1994 Corvette ZR-1 - Driving the V8 Four Cam King of The Hill (POV Binaural Audio)

Thanks to Acton Auto Boutique for tossing the keys to this Chevrolet C4 Corvette ZR-1. www.actonautoboutique.com
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#RespectTheDrive #Corvette #ZR1

[@PaulsPlace]

C4 Corvettes are so underrated. I believe the engines in the ZR-1 were manufactured by Mercury Marine!

[@TedwardDrives]

You’re 💯 correct!

[@WitchTrials92]

Additional info on the engine manufacturing for the ZR-1 C4 GM found out that none of their plants could build the LT5 V8 so they got Mercury Marine to build them , and they actually stuck one in a Boat MotorWeek has some footage of it in one of the reviews for the ZR1 C4.

[@obomasinladen]

Most jdm “sports” cars from the 10 years following the c4 are significantly better drivers cars. Lighter, better handling, more powerful etc. I think c4s look iconic, and I want one to dump on some regamasters or werks but to say they’re underrated when they by and large drive like shit compared to their ever so slightly more modern jdm counterparts is cap to me. Same with c5. After having recently driven one, sure they’re cool but just about any non American sports car of the same time period has a significantly better driving feel.

[@Smyrf98]

@@TedwardDrives C5 when?

[@alpe6228]

the only good c4 are the gs and the zr1

[@TommioRS]

I own a 95 ZR-1. Looks just like this 94 you drove, black on black. For what i payed for my ZR-1 i feel like a criminal...It was soo cheap for what you all get. The LT-5 really steals the show. I still have not been in a car yet that does what LT-5 can do, magic. The LT-5 power band is fantastic, power every where. The real party trick is the 60-90 mph. You can catch SOO many people off guard its not even funny. Not to mention how easy it is to drive fast? Even down to a "hard" launch, just get the rpms to 2000, let the clutch out and hammer it. The cars fat tires and suspension do the rest. Also it corners?? If you want a 90's sports car that can do it all and "beat" 95% of the 90's sports car out there....This is your time machine. I say 95% because i truly believe the F40/F50, Diablo, 911 turbo, NSX, GTR, Supra or whatever other car you think of the 90-95 ZR-1 will keep up or completely beat its competition. Sorry ill shut up now. I love my 95 ZR-1. Just buy one already!

[@frederickschulze8014]

Even the C8 corvette continues the reputation of amazing performance for the price. For well under $100k , you get a mid-engine car that does 0-60 in under 3 seconds? That's unheard of. I've been heavily considering a C5 Z06 for a while too now, just because they are such a bargain for $20k. Almost all Corvettes are great performance for the price.

[@MrNeon2002]

I also own a 95 ZR-1 and second everything you said. The ZR-1 was one of the top performing cars of the 90's. Straight line wise it even hangs with a c5 Z06 on the highway. Like you said 60-90 it punches way above it's weight. People like to unfairly bash C4's, but it was a good platform and the ZR-1 was a legendary car. Most people will never understand the ZR-1 magic. You have to drive one to get it. Long Live the King!!!

[@rockbailey8516]

I did . 95 Haibeck chipped. Billy boat exhaust . Just sublime. Fast fun and sexy. Plus it bleeds red white and blue. Meaning a little raw but gives nothing to the competition .

[@TommioRS]

@@rockbailey8516Sweet! How do you like the Billy Boat exhaust? Mine is also Haibeck chipped other than that stock as a rock.

[@chrisbruchak4519]

​@@frederickschulze8014yeah thats why every one is selling them cause they dont like them. 😂

[@ZainTheWindowpain]

What a beautiful specimen that car is

[@sidefx996]

Good grief, just what I was thinking as soon as I saw it.

[@EdD-ym6le]

Old school satisfaction . How can you not love rwd v8 manuals .

[@grishman5000]

I used to not care for the C4, but as time goes on, I love it more and more. This is a wonderful example of the pinnacle of that generation.

[@itsjamilagain]

The drive is nuts, even on the LT1. INSTANT throttle response because of the pushrod motor. Even faster than most modern cars. The late years also had the German ZF transmission which is even better than the T56 on the C5. Feels like a bolt action rifle when you shift. Edit: clarify - ZR-1 was DOHC, but the rest were pushrods.

[@dicky7600]

1994 design was much nicer than the earlier ones.

[@itsjamilagain]

@@dicky7600 Yeah they made the change in 92. Almost a totally different car. Way more power, different transmission, different interior. The people who say the C4 is slow are talking about the L98 models pre-92.

[@dicky7600]

@itsjamilagain I think even 1993 had the ugly passenger side dash vents . My 94 was beautiful inside, had red and black as opposed to this all black.

[@itsjamilagain]

@@dicky7600 Well those are just...vents...I was talking about the entire rest of the car. And yes, I have a 95.

[@blackroseruby]

Twin cam Chevy V8, designed by Lotus, manufactured by Mercury Marine, all wrapped in a chassis with performance that can give a good fight to modern cars. The LT5 still holds endurance records to this day. An absolute dream of mine just to drive.

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

24hrs at 175mph is still amazing. Watch the documentary video!

[@TheRealPenguinator]

“It doesn’t have a narrow urethra or a small butt” -Tedward 2024 7:03

[@UncleVenz]

idk what that was all about lmao

[@robertfennimore1869]

King of the hill, Hank Hill, had a pancake ass and a narrow urethra, really cool reference to the show 👌

[@n0nth3t0k3m0n]

@@UncleVenzreference from the tv show king of the hill lol

[@andymesenbrink6946]

@@n0nth3t0k3m0nthank you for clearing that up. I was like WTF is he talking about??

[@SINYSTOK]

Hank Hill 😂

[@ic5217]

I could listen to this all day...

[@Thatboyaustin51213]

Definitely 💯

[@manzelli1981]

I forgot that American V8s sounded like this. I miss it

[@WitchTrials92]

The C4 ZR-1 remains the ultimate Corvette for me personally no matter how faster GM makes the Corvette this is always going to be my King of the Hill Corvette.

[@MrNeon2002]

Agreed! Performance stats are just numbers on a page. The c4 ZR-1 just has that secret sauce. It feels special and it's the most enjoyable Corvette I have driven. That list includes a c5 vert, c5 Z06 and a c6 Z06

[@willc5512]

Drivability. Im sure 900 hp can get tiring to drive n the wrong setup!

[@123ikubuf]

6:54 it is so good that he voiced cracked XD

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

🤭

[@user-jd9bu1oe8g]

Had one of these in the 90's. Drove it cross country a few weeks after I bought it. Super comfy. Loved looking out at that long hood and those swooping wheel well humps. It was the fastest thing on the road back then. Lost it in a flood in front of my house a couple years later. I'll never forget that car.

[@tadsworkshop]

The significance of that engine is lost on a lot of people, but it’s really a remarkable part of automotive, GM and SBC history.

[@canto_v12]

Audio is on point, this engine sounds soooo rich and flavourful. This and the original Viper were the hotness back in the early and mid 90s U-S-A!

[@sidefx996]

When these were introduced in 1990, Morrison Motorsports took one and set 5k km, 5k mile and 24 hr FIA World Land Speed Endurance records with it (they also ran an L98 with it for much of the time until it was shipped off for an auto show I believe) . Those records were only broken years later by a one off, purpose built prototype race car, and to the best of my knowledge still stand TO THIS DAY for a production car... I always find it hard to believe people make videos about this car and never mention that.

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

Exactly Amazing

[@kevindavis5966]

Interestingly, the later 405 hp models like this one never beat the 0-60 times of the earlier 375 hp cars, at least not in any official media review.

[@sidefx996]

@@kevindavis5966 Yeah I remember the same thing. I even remember one of the original Goodyear ads from 1989 that said the car would run 0-60 in "around 4 seconds." Wonder how that played out side by side (with say a '90 vs a '95) with good drivers on the same day and surface...

[@HonJazzz]

This is my dream car right here

[@keiadam]

Tokyo Xtreme Racer 3 made me fall in love with the C4 ZR-1. It sounds menacing in the intro!

[@djctd9ngl]

TXR MENTIONED LESSGOOOOOO

[@LJGaldo]

Hagerty made a great video on the development of this. The heads were designed by Lotus!

[@spuds3986]

The whole engine was designed by lotus not just the heads

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

People can hate on C4s all they want, but with a good set of tires they will hang with 90% of new cars on an autocross course. Along with the C5 and C6 these are probably the best bang for your buck sports car you can get.

[@blakehutchison7070]

This and first gen viper are highly underrated/undervalued.

[@mike569112]

When I was 18 my friend’s dad had one of these and we took it out one time. It was epic!

[@TheSwampDonkey]

Damn, I would love to own a C4 ZR-1. I had a 94 Regular C4

[@Austin_Shredder]

I drive a 1995 C4 LT1 6-speed. A cheaper entry point than the ZR-1 but admittedly less iconic. The C4 is a completely underrated gem of a car.

[@dudebud72]

The LT1 that came in these were nice, but this powerhouse is absolutely amazing!

[@Harry67544]

I own this as my “non daily driver.” It is so amazing, especially with the ZR1 pack! I love it with all my heart and I will never sell it!

[@ricksmith7659]

I witnessed a ZR1 get totalled at a autocross event in 1995. The kid that brought the car was the son of a Chevrolet dealership owner in Blanchard Oklahoma and did not have permission to take the car. It was brand new with papers still in the window. 😢

[@samstrolia]

One car I'd love to own one day, that motor is just gorgeous. For now, it'll be my 89 C4!

[@edalder2000]

Corvette as fastest car in the world 30 years ago sounded plausible. I mean The Callaway Sledgehammer was bonkers enough to do it. But The McLaren F1 does 250 mph and gear heads were stunned because it didn't seem possible. Especially with early 90's technology. This ZR1 is a drivable car that can be used for a daily. The Dodge Viper was a sledgehammer whose job was to try to kill you. The ZR1 is almost modern in its drivability. Also-405 HP in 1994 was the moon. 300 HP was a big MAGIC number. 400 HP was jaw dropping. But that V-8 burble is just the best!

[@TheHorseyGuy]

I remember my Dad always hated on the C4 because he didn't fit well in them as he's a taller gentleman, but for those of us normal sized people the C4 is pretty great and still reasonably priced. Thanks for this and well done as always Mr. Tedward

[@PontiacPOWA]

I myself own a '90 ZR1 and your impressions are spot on. "I wish i had a runway" is exactly how I feel when driving it lol. Also based on how often you're shifting I think this car you're in has a 4.10 rear gear swap. The stock 3.45 ratio exacerbates the feeling of wanting a runway, especially when you're going close to 110mph at the top of 3rd gear at 7200

[@Apexmissed]

I love mine. Youll have to pry it from my fingers. They are so fun and actually usable.

[@brandonherrera2891]

You are 100% correct, it does make you want to drive it like a party. Awesome vid! I'm fortunate enough to have a 96 c4 ce lt4 and 92 c4 zr-1. Edit: It is a B&B Exhaust. Yes, the early systems drone a lot. But love the tone and tip design. Corsa and B&B are the best sounding and looking Exhausts, for any C4.

[@blackjacket_]

This is my ultimate dream car. Dont know why. Just pure love ❤

[@saucyp123]

Absolutely incredible car, it’s crazy how they nailed everything. Also big props for giving cyclists space! 16:12

[@Bubbagonsalves]

I was never a fan of these but you changed my mind. Thing is rowdy!

[@davidbaron6647]

😊 I am 63 years old, this was always a dream car of mine

[@DailyDriver.]

It Sounds so amazing. I love the style of the c4s

[@kylec4zr1]

Thank you for giving us a few blasts and revs of the LT5. It makes a sound that is so… manifique. This car looks like it has been loved by a fellow ZR1 enthusiast, with the updated side gills, B&B exhaust, a shorter rear gear, and I’m guessing it probably has a chip to delete the skip shift and default to full-power mode upon start up. All tasteful mods that make this an even better version of itself.

[@MrMusicopath]

loved to use this car in the first need for speed

[@tn18977]

That was an incredible game in its time. They went for an enthusiast simulation experience, whereas the next several games in the series went the cheesy arcade handling route.

[@MrMusicopath]

@@tn18977 nfs2 was fun anyway

[@acalthu]

Tom, you need to get one of these. This history of the engineering alone is worth it.

[@leukostad1592]

Your choice of words is very entertaining 😉 Man this car is quick, and the sound... yes.

[@chriswalden9457]

Thanks Ted...That thing sounds absolutely amazing....

[@cookingpremiumjapan6839]

masterpiece

[@pieterk4960]

Always had a soft spot for this engine/tranny combo. Great to see this review👍🏻

[@grubinski]

That thing sounds awesome, and so quick to rev for downshifts.

[@LITTLE1994]

C4 Corvettes never get the attention they deserve.

[@Tinovodanovic]

Love the sound that this beast makes.

[@chelli95]

The Corvette C4 ZR-1 is one of my favorite corvettes! 😍😍👏👏👏

[@hellfire08]

i remember riding around in my dads quasar blue c4 zr1 with gray interior when i was a little kid. He had the fastest 1/4 mile in these cars back in the early 90's with a 12.1 ET. he still has his timeslips and all the pics in his basement. Lol

[@GreekItalian]

You know one of the things I love about Tedward videos? You start most every video with a heavy foot on the accelerator. It's like offering me an ice cold beer on a scorching hot day, I gotta have more. If you review a stripped down Nissan Versa though, I'm OK if you skip doing it. Great Video!!

[@TedwardDrives]

Thank you for noticing :)

[@TheMrmmkkpro]

I own #2822 1990 z, I have headers and a MH chip. Being an early car, your right foot is traction control. From a dead stop it will smoke the tire thru 2nd gear. Everytime I drive her I discover something else she likes. It's a rocket. Nice work, I can see you enjoyed it, will put a permanent smile on your face. 👍👍🏁🏁

[@100brsta]

Love it how well geared this is❤

[@itsjamilagain]

YESSS! Been waiting to see this! I LOVE my LT1

[@brq4cars]

This is just beautiful!

[@617MrX]

180 mph top speed mid 90's was actually wild...!

[@hiyoutube8013]

Great video and a beautiful car imagine experiencing that in 94

[@tonydac8883]

Wow , perfect timing! I was in desperate search of C4 zr1 POV videos on YT cause im really going to buy this car and i wanted to see first how it drives!

[@kellyjohnson2428]

I beat ya to it.

[@travkatz]

They're criminally undervalued rn. I can't decide between one of these or a 2012-2015 XKR convertible. Both perfect cars in their own right for similar money atm.

[@life_of_riley88]

Oh get the XKR. All day long, it's 10 times the car that the Vette is, and it handles better.

[@flobp2381]

I have the 1993 version of this car, two tops, and same exact color scheme, black on black. The seats, steering wheel, are different and the gauge/button lettering is orange instead of white. The only mods i did were/are flowmasters and a gear swap to 4:11s. The stock brakes will stop on a dime and give you change!

[@innerlightfilms]

What number? I own a 93 black on black #282.

[@FergyHolla]

I have 2000 Camaro SS. Been randomly watching your videos randomly. Watching this one and after u got on multi lane road I saw the roundabout sign. Then I saw gas station on left. Then I realized yeahp this is where I drive thru sometimes as a truck driver. Reversed video a couple seconds to look at route sign to confirm. But yeah I really enjoy your videos

[@Only1Sethy]

Love the C4 ZR1. Can't wait to get my C5 out of winter storage soon :)

[@adrianniemiec8669]

I remember in 1993 when the stock corvette finally got 300 HP instead of 230 like they had untill 1992 , the stock model in 93 was just around $32K. The ZR1 was a $60K dream , 0-60 in 4.1 seconds. Back then , that was very fast , but again $60 K in 93-94 was like $100 plus in todays money. Today for $100 K plus you can get the new rear mid engine vette with all the bells and whistles . These days , there are $50k cars that will do 0-60 in 4.1 , but , the C4 ZR1 will always be a legend , the king of the hill.

[@R19Robbin]

It sounds amazing 🔥🔥

[@wizardmix]

My grandmother had a 77 C3, one of the first cars I remember. My friend's dad had a mid to late 80s C4 and a kid up the street from me, his dad had a convertible version of this style. I did actually get to ride in that one in 1994. Must have been a 93 or 92? I remember he let me borrow the VHS tape they gave you showing how all the systems in the vehicle worked. I was very impressed with the suspension system and all of the other things. I think the C4s are underrated and they're just now coming into view. Thanks for posting.

[@Socalmr2turbo]

Next you must do a c6 ZR1! That is my favorite car

[@JedemPoKucama]

Hell yes

[@houseking9211]

I prefer the zo6, but c6 is definitely my favourite generation

[@kellyjohnson2428]

You are right. Being newer does not make it better. My C6 Z51 was a panther. White on black Kerbeck bought car, 08. Like sitting on the couch @150. My C7 Z51 Sterling Blue Reedman car is a Caddie that goes fast but tracks terrible starting at 110. By the way, I'm the new buyer of this very car. Can't wait to get her to South Florida.@@houseking9211

[@DreamDosage]

Wow, always heard about these, but never knew the details… thx!

[@mr.butterworth4216]

THIS is IT! The C4 ZR1. Phuck anything after, this is everything classic and modern that a Corvette should be, and nothing it shouldn’t be. Plus, that beautiful thoroughbred of an LT5 V8.

[@innerlightfilms]

I agree!

[@joshua6200]

Wow, that thing looks like it rides amazing with 0 plastic rattles. My fathers 93 Vette rode like The Little House On The Prairie Wagon on rails....

[@Johns1stGarage]

I miss my 96’ LT4 6-speed car so much, C4’s are such a great value and should continue to be so for a long time to come. Long run, good parts availability, reliability, practical performance, can’t go wrong!

[@elirenigar9357]

C4’s are awesome. My brothers got a wore out 85 model with the handling package. Sucker is an absolute ROCKET.

[@matthewmoorehead1979]

I’ve owned an ‘85 coupe before and I now own an ‘07 coupe. C4 and C6 are definitely my favorite generations. ❤😎

[@jhelmsing]

I really enjoyed your take on this. Good commentary, good job not driving like a reckless idiot around people, good binaural driving experience. Awesome work.

[@ratclone]

“Respect the drive” 🫡

[@NickMurray]

This is amazing.

[@pppcorn]

always wondered what this car is like. thanks homie

[@TedwardDrives]

Same! Big surprise how good it actually is

[@jtsdad]

I love the Hank Hill narrow urethra reference!

[@user-ez8vy4vo3s]

When you test drive a C4 ZR1, rev to 3500 rpm In 3rd gear then turn the valret key on, you will feel/hear the secondary injectors kick in. Nice video. ZR1 owner

[@sandorkereszt7584]

Sounds so nice😊

[@SepticEmpire]

I was just looking into corvettes my man just read my mind and made a vid Tedward get outta my head man😂

[@farmfromjakest8836]

I just bought a 1992 base model, it’s cool to see the differences between the two versions other than just the power.

[@vbkngx]

@TedwardDrives you need to get your hands on a Holden/Chevy SS one more time for a longer form video. I know you drove one ~7 years ago but watching you delight in the ZR-1 made me realise how much of a love story you could write to the Holden.

[@TedwardDrives]

You have a great memory haha

[@michalkargova8475]

Perfect C4 Corvette ZR1!

[@ds8106able]

One of the best looking generations, in my opinion.

[@retiredllama9692]

This car sounds so good

[@anothercarchannel9635]

Never mentioned - as usual, perfectly matched close ratio gearbox typical of Corvettes since the 60s Corvettes are criminally underrated. Driving experience is up there with 911s

[@AndreThompson925]

I still remember the Car and Driver magazine with the ZR1 and the 1989 Turbo Trans Am. I've yet to drive them both, but there's still time.❤

[@mzaccagnini7179]

My brother has a 90 ZR1 and he feels the same way!😊

[@patrickcaudill2939]

Yes, Lotus “tried” to design a high-horse 4-valve engine for the ZR-1. Unfortunately, GM’s head of powertrains told them the bore spacing had to remain the same as a LT1 motor, hense the limit with building a shorter stroke, wider bore to make efficient use of a 4-valve design. “Heart of the Beast” is an amazing book to read.

[@aw2787]

Nice man thats sweet

[@Fleetwoodjohn]

This car sounds like 4.10 rear. Quick through the gears. 😎

[@ChrisTheBowler2]

My grandfather, who passed away in 2022, used to have a 93. Would love to get one of these one day!

[@JDPlonk]

I think because of the DOHC on those engines, it honestly sounds a little bit like coyote in a modern mustang. I like it a lot

[@eirik_halvorsen]

The first original Need for Speed was the closest I’ve come to such a car! And man did this video make some distant memories pop up! I didn’t have any idea of the impact it had back then but it sure was my favourite video game car! Black, manual, the cluster, wheels… oh my, now I really want one, and it’s probably way beyond my budget 😊

[@cesaraugustomari3676]

Hehehehee I was thinking the same ... I played that Game a lot ...do You remember the recorded videos of every car in the game?

[@eirik_halvorsen]

@@cesaraugustomari3676 No! Actually I had forgot, until now 😀 Well, can’t really remember them in detail, but yeah. It was an awesome game back then! Almost simulator like.

[@robertrishel3685]

I really had no idea how bad ass those things were…. Just awesome.

[@briankorner750]

That sound. 😍

[@lawrencelibby3607]

So much fun to watch you drive through the Rt. 2 rotary that I've driven every kind of shit box you can name through, but never a ZR-1.

[@mylesG23]

I remember back in 2015-2016 when I first started driving I was looking at these for sale locally for the 15k range. Man how I miss that.

[@LRSNRCNG309]

My dad had one. Base model i think, gold, disk wheels, auto, and slow stock motor. Despite being completely stock his vette was the fastest car in my state excluding drag cars and he went undefeated with it at a sketchy drag strip. Was just 10 minutes shy of being born in it too n dad was maxxing it out nearly everywhere in the winter snow of december 98

[@caddyzig]

So awesome! I’d love to own one.

[@TechTubeHDReviews]

I drive a Base model 1985 and I absolutely love it. Great car that still makes great torque. But man, I would love to own a ZR1

[@bb62bb62]

Some quick comments: 1. The car is a 95, not a 94. 2. The 12 quarts oil system is NOT a dry sump. The first Corvette dry sump was with the C6 Z06. 3. The top shown in the back was either a blue or bronze clear tint. 4. I feel the same way about the car as the driver. It's very quick, very responsive without over-the-top unusable power and is certainly a better sports car than the Callaway C4 (though cudos to Callaway for doing something to improve the Corvette's power back in the late 80s).

[@TedwardDrives]

I have the window sticker. It’s a 1994.

[@bb62bb62]

@@TedwardDrives Then the side panel was changed. The side panel for 1991 through 1994 should be the same. This car has a 95/96 side panel. If I were ever to purchase that car I would balk just because of that. by the way I have a 1995 ZR-1 (and a 67 435HP coupe). I am very aware of these Corvettes.

[@bb62bb62]

@@TedwardDrives By the way, here is a review of ZR-1 using my car from a few years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJixpYidncaKsLM