend to pick up a ZR-1. I have been looking for many months and finally found what I wanted. I have reached a deal with the second owner on a 1993 mostly stock ZR-1 in "mint" condition (30K miles). I own a 93 LT-1 so I am aware of the typical C4 issues. I am looking for insight on any additional ZR-1 specific issues that I need to look at or watch out for. I have looked through the ZR1.net (a very helpful resource).

Feel free to send me an e-mail or post here if you have any thoughts on the matter. Thanks in advance.

I will, of course, post my impressions after I complete the purchase and drive it home...

This was my first post - I just had to start on the ZR-1 discussion area.

xlr8nflorida

Some items to check:

Spark Plug Wires - OEM set run you over $300.00 just for wires although aftermarket would probably be $40-80.

Coil Packs (say goodbye to the opti from the LT1)

Starter Motor

Alternator

Vac. Leaks

Stains on Motor - won't come out.

Check all maintenance Records

Listen for noise from Tranny - IE throwout bearing and Rearend.

Check all other C4 items, weatherstrip, bose radio AC head unit etc etc

A26B

Welcome to the ZR-1 Community. Congratulations on the "new" 93. Let us see some pictures when you get home with it.

I'm the Oklahoma State Director for the ZR-1 Net Registry and would be glad to help you in any way I can. I would also encourage you to join the ZR-1 Net Registry. Here's a link for you to check it out. It's the new & expanded club from the former ZR-1.net.

Let me know if I can be of any help to you.

Jerry

Rkreigh

the lt5 is a seriously reliable engine. the vacuum system and secondaries can be a bit problematic, and basic maint like changing the coil packs, wires, ect & you will join the plenum pull club.

overall the typical c4 stuff can be a bit annoying, and the car has a strange tendancy to draw huge speeding tickets and eat rear tires.

it also tends to plaster big unremovable stupid grins

congrats, I encourage you to join up the zr1 net registry.

xlr8nflorida

The car has a strange tendancy to draw huge speeding tickets and eat rear tires.

91vetteboy

The only problem I'm having is trying to remove the permanent from my face. This is a serious issue when you own a ZR-1.

MPH in OKC

Great tips and awesome input - but, I guess I expected nothing less. I do plan to join the ZR1 net registry. And, I will keep you all posted as I join the ZR1 ranks. Thanks again to all.

How do I check the coil packs? If they are failing what will be the clearest sign (rough idle, hesitation...)?

Tyler Townsley

Take an extra plug, pull each wire one at a time put plug in wire and lay it on top of the plenmu. Crank car should see good strong spark across plug gap. If one is less than the others then you have wire or coil pack problems.

Tyler

DDSLT5

Hesitation in 6th gear under load is the typical symptom - or a high rpm mis-fire.

Truthfully, the stock coil packs are very high quality, as are the stock ignition wires, so don't worry too much about them.

One thing to take note of is the secondary vacuum pump. It is designed to provide a vacuum to the secondary actuators when at WOT for a long dwell period (WOT in 4th or 5th - on your way to 180 mph) when manifold vacuum is minimal. The test is to switch the key to the 'on' position, and not start the car. You'll hear the fuel pumps buzz, and a few other things. Now - wait a few seconds (or a minute) with the hood up - and soon you'll hear the secondary vacuum pump kick in - it is located beside the pass. side headlight bucket - How long does it run? How long between cycles? If it runs constantly, you have a massive vacuum leak in the secondary actuator system that will necessitate pulling the plenum to locate the source of the leak. The longer the cycle between on periods for the pump, the tighter the secondary vacuum system. You only need a few seconds between cycles though, as the pump shuts off with 10 psi of vacuum present in the system, while only about 5 psi are necessary to hold the secondaries open. It is easy to check, and will impact the performance of the vehicle.

Bans25

Have you checked out this page...

http://zr1.net/ZR1_buying.htm