Restoring my Salvage Corvette ZR1's Flood Destroyed Engine Components

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Our Flood Totaled ZR-1 Won't Stop Smoking, Overheating, and Dying. After figuring out its fuel issues, we resolve our Exhaust Issues once and For All with a Made in the USA ‪@STAINLESSWORKSNET‬ Full Exhaust System
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[@TT99C5]

Like the exhaust but those tips need to be tucked in. A lot.

[@DoesItTho]

🙌🏼fr

[@pauldegans2393]

Agree!

[@jasonruch3529]

Agreed😂😂😂😂 they look goofy like that

[@aumetalmental8403]

Those exhaust tips are cool, but I'd like to see them only extend about an inch past the bumper. Looks like they'd fit perfectly set back a bit. The profile of bumper cutout and the contour of the tips scream inset...🤔✌️😎

[@jamesmedina2062]

yes further out some would look more up to date...oh sorry on the new exhaust they do stick out too much

[@br549rdr]

Yeah definitely cut that short piece and scoot them back under the bumper💪

[@gtoger]

Agree, the install will look much cleaner with the tips tucked in a bit more. This may be my fav Samcrac project so far.

[@C4VETTELT1]

Didn't you guys here what he said? He wanted that look, if he wanted them flush with the bumper he would have. I did the same exact thing on mine (mine isn't a ZR1) except for the oval tip I did a quad tip with center exit and I pulled the tips out a couple inches. I have some videos of mine if you want to see how it looks. Now mine don't stick out quite as far as his but a couple Inches passed the bumper.

[@br549rdr]

@@C4VETTELT1 sorry I did miss him saying that. Also if that’s the way Sam and you like them that way then that’s okay too. I don’t mean to sound judgmental.

[@koolaid117]

Thank you for fixing this legend. I had a 90 ZR-1 about 15 years ago. I should never had sold it. These are truly special cars.

[@beezlebub3955]

To me it looks like he’s milking a trashed car for advertising revenue, which if true, more power to him. Who really counts down 3 2 1 before they do anything? People who milk time for advertising revenue

[@Samcrac]

​@@beezlebub3955 yes I'm milking as I come out with a video on it every month and I've been beating my head against the wall for the last month trying to sort it slowing everything else down

[@jjferrari306]

You must be new here, so let me tell you... he never finishes a project! So, don't get your hopes too high! LOL

[@SkyWolfXP]

When changing or fixing a fuel pump you have to prime it before starting the car to make sure fuel goes to the injectors or whatever, You clearly know nothing about cars and why are you so mad about this, Just don't watch then lmfao

[@mikewozawski1634]

Must have been such a cool car to drive. Very lucky you to have owned one of these beauty's

[@endall39]

No way this is a lost cause. This is an important car that deserves to be brought all the way back, and I feel like the value will be there when it's fixed. This and the Callaway Vette are awesome cars of that period, and I think the exotic 4 cam is more interesting.

[@Flies2FLL]

I'm a dedicated Porsche fanatic and even I completely agree with this statement.

[@jessejordan310]

I just want to see him finish something.. just one time.

[@Flies2FLL]

@@jessejordan310 I just want to see him REMOVE THOSE OVAL TIPS!!!!!!!

[@jessejordan310]

@@Flies2FLL agreed! They are a bit gaudy...

[@endall39]

@@Flies2FLL That's funny, my favorite car I ever had was a Porsche. I also had a C3 corvette I engines swapped for a "real" 350 chevy engine. I regret selling them both. Such is life. Now I drive a Honda Ridgeline and day dream about the glory days.

[@MrRock861261]

With the alternator voltage being so low its possible the fans arent spinning fast enough or at all

[@lovellmills7959]

Bingo

[@julian063093]

I used to have a 3rd Camaro, always had to have the air conditioner on to trigger the fans to cool the engine. Never got around to fixing the problem.

[@ILoveMyBikes]

Was wondering the same

[@halfwaydecentvehicles]

Is zero bad ?

[@lovellmills7959]

@@halfwaydecentvehicles ur joking right

[@stuffdo_er]

I have to say, Sam and Legit Street Car Alex are the best snapshot recappers in these automotive KZbin streets.

[@lordraiden5398]

Please rotate those clamps up on the exhaust. This car is not a lost cause. I enjoy watching you bring it back from the dead.

[@rickwitt5735]

That LT-5 engine is awesome. I truly appreciate you saving it from the scrap heap. The car should definitely be on the road.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox6627]

I would reposition those exhaust clamps. The first time you bottom out the suspension or go over the speed bumps you’re going to hit those clamps and pull the cats or exhaust boxes off. Put them to the side or 90° from how you have them at the moment.

[@davidl2438]

Love this project! Good to see you fixing this corvette. Any car that is over 10 years old will most likely need extensive repairs especially when the car is flood damaged. You are doing a great job. Can't wait to see the next video.

[@steventogami898]

Great video! Your trouble shooting skills are extraordinary! Flood issues + old car issues.

[@bonganihalimani9572]

Finally, you had gone quiet SAM 😊

[@rockstarfan886]

Not really he had several live streams over the last 2 weeks 🤷‍♂️

[@bonganihalimani9572]

@@rockstarfan886 i see i must have missed those.

[@TheMrfzr600]

Keep the ZR1 alive, enjoy watching the progress.

[@jamesbrown7991]

Your problem solving and determination makes you the best on the tube....can't wait for the next vid.

[@thechosenone2587]

Oh man! Wanted to see this car in full beast mode. Clean and spankin ready for a spin.

[@rogerrose8220]

The way that engine is coming up slow through the gears - even though you have the power light - seems like the secondary butterfly's aren't opening. Or if they are, possibly no fuel flow to the secondary injectors. Back in the day, I discovered quite by accident, one side of the butterfly's was opening up a good bit faster than the other. Found by using a vacuum pump on the actuators. The factory had put the linkage on backwards on the slow side!

[@josephbidon4333]

Sam...don't put your ramps on soft ground! So dangerous! I did the same and got stuck under my car after the ramps settled on what I thought was firm ground.

[@kennethugalde]

I think your getting close to solving the issues with this car. Keep going

[@mrrross]

Former 92 ZR1 owner here. I purchased mine used with fairly high mileage in 2006 and had fuel issues. Replaced the fuel pump, no fix. In the end there was a loose ground on the wiring to the fuel pump. I couldn't find it, a dealership did. Fyi :)

[@kirklandphil]

Can't wait to see this car running at 100%, soooooo worth the wait.

[@gmugrumbach]

Those clamps and tips... puuuhhleeezze

[@muskokamike127]

1:33 checking the current draw of a pump isn't a guarantee that the pump is pumping fluids, the current could simply be due to the motor running with some resistance. The only way to be sure that a pump is moving fluid is to check the line pressure on the outlet side. (or volume). I've had MANY water pumps etc "run" but not move any water due to a broken impellor.

[@FranciscoRamirez-mv7dq]

there is no lost cost my bro. corvet turning to be a beast!! your almost there keep going !!

[@nl-oc9ew]

I appreciate you showing this old stallion the love you are.

[@smoothz0657]

Welcome to ZR1 ownership, its a revolving door of problems. Most likely your secondary vacuum system and injectors arent working so its "stuck" in valet mode physically.

[@shootpse88]

90-92 zr1 injectors are notorious for failing even with low mileage its a known issue with these cars

[@gwhizz44]

I own a nice C4 Grand Sport and love it. My second C4 is going to be a ZR-1. You are a God send of knowledge. Thanks for the videos.

[@ManinaGarage]

Thanks Sam! Me thinks you kinda like that Corvette 😍

[@48Boxer]

I just picked up a '91 ZR1 yesterday. I already had a '93 base c4 so can't wait to compare them. The zr1 was sold as needing a clutch but the description the seller gave me says something bigger with the transmission (first and second don't work). He'd sent me a video about a month ago of it running great and of course it didn't run yesterday. Checking the fuel pump asap

[@jeremiahprestegard7334]

I kinda think you should pull the heads and check the valves... I bet the exhaust valves and possibly seats and guides are rusted and whatever intake valves from whatever exhaust valves were open.

[@forkster]

This

[@williamlacey6483]

This is by far my favorite build so far. The exhaust is perfect. A blue 6 speed zr1 is REALLY RARE. My cousin had a red automatic, when there right they are quick and a blast ti drive. Thanks for all your work.

[@rescuemepookie5256]

just came across this channel...i love the raw feel of just jumping and fixing up classic cars...ima a ford guy..but corvettes and dodge vipers have a big place in my heart. im subbed

[@bigmacmach1185]

Keep going sam, restore the zr1, needs to be preserved

[@outmybitness]

This one time a week uploads are killing me 😬😬😬😬 love love love the content!

[@turboturtle9083]

Hate hate hate all the commercials.

[@outmybitness]

@@turboturtle9083 i know it's not cheap but i have YT premium and it bypasses alllll ads but not their sponsorships hope this helps 💜

[@williamhammerstrom9860]

Another great one Sam. Love the new exhaust.

[@SingleTrackMined]

Please keep going on this one. The ZR-1 is too special to lose. You're almost there. Cheers!

[@Alkemyst426]

Unless there's a hidden disaster somewhere, and it doesn't seem that there is, this isn't anywhere close to a lost cause. This is a car worth saving just for that Lotus designed cylinder head if nothing else. Keep going, man, you've got to be close...

[@andywoolford3996]

Really cool car to restore Sam. You mention a radiator problem, but have you considered the water pump? Maybe the auxiliary belt is slipping given the loose alternator. OTOH I've seen water pump impellers just spinning independently of the shaft they are supposed to be attached to.

[@Dukefazon]

I missed your shows a lot, every day I checked my YT subs eagerly, hoping I'd find a recent Samcrac upload. Finally it's here! 3:07 - I'm happy to see more and more Corvettes! 16:43 - Bless you!

[@nikkoalpha2]

Great effort in fixing these flood issues on the wonderful ZR1. Your videos are inspiring to us other C4 owners. I replaced the fuel pump on my 3 C4's after purchasing each one. Each one was sparingly used by previous owners and were easy to replace. Best of luck on this refurbishment efforts.

[@nicknicolaus]

I'm excited to see the progress being made on the ZR1. Even though I'm a Ford guy I've always loved the ZR1. Looking forward to completion of this project.

[@Trenislife]

Love the content Sam. By far my favourite KZbin channel. Looking forward to the next one.

[@samoopsd]

Been looking forward for the next part of this!

[@Dan-po8bi]

Always great to see another if Sam. Love your easy, laid back style and demeanour - keep up the great work.

[@dwightvoeks9970]

I had bad catalytic converters cause a lack of performance. Replacing it/them worked stellar

[@cbpldc]

Oddly, this is one my favorite cars that your'e bringing back. I think its well worth the work you're putting in. It will never be as fast as some of your other cars, but the ZR-1 is iconic. I really think the exhaust will make it spin up faster, but you also might be having an ignition issue too.

[@longsleevethong1457]

Bringing back? Which car has he successfully “brought back”?

[@nazcaplain]

@@longsleevethong1457 The lunar rover. Couldn't believe he got that one running again.

[@longsleevethong1457]

@@nazcaplain lol that was pretty funny bro

[@user-un2og6cq2c]

Well done Sam. I know its not a Supercar but its great that you have spent some time and money on the Corvette. That exhaust sounds brilliant Sam. So keep up the great work. I saw Scott Ratarossa there in the intro. Scott is a great guy and very knowledgeable on Ferraris. 😊😊

[@shootnguns6075]

Keep going on this Corvette, I enjoy watching you figure things out and also seeing this Vette come closer to it’s former glory

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@MrNeon2002]

As a Z owner myself, I'm loving the content and hope you repair the car to completion! As someone else mentioned, the low voltage could also cause the overheating. The fans on these draw a lot of power so they might not be spinning fast enough to keep the car cool.

[@RandomWrongDeletion]

I love this car and this build, subscribed and can’t wait for the next video

[@gregorycoogle7621]

I love your new exhaust! ❤

[@hynestimothy411]

Glad you're back, still a master of the video

[@mikerainville6168]

Can't wait to see it repaired and on the road.👍

[@schtum1]

Just like old times seeing Sam squeezed in under a car working in the tightest space ever.

[@dmcd7333]

This is a Great Car all the way around! Keep her and get her back to 100%. Nice to see a video from you- have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

[@waynegalvin4639]

Can’t wait to see you get that car sorted out.

[@metatechhd]

🙌🔧🚗 What a restoration project! It's great to see you bringing this legendary car back to life. The Corvette ZR-1 holds a special place in the hearts of many automotive enthusiasts, and your dedication to fixing its flood-damaged engine components is commendable. I'm curious to know more about the challenges you faced during the restoration process and the techniques you used. Keep up the fantastic work! 💪🔩🔥

[@janithdg]

@samcrac, if I recall the knock sensor have specific tightening torque, check the correct value and tighten it cz then you won't have false positives

[@ADILZXX]

It does, you have to do manufacture specs or it will give false readings

[@craigw.scribner6490]

So glad you didn't give up on this car, Sam! Can't wait for the next episode in the ZR1 saga!

[@davidbarnsley8486]

Love the exhaust Sam looks fantastic Bet your loving that hoist these days Sounds good too 👍👍

[@CaffeinatedFrostbite]

im super invested in this and i dont even like that style corvette. love this series

[@7seriesmax]

Right after the 19 minute mark when you were showing that it’s overheating your alternator voltage is tanking to almost 8 V. Low-voltage will wreak havoc with the ECU and make it do all kinds of crazy shit.

[@southwest7977]

Right you are. I bought a cheap car that had the dash lit like a Christmas tree. It was the alternator. Solved every light. Nice winter beater for $300 plus an alternator.

[@ThePhillipsts]

Hey Sam, I have repaired many of these C4 corvettes and the most common issue is the two engine temperature sensors, One runs the fan control and the other runs the ECU feedback. Both are usually bad and may have been switched with generic sensors, only use NTK or the original GM sensors as the others do not report correctly and are critical for engine performance. The initial overheat is usually due to the electric fans not operating or the relay for the fan controller being bad (Drivers side engine compartment in front of the battery). GM did not tie the two temp sensors together in the ECU and they both run independently of each other. the next one is to check the fan/fans (some have two others have one) for operation by manually powering them up. The ECU temp sensors when bad will give you hard starting, especially when the engine is hot and a lack of power is another symptom as it can not control the fuel content correctly. This is due to reading the engine temperature incorrectly (Usually creates heavy smoke due to running to rich once hot). last but not least is the fuel injectors. they are prone to fail on these and will take down more then one cylinder or just will not provide enough fuel. And yes I do run and own my own shop if you did not already guess. Hope this helps with the diagnostics a little.

[@michaelreno4136]

Keep up the good work. Love the channel and the diy approach you take to get the cars running again. Can't wait for the next video!

[@sterlingthibodeaux3690]

Hey Sam.. looks great, sounds great.. the only small thing I noticed was the exhaust clamps midway down were tightened perpendicular compared to the others. it could result in scraping the ground/concrete in certain conditions i.e. driveway transitions, speed bumps, etc. (and ultimately may cause them to break off) Keep up the hard fight!!. CHEERS!!!

[@metatechhd]

💪🔧🚗 This is a remarkable restoration! Thank you for breathing new life into this legendary car. It's always bittersweet to look back on the cars we used to own and realize what we've let go. The 90 ZR-1 was truly a special vehicle, and your dedication to restoring it is inspiring. Keep up the amazing work! 👍🔥👏

[@blackenigma1054]

I really like the way the exhaust looks!!! And sounds🔥👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@chevyguy-hf1yq]

The best of the best. Your delivery is so smooth brother

[@omorin34]

I have bought and fixed a couple flood vehicles. Strayed away from sports cars though. Just figure everything is too close to the ground. Especially things like computers. Nice job on the fuel pump. A lot of love has gone into this one. Personally I like the C1, 2, 6 and 7 versions but respect the ZR-1. I saw a C2 flood vehicle on Copart that I wanted to throw down on but I just finished a Ram 2500 Cummins that I drive now and I'm building an airplane. Try to limit myself to one project at a time.

[@Dormersboj]

who gives a shit

[@MH-YouTube-Controlled]

I really enjoy how each diagnosis leads to an inexpensive, easy to replace part. I keep a magic wand in my tool box for such situations.

[@calebbell5018]

I really want to see this thing perform as you are expecting, you are making great progress!

[@noonehere1793]

Leather honey works great on saddles as well! The oval tips are fine….the clamps are hideous…

[@leatherhoney3094]

Thank you for the kind words! The equestrian industry was actually where we got our start. The family who started and still owns the company are horse farmers. We appreciate your business!

[@tuck6464]

Hey, how about we put the exhaust tips about 5 inches out past the bumper, that should get us a shitload of comments.

[@anthonyrichard8001]

THX! I LOOK FORWARD TO THE UPDATE!

[@stephenmr2]

I love this car!!! I remember in 1990 when i first bought my 1976 corvette i used to read Corvette fever magazine and that is when I found out about the awesome ZR1.

[@rumleyrum5839]

Almost there. Keep going! Also, no go on the exhaust tips, they look clunky. YMMV

[@maudepotvin8660]

I'm proud of you Sam ! You put new cat converter on the car, most youtuber will just dump them. Climate change is real, let's not make it worst ! Happy Planet ! Happy Wife ... i mean step mother !

[@unmountablebootvolume]

Cats don't do that much for the climate, but lots for your health. Noone wants to breathe in unburnt gas, so don't force everyone behind you to do so. I've been stuck behind a straightpiped vehicle for hours, and that was when I made up my mind about straightpiped or deleted engines. Be nice to others, don't make everyone breathe in your dirt, leave that cat and DPF in. It might cost 20hp, but will certainly get you a lot more friends than if you spray soot and unburnt fuel in their face, and there are also so many other ways to get those 20hp back without causing lung cancer.

[@mac9955]

Climate change really? In the 70's it was Global Cooling, then Global Warming, now Climate change. Please take your PC to the appropriate channel. Also, it's not "Worst", it's Worse. Damn Biden supporters...

[@WayApp]

Your attention to detail is incredible! 👏

[@bnelson313braveheart8]

Stay with it Sam. You’re so close to “driving” out the gremlins!

[@user-zl1bh2gk1b]

Easy in, easy out. Though you were talking about stepmom

[@mathieusynnott8915]

like the exhaust but any tips you use tuck them in

[@Matthewv1998]

i'm going through my own C4, but its a 96 LT1. Its not a cakewalk, but its going along. its a journey but its worth it. keep them on the road. especally ZR1s.

[@random-person1]

It probably is a lost cause but worth the time just in case you actually get it running properly for the first time in god knows how long. Keep up the great work Sam, I want to hear this car running right.

[@caseyspeer8179]

Thank God Samcrac is back

[@TerryDeSimone]

Videos once a month Sam? c'mon.. u have more cars than anyone on uTube.. u have SOOOO much content to make.. i check for ur videos everyday..

[@adamh.8650]

I think the exhaust tips would look great 1/2 to an inch past the cutout on the facia. Great progress on this project, and I appreciate you taking on such an influential and unique car in the corvette lineup!

[@Hiller5150]

Beautiful exhaust Sam I seen you mess up cars before thank you for rebuilding this it’s a vary rare car that will never be around again

[@mikewozawski1634]

One of my dream cars right here. That amazing lt5

[@ayo9057]

Dream car? Up your standards 😂

[@mikewozawski1634]

@@ayo9057 lol I own a better car already this is just special to me.

[@Beaulocks_]

Those tips are hidious

[@terrytempleton4112]

Stay with the ZR1. Interesting to see the older technology and your figuring out the issues. And as for finishing projects, I seem to remember a blue 911 a while back you did a bunch of work on including paint and you finished completely. Hang in there!

[@moodiblues2]

Hey Sam, I’m a neighbor of yours, being a Floridian and I’m a C4 lover, having had three of them. I’m glad to see you fixing up the old girl. In about 15 years I think the C4 in good shape will be like the C2s, worth six figures.

[@MrColdwatercanyon]

Sounds good! Personally I don’t care for the tips extended past the bumper

[@dumahim]

Those exhaust tips are hideous.

[@802Garage]

Love the ZR-1 videos!

[@BossTone1]

I admire your tenacity!

[@davidedgar3509]

Personally, I don't like those exhaust tips.

[@TheOmegaRevolution]

Those tips look absolutely ridiculous and stick out way too far.

[@pauldiesel4582]

Yeah, I agree. I’m not sure if he can adjust them back if not, get rid of them. They look like something from PepBoys!

[@johnrodriguez701]

You got this Sam. Love the videos brother. Keep them coming. You are doing great. I love these corvettes. In wish I had one. I have a bad heart so chances of ever driving or owning one are realistically slim to none. I live by your experiences and I appreciate your videos so much. God bless you always Sam.

[@seanwilks7712]

Those tips are horrendous

[@ronwolff5973]

Exhaust tips stick out way too far