1990 Corvette ZR-1, Lotus helped create the King of the Hill : Tim's Enthusiast Garage S4 E9

[@TechNoirToyclub]

Thanks for your great video and appreciating the ZR-1 that much. Im from Germany and also owner of a 90 ZR-1 and totally agree with you about your experiences and feelings. It's not just an affordable old (super)sportscar bargain, it's a real dream car of this era. Just awesome how special these cars are. The involvement of F1 experienced Lotus, the high performance and gorgeous looking LT5 DOHC V8, the racing sound, 6 speed manual, these amazing fed tires in rear and front, the clamshell hood, the tank cap in the middle of the rear and the removable top, the sleek 80s design in general (the C4 is also the lowest Vette ever produced). I also love the cockpit and seats of the early models - pure jet fighter feeling. And the C4 ZR-1 is also special regarding developement history and importance in aspects of american car history. When the ZR-1 was introduced in 1989/1990 it was one of the best and progressive performance cars and offerd a perfect allround package: acceleration, top speed, adjustable suspension, corner handeling, braking. It does not really have a deficit. The car is a superb mixture of pure oldschool driving experience (without modern driving systems as TC) and comfortable equipement. In my opinion it is one of the greatest production sportscars of its era and should be on the same level as Countach, Testarossa and Porsche 911 Turbo. A true miracle to me that is still so underrated and low priced.

[@bluetitan20]

Be interested to hear how you find owning a car like the ZR-1 in Europe? Is it a bit harder to find parts or garages that can look after them?

[@TechNoirToyclub]

@@bluetitan20 For the car class and considering that the ZR-1 is even more of an exotic in Europe, it is absolutely fine. Of course, most spare parts have to be imported from the USA, but there are many reliable sources there, and ordering and shipping are no longer a problem in the age of the Internet. Common parts like brakes, etc., are also inexpensive. Shipping costs are usually reasonable as well. However, finding a workshop familiar with these cars is very difficult. Normal US car workshops generally do not know these cars. Therefore, you should maintain good online contacts with the global ZR-1 community and also acquire at least theoretical knowledge yourself to support the workshop if necessary. For serious problems that go beyond usual service matters, you should always go to proper specialist workshops. Fortunately, there are such specialists in the German-speaking region (I don’t know about the rest of Europe). There are only 2-3 German specialists, but they are very knowledgeable and own such vehicles themselves. They are in close contact with US specialists like Haibeck and know everything about these cars. They can even completely overhaul and optimize the engine if necessary, and at very fair community prices. These 2-3 people essentially form the backbone of the ZR-1 community in the German-speaking area. Without them, it would be very risky and difficult to maintain an exotic like the ZR-1 in Europe - at least if something specific to the engine or ZR-1 broke. However, since there are few specialists, you often have to wait a very long time for an appointment, sometimes up to 1-2 years. Therefore, you should take the opportunity to have several things done at once so that you don’t expect any problems for the coming years.

[@bluetitan20]

@@TechNoirToyclub Thanks for that very informative and detailed reply. Would you have the name of any of those specialists,that you know of in Germany? It's always good to have details like that handy,just in case I manage to buy a car like the ZR1 in the future 😉 It's also good to hear that cars of this age and performance can still be worked on (relatively easily...) once you find a willing and knowledgeable garage (hopefully!!)

[@IcemanC4]

Ich kann dir in allem zustimmen- ich fahre seit 4 Jahren eine 90er L98 mit ZF 6-Gang und FX3 - was mir aber immer gefehlt hat, ist die Drehfreudigkeit und auch die magere Vmax ist nicht standesgemäß auf der Autobahn…Ich habe heute einen Kaufvertrag für eine 90er ZR-1 mit echten 18 TKM )!) Laufleistung in Rot/Rot unterschrieben 😊in 2 Wochen bekomme ich sie endlich- mein absoluter Traumwagen- vielleicht sehen wir uns auf einem Treffen in Deutschland 🇩🇪

[@TechNoirToyclub]

@@IcemanC4 Hey, cool und meinen Glückwunsch.👍 Ne Schalter C4 ist zwar auch schon sehr hot, aber klar mit ner ZR-1 ist man im damaligen Supersportler Bereich in ner ganz anderen Liga. Auch mein Traumwagen, gebe sie nicht mehr her. Der Wagen hat so viele Besonderheiten und Geschichte. Les dir soviel Wissen an wie möglich und connecte dich gut, dann gibts keine Probleme. Denn die Gute ist zwar grundlegend extrem robust gebaut, aber durch die technische Komplexität und das Alter auch eine Diva, die viele kleine Fehlerherde produzieren kann mit denen man sich immer wieder auseinandersetzen muss. Full Engine Power 💪

[@keywestfan2503]

I have a 1990 ZR1 with 52,000 original miles on it. I drive it every now and then. I agree with you. The best part of it is the way that the engine sounds. It does not sound like a small block Chevy V8. It sounds like an Italian exotic revving to red line I bought mine two years ago from some old dude in a little Podunk town in south Georgia. He had it under a car cover in a field in front of his house . I paid 14,500 for it. So many compliments and thumbs up when I drive it. But like you said, it’s a rattle and creak trap!!! Lol But nothing like the analog feel of it

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Wow! What a steal of a price even 2 years ago! So awesome!

[@gregs_garage]

Thanks Tim, this has inspired me to begin removing the intake on my '91 Lotus ZR1. Looking for vacuum leaks and will replace every hose I can find with silicone.

[@jtreu107]

Great production Tim! Absolutely love the c4z, fun fact that ZF6 manual trans was also used on the Lotus Carlton.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Which is a right corker of a car !

[@glencollins4962]

The C4 ZR-1 Corvette is a real drivers car I have worked on my suspension drives so good and the engine sounds awesome and pulls hard all the way to the top

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for watching! Love these cars

[@glencollins4962]

I have a couple of videos on my channel that you may like

[@boyfrmnewyork]

My blue 91 ZR-1 approves of your message...

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for watching !! Enjoy your car

[@thenaturecreater8906]

Nice video. I proud owner of a red 92 zr1! And this car is staying in my garage til the day I die

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

When you find one that really hits you right, that’s the play! Thanks for watching!

[@calvincooley1074]

The 90 and 95 ZR1's are my favorites, mainly for the wheels.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

They got a great vibe. Thanks for watching !

[@keywestfan2503]

There is a brand new 1990 ZR one at the skip barber racing museum in Leeds Alabama. Has essentially no miles on it. It still has the plastic wrapping on all the interior parts and seats. Never driven it

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Wow. Mine had 12k, now 13k on it. It is so clean underneath. I have thought about looking for one with like 50-60k miles that I could drive a bit more and not feel like I’m killing the value. I plan to put a few thousand on this season

[@LMAOOOOOO]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage you can prob do a trade for one and get more with the other car

[@frozencarguy6274]

In 1990 I went with my friend and his father when he (the father) test drove one of these cars and also an Acura NSX. He picked this car based on the Lotus engine and the fact that it would have been a 6 month wait for the NSX. Plus huge horsepower difference.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I have had all the greats from this era. This, the Esprit and the Testarossa are my favourites. This and the Lotus drive the best. The 348 is nice and I much prefer it to the NSX. Hilariously, the NSX is my least favourite from the era. It’s funny it has such a huge following. It’s least exciting, feels slow, and isn’t particularly reliable when viewed against this or the Lotus. Thanks for sharing your story! I love era context here! Cheers!

[@mr.butterworth]

The irony is that the NSX is going for $80-100k these days, and the early ZR-1 closer to $30-35k. Not that the discrepancy is justified in any way other than market trends.

[@grahamrobson9292]

Great review .. I remember the first Road tests too.. thrilling and fascinating design story

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

That article was one of the first times my jaw dropped reading something. It was a triumph at the time. It made incredible performance more attainable and forced competitors to up their game. Thanks for watching!

[@douglasthompson9482]

I have always loved the C4. I collect cars and will include this car into my collection. My only concerns are the fit and finish of the interior. The seats show a tremendous amount of wear over time. A little bit cheap in other areas. As a Mercedes Benz enthusiast, I find that this manufacture group has done a masterful job concerning their cars. For power and fun, this will be great.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I remain a huge fan of this car. I have 6 Mercedes. They are better built but this ZR1 is a bit of a legend

[@wallyr.7854]

Loved your feature video on this forgotten and unappreciated icon of a car, the KOH will go on to be a truly honorable collector car, of which all those out there that shunned this 90s jewel of a car will be sad they didn’t get their hands on one….I thank God I found my 91 while still affordable and available. New subscriber here, thanks for the awesome video 👍🏻

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks for subscribing , that means the world to me. I will be publishing another video of this car in season 5 so there is that to look forward to. Yeah I remember thinking these were "too cheap" for a long time, like 10 years and then right about a year and a half ago they started to climb and now it seems like every one that sells is more expensive than the one that sold before it. Glad you found one! thanks for watching.

[@wallyr.7854]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage Looking forward to it and I’m happy I found your channel, I’m truly enjoying your content. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@bradkrug2718]

There are several modifications to this particular zr-1 that are not original. Namely the momo steering wheel, the zr-1 logo on the side of the hood, the kick guards on the entry door bases, and might have been others. Welcome to the 1990 zr-1 club!

[@dallisb1047]

I agree. The intake and overall engine presentation is still cool! There is is a small Corvette museum in Effingham IL. They have a ZR-1s. Mid America Corvette I think.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Oh nice, I hadn’t heard of that one. Thanks so much for watching !

[@BobSkala]

Nice video on the car. I bought my 91 ZR1 3 years ago with 44,500 miles & it’s up to 47,500 presently. The car never fails to amaze me while driving, as you stated a truly unique sound from that engine at 7000 rpm. I’m not sure if you have heard of Mark Haibeck with ZR1 specialists near Chicago but a great resource for information, parts or service. Just for fun turn the valet key on & get on it the engine runs out of power about the same as a Chevy small block until you turn on the magic key. Ask me how i know. Keep up the content & keep driving & enjoying hat amazing car. PS are you a member of ZR1 Net Registry very helpful membership & information. Drive on.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I really want one with more miles. I feel horrible using one with only 12k miles on it. Ideally one with 50-60k miles. I hunt for one from time to time. Thanks for watching

[@craiggowsell8798]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarageDrive it man. If you want something to sit in your garage buy a couch. It’s a car buddy enjoy it! Embrace it!

[@frankpavan7865]

Great review . I hope to drive one one day and maybe even own one !

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Absolutely great cars!

[@sierrasautosalon]

nice video! Was never (and still out a vette fan) but this ZR1 is making me a fan

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Same page.

[@brianwhite9671]

A great video and I appreciate the passion for the C4 ZR1! I need to correct you regarding your comments on the powertrain. Lotus was responsible for all aspects of the design of the engine up to the flywheel. From the clutch assembly on back were done by other companies. As well, the suspension system for the production car was not done by Lotus. Lotus did develop an active suspension system for the Corvette, but it never went into production. GM frequently gets maligned, and usually with just cause. When they get it right, they should get the thumbs up.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I spoke extensively with GM’s performance division regarding the car, including a gent who was there when it was designed. Gear ratios, shock valving etc including the relationship with Bilstein were things Lotus brought to the table. I’ll give a thumbs up to GM though for this, and most corvettes since. They have built an amazing team

[@brianwhite9671]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage I worked at Lotus on the LT5 in 1986 and can say there was no suspension, transmission, or differential work done on the Corvette at Hethel. There were other General Motors products having their suspension systems tweaked by the Grand Masters, but not the Corvette. I can also say there was an adversarial relationship between the suspension people at Lotus and the suspension people at General Motors. The C4 had two completely different active suspension systems designed and developed, one by Lotus and one by GM. I continued on at merCruiser as the manufacturing engineer in charge of LT5 assembly, so I stayed in touch with many people from General Motors and Lotus. I will make inquiry with people from Lotus regarding Lotus' involvement, if any, with the C4 non-active suspension suspension.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

@@brianwhite9671 brilliant bit of information. What are you up to these days? It seems like a lot of the Lotus guys ended up at McLaren. At current Lotus is there any of the "old guard" ? Thanks for chiming in!

[@brianwhite9671]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage Having just communicated with some of the old-timers that were at Lotus back in the LT5 days, they said they never worked on anything but the engine. I'm not aware of any of the old timers that are still there.

[@Silverfox1982]

I think a Mercury Marine plate would pair nicely with your Lotus keychain👍🏻

[@brandonherrera2891]

The drivetrain is the same, minus the engine. When compared to an 89-96 manual trans C4. Zr-1 and base C4 both use the zf6 trans. But the zr-1 zf6 has a longer input shaft. I have a 92 zr-1 and a 96 lt4 collector edition c4. Love them both. If you want the best stock handling C4, a 91 with the z07 package is it. Zr-1's never got the full z07 suspension treatment.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I would add to that when this car was introduced the drive train, suspension, alignment, rear end ALL were completely different. They took what worked here and applied it to all the other single cam cars . You have to truly understand what GM’s acquisition of Lotus meant for GM and Isuzu products not to mention some of the other European mainline GM brands it was literally like a cheat code. They got all these engineers that had been cross trained in F1 and exotic sports car handling and dynamics. Every C4 after this benefited from the lessons they learned. The Z06 C5 and C6 were literally informed by these changes. Sure, GM decided 1 cam was all they needed but the over arching vehicle dynamics were transformed.

[@brandonherrera2891]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage Not trying to argue. But all 89-96 manual trans use a Dana 44 diff. Suspension on the ZR-1 wasn't as good as a 91-95 z07 optioned car. Z07 never came on a zr-1.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

@@brandonherrera2891 Each of the 3 modes has 6 adaptive reaction tuning on the fly. Pretty complex for the day...

[@brandonherrera2891]

@boyfrmnewyork I agree. I didn't say it's not impressive.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

@@brandonherrera2891 Enjoy them both! My other Corvette is a 71 Stingray that I used for both street and competition back in the 70s. Whole different animal, crude but effective!

[@harald.370]

Future classic 👍

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Totally agree ! Thanks for watching

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Every owner of a C4 ZR1 with that bespoke LT5 gem of an engine and factory installed adjustable Bilstein suspension AND the transmission report that they absolutely love the car. If I could afford to buy any used, classic sports car.......the C4 ZR1 would have to be it.......especially for the great deals they are still selling for. Prices that allow for restoring what may need to be fixed. But I suspect those prices are going to climb quite a bit sometime in the not-so-distant future...........mainly due to all of the people praising what a mechanical gem it truly is. That LT5 and it's drive train stands up to any naturally aspirated platform made today: a couple may out-run it, but I'm sure the LT5 still out-runs most of them........and I could be wrong, but I haven't seen any proof that anyone has broken the 24 hr and 5,000 mile speed endurance records set by the ZR1 decades ago. Apparently, it's a near insurmountable task, and is far more difficult to pull off than many would assume. Which is why the old records stood for nearly 50 years before the ZR1 came along and became "the KING of the hill". And mind you, the ZR1 team set those records using a basically stock platform......the only changes were headers & open exhaust, a roll cage, and race-approved wheels & tires. Oh, and per the rules, they had to lug along 300 EXTRA POUNDS of tools & parts, in case something broke on the track far from the pits, where the driver could fix it himself. Because IF the car breaks down and needs towed to the pits, the rules state that you blow your chance at breaking the record. The car never broke down........other than having to replace an upper radiator hose ONCE near the end of the run. The engine temp began climbing, so the driver pitted. The fan shroud had vibrated against the radiator hose, causing a small slice that was losing coolant. They quickly replaced it, and continued on to shatter the old record of 161 mph average with 175.8 mph average. ( 173+ mph for the 5,000 mile record. Just think: that's like TEN back to back to back etc, Daytona 500's!!! ) Other than that single incident, NO other troubles with the car whatsoever. Before this, Ford, Audi, even Mercedes, all with "special designed cars" TRIED to break the old record, and all of them FAILED. How can anyone not be impressed by the C4 ZR1 ???

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Nice to see someone so enthusiastic about these cars! Thanks for watching

[@doca8792]

Dude, I still have my ‘86 flashsilver 16v Scirocco!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

That’s rad. I love mine !!

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

The suspension was the same as all other C4s, and the DANA 44 diff was the same as all other manual transmission C4s from 85 onwards. The same ZF6 transmission was first used on the 1989 L98s (with a slightly different input shaft which was the only difference between them), and so was the Bilstein FX3. They were the exact same as the base Corvette could have, but was standard on the ZR-1, optional on the base cars. ZR-1s had the same ASR traction control in 1992 to 1995 as the LT1 cars all had, only the 1990 and 1991 cars didn't have it. The only real difference apart from the LT5 engine is the wider body, 11" rear wheels, extra key for power modes, and 8,000rpm tacho. Those differences alone make it very special and an incredible car, and it is, but the rest of the car is essentially the same as a standard base Corvette of the same year.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

ZR-1 has a slowed down steering ratio to be less twitchy compare to other C4s......

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

@@boyfrmnewyork No it doesn't, they had the EXACT SAME steering rack.

[@boyfrmnewyork]

@@CaseTheCorvetteMan It was slowed down for the higher top speed...

[@CaseTheCorvetteMan]

@@boyfrmnewyork no it wasn't, it is identical steering rack to the base model cars. The earlier Z51 cars had the faster rack ratio, the base cars and ZR-1s all had the exact same rack. It certainly isn't slowed down due to the higher top speed, and infact the Challenge Series cars all had the faster Z51 rack ratio. Nothing about the ZR-1 suspension is different to the standard Corvette, all parts are the same various items used in base cars. That includes the steering rack.

[@mohamedalkaboom]

Literally and Literally

[@stevenoliviero3652]

Over 30+ years of old technology ,today 400. HP is like no big deal at all.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

A car is more than numbers

[@pederfallbom]

Now way to compare a 400hp -80/-90:s car to a modern 400 hp car. The old car is slower but feels like a total beast!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I really like "fast" cars from this era. They still feel great in my opinion @@pederfallbom

[@Checkyoursix77]

How did you compare this to the Lotus Esprit Turbo? Got an offer on both, but I can only expand my collection with one car. I have a hard time deciding. They are so different but both are awesome I very different ways.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

That’s a tough one. First, it depends on year. If it is a 94 or 95 S4 or S4S I would pick the Esprit. They are very Year dependent. This ZR1 feels special and has an abundance of torque at all times. It feels special but maybe not as much as the Esprit. The body style is finally starting to gain favour on the corvette but the Esprit is timeless . The Esprit is more rare, more exotic and will likely go up in value more long term. Probably Esprit ? Let me know what year and I can maybe add some more

[@Checkyoursix77]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage It’s a 1990 Turbo SE. Both car are about the same money and same seller. I also looking at a 2000 Esprit V8. I’m in Europe so the ZR1 is kind of exotic over here. Just looking for an old school analog exotic. I have bad ownership experience of Italian super cars and the prices are ridiculous nowadays.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

@@Checkyoursix77 I would probably take the ZR1 in this instance. The low end toque of the LT5 4cam is pretty special. The 90 esprit has a smaller interior than the later S4 / S4S . Both are great cars. The 90SE does have the charge cooler and many other updates but the rarity of a C4 ZR1 in Europe plus the Lotus connection make it a best of both worlds proposition. Cheers!

[@doca8792]

Dude. Compare it to a Lambo of the same era, and the ‘Vette has stood the test of time so much better.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

I drove a Countach 5000s recently. It is SHOCKING how much better quality The Testarossa, Lotus Esprit and yes, even Corvette are compared with that car. It is literally like an unfinished testing mule. So are Early Diabos. It is not till Diablo SV that they got "semi refined"

[@wordman757]

GM designed the suspension, Lotus helped develop the shocks and springs.... yeah, must be Lotus. LMAO.

[@brandonherrera2891]

Exactly what I was going to say, lol.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Lotus had a band in nearly all the GM and Isuzu handling packages from this era. Drive one that wasn’t Lotus and you’ll tell the difference IMMEDIATELY. Cars from this era like the “all new Corsica” were an absolute tragedy. In speaking with the GM performance division guys it is clear they took a lot from racing and from Hethel.

[@wordman757]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage Yes, they were, because the shocks and springs and swaybar setups were unique for those cars meant to be better handling. If anything, it was a shortcut for GM to use Lotus, but the fact remains, if GM hadn't done a great job in the first place of designing the Corvette's suspension, Lotus's work couldn't and therefore wouldn't have amounted to much.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

@@wordman757 have you driven an early C4 ? 🤣 it’s bad.

[@brandonherrera2891]

@@TimsEnthusiastGarage If it was in bad shape, then yes I agree.

[@LarsAgerbk]

never knew Lotus had a hand in this

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Engineering of the LT5, drivetrain development and suspension. It got the corvette team thinking the right thoughts for this and future generations!

[@niradnagrom2356]

"Plastic fantastic!"

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

The best description of them all

[@Long-nd8bq]

Your reverse lights aren't working. Beautiful car!

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

@@Long-nd8bq thanks for watching

[@Andoniscars]

just love it

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Thanks so much for watching !!

[@evangrimmett9327]

Good video, nice to see some C4 ZR-1 content, however, you're giving Lotus a little too much credit. The only thing Lotus was responsible for was the design of the LT5 engine, they had nothing to do with the car design or the suspension, and as you mentioned Mercury Marine did the engine assembly. I've thoroughly enjoyed my two previous 91s, and my current 94. I love my C8 Corvette, but the C4 ZR-1 is just an amazing old-school driver's car. They are great in stock form, and even better modified, and can embarrass a lot of modern cars (my current 94 makes 550HP, and my previous 91 made 600HP).

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Big fan of these. Glad you enjoyed it. I spoke with the Lotus side of the garage. The US side has a different story 😝 thanks for watching

[@dclipper8052]

"Literally the cherry on top" would mean the LT5 was a piece of fruit sitting at the highest point of the car. "Figuratively the cherry on top" would mean what you are trying to say.

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

literally we are talking about a Sundae made out of Corvette and the Cherry goes on top 😗

[@bjrgjohannessen5184]

No wonder when half of the car is European....🙂

[@TimsEnthusiastGarage]

Indeed. Fixed !