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. I will only get one if i can get what i want for my car.....
I thought those pics looked familiar. I was at that slalom too. Had a great time. Looks like you did too.
yes i remember seeing you. if i am not mistaken, you got a shifter installed at that dyno day? but yes i remember your car at the slalom event. it was a good time indeed!!
Last edited by 88BlackZ-51; 12-22-2005 at 07:34 PM.
A little late piping up but if I can be of assistance please let me know. I'd be happy to help. You did the right thing by contacting Dwight as he is the right guy to ask as he is exceptionally knowledgable with ZR1's. Come springtime we'll hook up and you can check out my Z up close and first hand. I'm hoping to have a few mods done to it by then but nowhere close to Dwights ZR1 monster.
I nearly bought a ZR1 last year as it seemed like a fair deal, what a great vette and my wife told me to go ahead and pick it up. Then I drove a Z06, I waivered and it was gone.
I nearly bought a ZR1 last year as it seemed like a fair deal, what a great vette and my wife told me to go ahead and pick it up. Then I drove a Z06, I waivered and it was gone.
Bang for the buck, still would prob get a ZR-1. And if your thinking of a collector car, the 01-04 Z06 wont be one. The ZR-1 will! Of course stock for stock the Z06 is quicker, and handles better. But port the intake on the ZR-1, then add a chip, and then do exhaust, and you are at around 390rwhp. You won't be 390rwhp with a Z06, You would be less. Guess I just love the ZR-1. Its the "King" of Vette's.
The ZR-1 is still the only Corvette thought of as an exotic car. I have owned my 1990 for four years and only had to replace the tires and keep the gas tank full. Fabulous machine. Many trophies and miles of smiles.
The ZR-1 is still the only Corvette thought of as an exotic car. I have owned my 1990 for four years and only had to replace the tires and keep the gas tank full. Fabulous machine. Many trophies and miles of smiles.
Corvette Store
My thoughts on buying a ZR-1.......
