Is It Worth Spending More For a ZR1? Vintage Chevrolet Corvette Drag Race, Roll Race, & Brake Test

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#chevy #corvette #zr1

[@MrJz97ss]

The ZR-1 C4 Vette is criminally underrated. Super unique history and until the new C8 Z06, it was THE only DOHC engine in a production Corvette.

[@digitalcamaro9708]

People forget that it was basically the best handling car in Motor trend and Car n Driver history at the time. All that power going through 315s at the rear made it a world class performer.

[@speedracerjeff]

Nothing special about the mercury marine LT5. The Callaway supernatural C4 Vettes are way more impressive.

[@kylec4zr1]

@@speedracerjeff The ‘nothing special’ LT5 still holds the 24 hour speed record for a production car 33 years later. The L98 needed 2 turbos to achieve the same power. The SuperNatural LT1s needed to be bored, stroked, plus heads and cam work to finally make more power than the *stock* LT5. Not quite sure how anyone can say it was ‘nothing special’.

[@speedracerjeff]

@@kylec4zr1 C4s are the ugliest Vette generation ever made lol. Nobody looks at them or cares about them. Whether it’s a ZR-1 or L83 Crossfire, bleh… My Mercedes lays waste to C4 ZR-1s… Gaps them like they’re a L98 C4 lol. The LT5 ain’t that great.

[@kylec4zr1]

@@speedracerjeff You said the LT5 wasn’t special. I presented facts about why you were wrong. Then your rebuttal is that C4s are ugly and your 13-year-newer car needs a supercharger to gap LT5s. 🤡💀

[@larryroyovitz7829]

I love that you're racing older cars like this. No other channel is.

[@costasgeorgiou5015]

Is this the only car you tube channels you watch? 😝 Everyone is doin it.

[@larryroyovitz7829]

@@costasgeorgiou5015 Yes!

[@chrisstaples703]

It is called classics sir

[@tripledub0evoxgsr]

Everyone races these cars

[@larryroyovitz7829]

@@tripledub0evoxgsr What other channels race these cars? I'd like to watch them.

[@Pete_Finch]

109MPH at that altitude with a lightly modded C4 ZR1 is extremely impressive

[@speedracerjeff]

Not really that impressive, I guess you’ve never been to Bandimere.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

@@speedracerjeff its impressive for a naturally aspirated car. probably would trap 115 at sea level. Nobody asked for your negativity. And most cars at Bandimere are slow are hell. hellcats cant even break 115mph lol

[@skylerhickman3646]

​@@speedracerjeff Its impressive for a 1990 N/A car. Grow up

[@speedracerjeff]

@@skylerhickman3646 Na… a stock ZR-1 is a 13 second car in the 1/4. A stock 1992 base C4 LT1 with auto & 3.07 also does 13.9 in the 1/4. Not Impressive for the $27k up charge for the ZR-1.

[@skylerhickman3646]

@@speedracerjeff I dont think you watched the same video then. Theres clearly a bigger difference than .9 seconds lol

[@markmonroe7330]

Nice to see the C4 ZR-1 getting some love. I have a 1994 ZR-1 and have really enjoyed it.

[@OrderOfTheDragan1429]

You sir are one lucky guy.👍

[@wilsonme2]

I have a '94 too and like it a lot! Cheapest 180 mph out there!

[@sirlancair]

@@wilsonme2 ported intake and headers, youre looking at a 200 mph car.

[@kj475]

You guys should run that ZR1 against a 02-04 C5 Z06 and a 03-04 Terminator Cobra. Those would be some interestingly competitive races.

[@justinmclaughlin1953]

14.5 second quarter mile car would be competitive with those ? I disagree

[@KrGsMrNKusinagi0]

I think the terminator would do better than the 02 -04 z06

[@spankthemonkey3437]

They should run it against a stock GMC syclone or typhoon 😃

[@tommyteeth5874]

@@justinmclaughlin1953 Gotta correct for altitude...

[@keithvanwinkle9919]

Yea the Cobra with a pulley would scorch all of them

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

I would like to see the same races with a _STOCK_ ZR1 !!

[@tejadu06]

And a base model but newer than '92

[@MrDrakePrice]

SAME result

[@RichM3000]

Yeah, probably not a lot different. The ZR-1 was a lot faster than the base C4 Vette but was almost twice the price too. So, it better be a lot better. I'd really like to see a C5 with a stick shift against it, though. That 4-speed auto was a dog, where the 6-speed manual was a thing of beauty. If memory serves, the auto was a full second slower 0-60.

[@gordocarbo]

@@RichM3000 Z will take the stock 6 spd C5 but not by a lot. THe Z06 was a different story

[@innerlightfilms]

The exhaust note in my 93 ZR-1 is like no other. Something an electric car can never provide. So much more to a driving experience than speed.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

100%!!

[@speedracerjeff]

They don’t sound like anything special. My AMG sounds way better than any ZR-1

[@ztwntyn8]

@@speedracerjeffthen go troll a Mercedes video.. or race a modern Vette or would hims little pp get knocked in the dirt and feelings hurt?

[@speedracerjeff]

@@ztwntyn8 I beat modern Vettes all the time lol. ​My E55 makes over 600 crank HP, puts 525hp & 610 torque to the rear wheels on the dyno jet, and beats LS2 and LS3 C6s. I give them the hit and still come around them in 2nd gear. I street race all the time. I’ve had my E55 up to 180mph.

[@surfordie82]

You hit the nail in the head, "so much more to a driving experience than speed". There will always be ICE cars in racing and for enthusiasts. It's just a more visceral experience.

[@schmoab]

It’s pretty crazy that Miatas and Corvettes from the same generations are converging in price. I’ve owned plenty of Miatas but always wanted a C5 or ZR-1. The 4 overhead camshafts really deliver that sports car type of power.

[@KevinJames-yg9eu]

It's not so much the power as the fact it has primary and secondary intake runners with different cam profiles so it can keep the drivability and meet emissions and fuel economy requirements using 1980s technology. The L98 could have easily made the power with a different intake manifold and camshaft, but then it would never have met any government regulations to be sellable.

[@anthonye3680]

A 90s Miata with a turbo runs 13 and 12s easy it's crazy how fun they become and actually a bit scary.

[@SoylentGamer]

The Corvette of this generation was a super serious sports car, competing with Ferraris and Porsches of the time. It's crazy how affordable they've become. I feel like it's the new entry-level sports car.

[@dant3588]

Nice to see some C4 love. Current owner of a 90 ZR-1, she has her quirks, but always puts a smile on my face when I get on her. Keep up the great work!

[@lukehelpmetakethisdangmaskoff]

How is your clutch? Ive replaced the master and slave and may have to again as the same weird whine is coming back as the clutch peddle is depressed.

[@geomaz35]

@@lukehelpmetakethisdangmaskoff read ZFdoc website thoroughly, zf can whine due to trans alignment, pilot bearing degradation, check c-beam bolt properly torqued, if c-beam plates installed make sure washers deleted (step#4 installation)

[@lukehelpmetakethisdangmaskoff]

@@geomaz35 thanks man!

[@geomaz35]

There was a bad batch of slave cylinders, ZFdoc bought out remaining supply and fixed the reversed assemblies. Buy from him to assure proper function.

[@lukehelpmetakethisdangmaskoff]

@@geomaz35 Again, thank you so much!

[@rexgratteaux8655]

The 1991 ZR1 got a hp jump and made 405hp and 400LBFT and was a click faster than the 1991 Dodge Viper V10 8.1 liter , I love your content on vintage vettes , keep it coming guys

[@cali2468]

*1993

[@rogerrose8220]

405HP in 93

[@jameshowey9958]

Jordan is a great guy, nice of him to bring his car. I’m not surprised by the performance of the ZR1 at all especially with the mods 😉

[@scottosullivanlawyer]

Love it! I’ll never forget driving a dark green ZR1 from my dad’s Chevy dealership (Sullivan Chevrolet) in NJ in back in the day. Thanks for bringing back great memories.

[@DannySauer]

That dark green was a fantastic color. Green is underrated in general. :)

[@germangiuliani9382]

Hi. C4 owners want to see a c4 96 LT4 VS the ZR1. Reviewers are always saying they are equally fast. That would be super interesting to find out and the first video of its kind! Thanks for putting the effort in doing these videos:) !!!

[@jordantownsendracing5782]

I too would like this match up.

[@eyeshocars9978]

Hell yuh

[@thenaturecreater8906]

As a zr1 owner that would be awesome to see. The lt4 is a underrated engine set up I heard 😉

[@efstorms]

As a fellow C4 owner I’d love to see this match up as well

[@byrnc927]

I have owned them both and at the same time. The ZR-1 just has the legs the LT-4 doesn't have. As the LT-4 starts wheezing the LT-5 is still pulling hard.

[@expeditionjay]

Not gonna lie, I didn't expect the zr1 to smoke the base c5 like it did. All awesome vettes. Fun video to watch!

[@TheDrivenDave]

I LOVE this series!! The ZR1 was always a rare unicorn back in the day, and my heart still skips a beat when I see one. I always wondered what my C4 would have done against the ZR1, so it was awesome to see. Thanks TFL!

[@jojokrump1998]

They have the L98 vette though. Should be the LT1

[@melissadunagan6596]

@@jojokrump1998 No do the 96 LT4

[@jojokrump1998]

@@melissadunagan6596 LT1 just common and cheap. LT4 seems like prices almost the same as zr1 anymore. I just wish they would of been a bit more fair.

[@elliottbutts153]

The C4 is aging well. I believe they are better looking now than they ever were. I’ve had several C3’s and they are probably my favorite but the C4 is really growing on me.

[@thehomer5913]

Nice video. Thanks for taking the time to make it. However, the base C4 Vette improved dramatically after the launch of the ZR-1. I'd love to see a rematch of a base 1996 Vette with the ZR-1. But I am glad you included a base C5 for comparison. And honestly, NOTHING compares to the ZR-1. That thing was a monster.

[@tommyteeth5874]

Why compare a base car to the most expensive? How about a 1996 LT4 car?????

[@gordocarbo]

THe Z will take even the LT4 in the 1/4 mile. WHat GM did right was offer the Hotcam as a no tune drop in cam ca legal for smog

[@gordocarbo]

@@tommyteeth5874 Close in the 1/4 but the Z will take it up top every time. Now add a hotcam and 411s the LT4 is a solid 12.60 car. 96 LT4 is the only LTx vette Id own the lT1s just didnt impress me at all

[@tommyteeth5874]

@gordocarbo there are much better choices these days for cams than the hot cam. I feel somebody at GM was told NOT to use the hot cam in the production Lt4 cars as it would've eclipsed the elitist zr-1 performance. I have an LT4 car... a crappy one I paid very little for. I'd swap cams but it's a royal pita. You'd think it would be super easy... not.

[@JohnDoe-xl1ig]

My only beef it's a stock car vs modified car... just set of longtubes make hell of a difference in American v8 cars.

[@davidgossage2244]

Not to mention the porting on the Z. Not an accurate comparison, especially with the absolute slowest C5 configuration. 2:73 gears, with an auto, next to a modded car with 3:42 and a six speed.

[@dant3588]

The mods really wake up the LT-5, so agree not a pristine comparison.

[@tassioribeirodesouzaribeir5202]

​@@davidgossage2244 Concordo com vc! Não tem como comparar uma manual com um automático. 👍🏻

[@sirlancair]

@@davidgossage2244you could do a cam and headers on the ls1, and still get smoked by a modified intake and headers and stock camed lt5..they PULL hard all thru their powerband..they are not SOFT, down low.. so, they pull in the low rpms like the 350tpi..even though lt5 is technically also tpi.

[@milesromanus7041]

The C4 Corvette had the craziest variants. The ZR-1, the crazy V12 ZR-12, the Callaway twin turbos and the legendary Sledgehammer. It's my dream to own any of these variants of C4

[@9663mu]

It was the ZR1 that made Ferrari step up their game. The performance for that time was out of this world

[@pgtmr2713]

Was it? I thought it was GMC's 4.3 pickup and SUV whoopin that ass and then the NSX for daily use, that gave Ferrari no choice but to make improvements.

[@tommyteeth5874]

a bolt on Grand national would run away and hide from that modded ZR-1.

[@9663mu]

@@tommyteeth5874 fair enough. Love the GN. But I’m talking stock out of box.

[@GoldenCroc]

​@@tommyteeth5874Would it really? So a GN bolt on is way, way above 450hp? I take it "bolt on" in this case means everything changed but engine internals?

[@tommyteeth5874]

@GoldenCroc just 3" downpipe, exhaust, injectors and TA49 turbo would put you there on 100 octane tune back in the day...it aint always about hp. In a drag race my $1200 in mods will leave so hard that zr1 wont catch it. My buddy had a zr1 in the early 90's. I lives that race. The plates on my car were LATRZR1.

[@Offshore1977]

The more I see your videos, the more I appreciate the C4 and C5 Corvettes

[@SlingKing2015]

Would love to see that ZR1 tested at sea level.

[@watchandjewelryloft4713]

Yes exactly. One thing I hate about many channels. They'll be testing cars at elevation or on snow/rain. I'm down near the Gulf of Mexico. I need relevant testing lol.

[@jalee6587]

Yeah he is probably losing 50-60hp at that altitude.

[@KevinJames-yg9eu]

@@jalee6587 More than that. The air density in Denver is 82% of sea level, so that turns 375hp in 308hp.

[@CS-Loc]

@@KevinJames-yg9eu Per kinematic equations of motion, that car trapping at 109mph is basically making 360hp at altitude. So at least 425hp+ at sea level.

[@gordocarbo]

90 Should run a 12.9 driven just right In crap Ca air mine slipped and spun through 2nd to no better than 13.3/4 ranging from 108-110. For stock it was Ok .

[@roxiebeagle]

I have a 91 ZR-1. I will never sell it- it does everything I want from a performance car.

[@jakejake7162]

I love my 85 c4 l98 4+3 speed. She’ll make your ears ring if you stand behind her when i rev. My dream is to turn it into something as close to the c4 sledgehammer, the story behind the engineer that kept pushing forward even though his peers told him it wouldn’t work. His persistence and dedication to his craft is something that deeply resonates with me, nothing but respect for those who chase their dreams with haters surrounding them.

[@Zsword92]

That's a great ride Jordan!Always loved the c4 zr1. The looks, performance and sound. The lT5 is an amazing engine. No wonder Chevy engineers took notes from it when building the Ls1 for the base C5 and the ls6 for the C5 z06

[@speedracerjeff]

The LT5 is nothing special lol. Barely made 400hp. Has nothing to do with the LS engines.

[@andrethewhite4000]

@@speedracerjeff Ok there Jeff

[@case2238]

@@speedracerjeff bro you have NO idea what you are talking about. We didn’t see stock N/A v8s making 400hp until 2010s+. The LS was almost put in the last couple years of the C4, but since it had already gone through 4 different engines, they decided to wait until the new model. It’s all in the Chief Engineers’ book, “Corvette From the Inside” by Dave McLellan

[@gordocarbo]

@@case2238 Dude is an ignoramous...typical stat internet racer driving a used MB lol

[@kylec4zr1]

The LT5 at wide open throttle *chef’s kiss*

[@jblack5323]

Zr1 was a beast. 0-60 in the low 4’s back in 1990. Destroyer of the Buick GNX and most exotics.

[@iainmckenzie9323]

Loved the video. ZR1 is amazing. The top end speed is down to the Lotus work. They are masters at making quick free reving engines, making power flow faster and smoother. Great work TFL. Hope to see a ZR1 vs gen 6 or 7 soon.

[@Long-nd8bq]

Throw a 125 HP wet nitrous shot on the C5 and run them again ;-) Wow, $10,500 for a ZR1? That's a steal. Those go for much more than that from what I can find listed for sale. I see that Omega Moon Swatch! Fellow watch and car enthusiast here.

[@speterbilt]

That ZR1 sounds so good

[@Michael_Lorenson]

You'll notice the ZR-1's LT5 engine has sixteen intake runners feeding eight cylinders, so two per cylinder. The 'primary' runners are roughly comparable the standard L98's _only_ runners. The 'secondary' runner of each pair opens at something like 3,500 RPM, controlled by the ECU through butterfly valves in the intake manifold, to allow better high-RPM breathing. The 'Valet Switch' prevents those valves from opening, thereby restricting the LT5's horsepower to approximately the same (~245 hp) as the L98's maximum. Carburetors and mechanical spark distributors carried the ball for about the first 80 years of internal combustion power. But then we got widespread use of electronic fuel-injection and spark-control in the early 1980s, thanks to emissions and fuel-economy regs introduced in the 1970s. Variable pathway-length and volume intake manifolds began to appear right around 1988, as I recall, so the LT5 may have been among the first engines to use that idea. Plus, Honda introduced VTEC variable valve timing at almost the same time (again, as I recall). I think the first U.S.-market car to have it was the Acura NSX. By combining these basic concepts, adding 30-40 years-worth of improved sophistication, and likely adding a turbo or two as well, you get a modern engine.

[@lowbodyfat6707]

I ran 12.9 @ 110 in a Bone stock 1998 corvette with a six speed right down the the hockey puck run flat tires, , the gearing on the auto made the difference here

[@kevin9c1]

It wasn't until the 2001 Z06 that the ZR-1 was finally matched again. 11 years!

[@troypatillo1688]

I wish they could have brought a c5 ZO6 out. Would have been a great race for the ZR-1

[@aaronbritt2025]

The 1990 ZR-1 is on my very short attainable dream cars list. I have a very long "I'll never be able to afford" dream car list as well, but I might actually buy one of these some day. I want the 1990 because it's a one year car. It has the pre-facelift front end with the convex ZR-1 only rear end. IMO, the LT5 is THE Chevy 350 engine to own. Developed by Lotus, built by Mercury Marine.

[@MikeD-gv4rr]

Get one while the getting is good! I got a feeling in 5 years they will be $100,000 cars.

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@MikeD-gv4rr They were almost that much a few years ago and came down. They car market goes up and down on the regular. Not in a position to get one today, but soon.

[@dant3588]

They're still very affordable, and the ZR-1 registry community is a great resource for owners, and a great community to be a part of. You can read up on the history in the book Heart of The Beast.

[@aaronbritt2025]

@@dant3588 Yep. Been a student of all things C4 since I was in Middle School (85-87).

[@trashbandit2449]

@@aaronbritt2025 a few years ago they were around 25k... how many years are you talking about

[@NightRunner_K5]

Love the C4 content! Keep it up!

[@kevin9c1]

89 to 109 mph trap suggests a 200 hp advantage for the ZR-1 and given what they said at the beginning, that sounds just about right. Yay science?

[@StreetRacingLifeStyle]

The zr1 sounded healthy AF

[@yuris6125]

Yass!

[@wrussi]

the ZR1 is my all time favorite car.

[@Tusuperbis]

Coming back from corvette homecoming in bowling Green one night and had a run with a c4 zr1. I had a 99 Frc at the time and they were dead even till about 130 and then the zr1 started edging me out. C4 zr1 was way ahead of its time!

[@Stinger430]

Awesome video. Jordan is a star. Did anyone else have trouble with the audio? I couldn't hear the guys at times.

[@atodaso1668]

Those old ZR1's are special, a 32v chevy!

[@proudtoshootpentax]

Absolutely love seeing these Corvette videos! Seeing that ZR-1 is an especially cool treat. C5 is still the one I pine for.

[@speedracerjeff]

The C4 will forever be the red headed step child of the Vette family. The C5 is actually good looking.

[@CorvZ061]

@@speedracerjeff Late C3's were the red headed step child, then C4's, next will be C5's, then C6 etc as new generations come out the older generation, on the verge of becoming a classic, gets cheap and looked down on. The C4 is starting to rise in popularity again now that they're over 25 years old. I'd take an 84 over a 79 any day of the week.

[@speedracerjeff]

@@CorvZ061 C4s are ok. But they lack style and looks. C3s have those sexy iconic body lines. And the C5 is modern, sleek, and a better car than the C4s. I’ve owned a few C4s I don’t hate them, just being honest. The C5 handles better, comes with a LS1, has the looks and modern styling. Go to a Corvette show and unless you have a GrandSport or Callaway, nobody looks at a C4.

[@CorvZ061]

@@speedracerjeff C5’s are starting to look very dated. Lots of electrical problems, some of which aren’t even fixable anymore. I’ll take a car that is fixable and can be made to perform than one that really isn’t much faster, at least in non Z06 form, and has parts availability and electrical gremlins.

[@case2238]

@@speedracerjeff c5’s are the ugliest generation. At least the c4 knew what it wanted to be. It was perfectly 90s with the rounded-square style and the quintessential sports car wedge shape. The c5 fell victim to the “ambiguous-blob” styling of the early 2000s. Completely vague and boring looks, only reminiscent of the corvette shape when seen as a silhouette. Not to mention, what were they thinking with the half assed OVAL taillights? And people thought the rounded square lights on the c4 were bad??

[@BruceLee-xn3nn]

I remember seeing a picture of the ZR-1 on a magazine when it first came out. They were claiming 70mph burnouts.

[@TommyGordon82579]

I remember that too.

[@wg8290]

That ZR-1 is impressive for such an old car.

[@christiankobler8816]

Would love to see a comparison between this ZR-1 and a C6!!

[@Carguylogan]

it's gonna be pretty similar. Except the C6 is newer and much more refined. I loved my 92 Vette though, it had a cool feeling.

[@bikerbeliever8169]

If you gut the pre cats and main cat on that l98 vette it is a whole new car by doing that alone. Highly recommend it, you'd be super surprised the difference, the cats were so restrictive on the c4 years.

[@speedracerjeff]

Na they’re still slow. The L98 has no top end. It falls on its face at high rpm. I’ve owned a 88 C4 and 92 C4.

[@cali2468]

Meh not really. You'd have to ditch the Tuned Port intake manifold for it to be anything serious.

[@redoz9768]

You make great videos, I love how much footage you've gotten out of the C4 Corvette, while still keeping it entertaining.

[@torque91]

The L-98 is a low end torque beast! Great for stop light to stop light fun. My '91 has a 2.59 rear gear and will still plaster you to the seat.

[@jacobac42]

That was a sweet review. I really appreciate what the ZR1 was and stood for especially back in 1990. As near as makes no difference 400 horsepower when most cars were struggling to crack 300. If you guys are ever looking for another C4 comparison I have an aqua 1992 LT1 /6 with 90k in Golden that you all are welcome to any time.

[@chadbeaver9199]

Next august I'm coming back up to Loveland heights think I could swing that way and get a ride?

[@batvette]

That was a great color, that and black rose were my favorite C4s. I picked the silver beige for my 86 for one reason- it is the color of concrete on california freeways, especially near sunset. Practically invisible. Why own a fast car you are afraid of driving fast because of speeding tickets? After about 8 years I had to paint it black after burning some of the local PD late one night.

[@imaginova88]

Great video but it's a shame a stock ZR-1 wasn't available for the tests

[@3.2Carrera]

I built a "what if" L98 on a 1990 6m Convertible Corvette. Short story is it ran 13.07 at 107MPH at PBIR (video is here on yourube somewhere) with street tires and a bad driver (me!). All I did was port the stock heads, size the TPI to the 350 displacement (it was sized for 305CI), deal with the small manifolds, install a mild cam, and tuned the stock computer. I think it cost me $5000 in parts and achieved what was well within Chevrolet's grasp in the mid 80's. I loved the LT5 and what it represented back in the day but the engine option was $35,000 alone and that was absolutely insane when the gen 1 small block still had lots of cheap, untapped capability. If anything good came of it, GM powertrain got motivated to actually develop the LS1.

[@tedosmundson5620]

In 2006 my stock 91 ZR-1 with headers and a flash went 12.90 at 110 mph at the track in Vegas. Very little traction was there that day

[@scottjuly79]

Would love to see a factory stock ZR-1 tested against and LT1 or LT4 C4 Corvette. I think it could serve as good example to why they had a tough time selling the ZR1 at close to double the price. Regardless, ZR-1 is probably my second favorite Corvette of all time (next only to the C6 ZR-1), cutting edge domestic technology for the time.

[@highmileagecollection8264]

I've got a C4 ZR-1 and a supercharged LT-1 C4. My supercharged C4 gets the ZR-1 out of the gate but once it hits 3rd gear, the Z starts eating..a lot!

[@gordocarbo]

@@highmileagecollection8264 I resemble that username! lol

[@ztwntyn8]

Constructive criticism: an outside shot of the races would have been more informative. New tires gain traction after a bit of wear that rounds off the leading edges of the tread. They will feel feathered. Personal problems lol: I was like what gearing do you have needing to shift 3rd shortly after 30mph.. turns out you didn’t have to. Then you use the lesser 375hp ZR-1.. oh but with ported heads! I could not mind headers even and exhaust because I think that would make up the difference or close to the stronger 405hp ZR-1 but no.. and then the LT-1 could have been used as well. The closest you could get would be LT-1 C4 M6 vs stock 375hp ZR-1 and the most fair since in 92 LT-1 was out and the LT-5 made 375 that year. There would be many ways to mix and match this though and it’s not every day there is a C4 ZR owner willing to go make pulls in the winter on top of a mountain lol. All in all it was a fun comparison IMO. I do think a L98 auto around 89 would be the best 0-60 maybe better than the LT1 but in a roll definitely the LT1 >L98

[@gordocarbo]

Correct..had a Z..and wound up selling it...Also had an 89 that for a st car was just better. Planned on doing a ca legal 406 til the smog reg got too tight in Ca L98s...where else for under 8k can you get that much car? Had a couple, love em all. They werent "fast" but light to light they were plenty of fun

[@jamesengland7461]

3 hour drive one way to show off this beauty? Well done, Jordan!

[@franktore]

Shouldnt the topic say "You wont believe how fast an old MODDED Chevy Corvette ZR-1 is compared to two standard Corvettes"?

[@Myrdoc]

These throwback comparisons are awesome. I'd love to see a new Camaro V6 race a 4th Gen LT1 Camaro. That would be interesting!

[@mcmc1863]

Love to see a vid of c4 zr1 vs testarossa, countach, whatever bmw was around etc, let it show how far it really was. OR All the Z series vettes race, c4, c5, c6,c7 !!

[@taelorwatson9822]

About 2 Years ago I saw ZR1 for sale under 10k. I wish I had gone and looked at it. I knew what kind of a monster they were. I wouldn't mind having the Corvette I am old and fat so I fit the demographic. There's a couple cars I considered buying and each one of them this guy on KZbin made me regret not buying them. The other one being the 2005 E320 CDI. Found one for 2500 in 2016. Bought a 2011 Infiniti, it's been a good car, but I paid 11 K and I could have had the Vette and the Merc for almost the same price

[@johnnymoran180]

When the ZR-1 came out in 90 I was a teenager with a Gbody Malibu with a small block and a 175 hp nitrous kit. The car was a street racer and would dead hook on the nitrous using McCreary 265/60D15 dirt track tires.. My boss at the time bought a ZR-1 and I challenged him to a street race for a months pay ($5/hr) at the time. He wouldn't do it. I think he thought he was saving me the loss. Haha he would have gotten gapped badly.😎

[@Cruisinjohn316]

Still one of my favorite channels! Absolutely love this video! I was smiling the whole time! Great job guys, thank you for the great content!

[@wallyr.7854]

Proudly own a 91 KOH ZR1 and it’s the best car I’ve ever owned…LOVE IT 😍

[@Mika73x2]

This was interesting video. Had -90 ZR1 15 years. Car was modded with long ceramic coated headers, race cats and Corsa exhaust system. Light aluminum flywheel. BeCool aluminum radiator. Mark Haibeck chip. It run standing mile at airport 153MPH. And quarter mile around 13.5s seconds.❤

[@One_Shot_Garage]

It would be interesting to see a rematch with some bolt-ons added to the 88. Heads, cam, intake, headers and a tune and I bet things would be dead even. A lot of people write off the L98 but it doesn't take too much to wake them up. Factor in that ZR1s typically start betwen $20-30k while an L98 C4 in decent shape can be had for less than $10k and modding a base car sounds even more enticing.

[@soulerflare7]

Those mods won't make them even , no way !!!! That was about 10 bus lengths .

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Still no comparison. The engineering that went into that LOTUS/MERCURY built LT5 means it WILL hold up to being beat on for extremely long periods of time.........and do it like it's just another walk in the park. Try modding an L98 (or anything else for that matter ) to run flat out at 180 mph+ for 24 hrs straight ( with stops for tires, fuel, driver changes bringing the speed average down to 175+ mph ).........or for 29 hrs straight to reach 5,000 miles........just try it......then get back with us. The LT5 accomplished those 2 records with only headers & open exhaust. I'm not dissing the L98 at all. I like the L98.........but there's nothing you can do to an L98 to make it as DURABLE as a bone stock LT5. No way. Why do ya think after decades, it still holds both the 24hr and 5,000 mile speed endurance records. That's nothing short of incredible. Then there's the mods you can do to the LT5. But it's still plenty good enough, just the way it is.

[@kyoakland]

​@Chris C right 😂

[@gordocarbo]

Its not about that though, driving the 2 are completely different deals

[@TechNoirToyclub]

Cool Video so far, but sadly the C4 ZR-1 wasn`t stock...hope you find a another comepletely stock 1990 Zr-1 to compare again. Would be also interesting to compare against a standard C4 when the ZR-1 is switched not in full engine power mode. Then both cars should be very close. But never seen a test about this yet. By the way, good 1990 ZR-1 models can do 12.8 sec on the 1/4 mile under ideal conditions. Also a c5 mit manual would be a more interesting comparison. A standard C5 manual is pretty close to a C4 ZR-1 from the start, but at higher speeds a ZR-1 pulls away continually.

[@cali2468]

An L98 C4 vs ZR-1 will not be close. L98 Corvettes run 14's stock while ZR1's can easily go bottom 13's to high 12's. 375hp > 245hp.

[@case2238]

@@cali2468 he said they would be close if the ZR-1 was in ‘Valet’ mode. Can you read?

[@tecnoir7943]

I think if they keep boasting about how good c4s are, I think mine are going to start to appreciate in value a lot more

[@michaelthebarbarian3380]

If you guys ever want to run against my 96 LT4 car I would be down to make the road trip. Sweet video!

[@camaro69green31]

Love this series of videos guys... keep them coming!! Would love to see a fourth Gen F-body comparo?? Z28.... SS..... WS6..... Firehawk..... ???

[@dancollins8296]

I would love to see a video on those cars.

[@michaelm3381]

Agreed!

[@bikingD]

These were beasts back in the day. Remember a buddies ZR1 in highschool taking on a Ferrari Testarossa and just took it down big time.

[@The_Hi_Life]

The C4 ZR1s are some of the best sounding cars in history!

[@RedfishCarolina]

Love how that ZR1 just walked off once it got into it's big end.

[@nlken7175]

ZR-1 is awesome. Love it

[@Matticus289]

This is the first time I've ever heard the L98 referred to as "potent". Maybe "adequate"? I don't think the C4 became much to pay attention to until the LT1 and LT4s were used Edit: not counting the ZR-1, of course

[@DHolmquistDesigns]

LT1 def would have been a better comparison. LT1-LT4 models are far superior to the L98 cars and they aren’t much more $$

Had a friend w a 92 zr1 and i enjoyed driving it more then my z07 package z06 it had SOUL and was raw exactly what cars have lost now since theyre all electro nanny sleds…i drove the one w the hp bump from 375 to 405

[@kcbroncohater]

I'm 70 yrs old and I have a nice c5. I don't go fast anymore but I love taking exit ramps ...

[@davidgossage2244]

So, you are testing a modded ZR-1 against stock cars, and calling it apples to apples? And auto to stick none the less. Joke test, you know it. Do better.

[@jojokrump1998]

Zr1 still beat a c5

[@davidgossage2244]

Actually, stock vs stock, a six speed C5 has a faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile.

[@NWI_Steel]

That ZR-1 sounds amazing

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Man I still remember when the zr1 first came out! It was a breakthrough in horsepower! Such legendary car! I built a 1/24 scale model of that same car back then, and I still have it! 👌😎👍

[@gabrielcollazo6835]

No it wasn't😂😂😂 the 1970 chevelle made 450hp.... I'm gonna assume u r just referring to EFI cars

[@ftboomer1]

I spent about 10x on a Boxster GTS 4.0. I love my car but ABSOLUTELY respect the band for the buck you are getting with these Corvettes. Total respect for the C4-C5 and variants. I've always loved the LT5 and it was a great video. Thank you. If you want to run the Dragon, hit me up.

[@Enoverdoskaffe]

Ah, the ZR-1 my dream car.

[@markmonroe7330]

Both Corvettes are mostly traction limited in first gear and even into 2nd. That is why the Raptor killed the Corvette in the last video from a dig. The ZR-1 especially shines best from a roll and higher speeds. The ZR-1 really shines over 100mph.

[@johnnybandit5141]

Those ZR1s are just a beautiful dream machine and underated gems

[@blackrat1228]

I did a dyno run right after a clean ZR-1 with my ls1 f body. With just a lid I put down the same power he did. Amazing what less than 10 years of advancement had done.

[@jeepzjken]

They didn't call the ZR-1 the "King of the hill" for nothing!

[@sabrewolf479]

C4 ZR1 was the car I dreamed about as a teenager. Out of my reach, but not Ferrari or Lambo out of reach. I've got C7Z now, but that C4 still beckons to me.

[@Giitzerland]

I think ZR1's(any of them, they're all great!) are definitely one of the best car's to buy right now, I can't see them depreciating any lower than 10k, and have seen a few great examples asking far more than what they sold for new.

[@WardoUSA]

Love this video. Call it retro or whatever you wish, it is by far the most entertaining content right now. There are so many cool cars from 20-30 years ago. I have been a Pontiac fan my whole life and just learned about the 91 firehawk. WOW, how did I not know about that incredible machine. Rare cars bring true appreciation.

[@saiyanninjawarriorz]

The modded ZR1 makes it unfair 😂

[@neonvoid]

that was a fun test, thank you (1985 C4 base owner here :) )

[@buildingracingvideos4714]

In 1990 they started using the LT1/3 in the C4 which put it over 300hp. My 96 was rated at 330hp.

[@roryrice8742]

I got to ride in a ZR1 prototype that my friends company was testing. It was very impressive.

[@HardwiredZ06]

That modded zr1 sounds so mean on the rev in neutral and on the flyby. Way more aggressive than the L98's tame, bassy note. Kind of like an LS motor but better.

[@bccev770]

ZR1 King of the hill, was, back then....💪😜👍

[@stevenrogers2457]

I've owned my '96 C4 Corvette for 15 years now, love the content guys!

[@davidwillis369]

I love my 90 Corvette, so much so that it is my daily driver. Having the targa top makes it a great daily here on Maui.

[@originalsoundjunky]

I have always liked C4's - and have been following the ZR-1 for some time. Thanks for this video.

[@jordantrujillo293]

Pretty neat seeing those two go head to head. Crazy how much a difference a prepped track makes, my 1987 auto l98 ran 14.8 at Bandimere right at 99mph before I sold it for a LS based car.

[@nathanlopez5667]

You should try to find a C5 Z06 to put up against that ZR1

[@garrisonnichols807]

I wish the ZR-1 was completely stock to give a better representation between it and the 89 base model but still a fun video. But my favorite is definitely the 5th generation with that amazing LS1 engine. C4 are still my second favorite. I've driven both and I think the C5 is the superior choice here.

[@destruxandexploze2552]

1989 had the 6 speed manual so his is an 88.

[@franciscopatino5803]

I wanna see a stock 96 ZR1 and a stock 04 Z06 go head to head 😛 the top of the line and end of the production for each of the chassis

[@gordocarbo]

04 will take it in the 1/4 earlier Z06s its a drivers race