Question by Jose: How can you visually tell a REAL Corvette ZR-1 from a 'lookalike'?
I am looking into getting a Corvette C4 (1990-96) ZR-1, but I ran into 2 regular Corvettes with a 'ZR-1' emblem stuck on them. One even had the nerve to tell me he didn't even know what a ZR-1 was!! (needless to say, he's still waiting on my callback...lol). Last thing I need is to get a ZR-1 'wannabe' instead of the real product.
What other cues can I look into to make sure I am not getting ripped off by someone passing a regular 'Vette' for a ZR-1? How can you tell I am getting the real thing? Thanks!
Best answer:
Answer by REV B
The 5th number on the VIN is a Z, not a Y.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The ZR-1 should be established in the V.I.N. # it should start as 1G1Y the 5th letter should be a Z for the ZR-1 model. As with any Muscle car, the Vin should always hold all the secrets to that car.
Most of the people that I know that have bought a brand new corvette, or even used have always asked for the window sticker showing all the details of the car. Usually, unless the Vette is 50 years old, The original buyer will keep the window sticker. Hec.. a 50 thousand dollar piece of paper and he gets a free Corvette with it !! I hope this link helps
http://www.corvetteguys.com
Regular Corvettes had perfectly round tail lights.
ZR-1s had rectangular tail lights with rounded corners.
http://www.raptorllc.net/images/Ruby/Ruby260/zr1-rear-with-hatch-open.jpg
Their exhaust was different too but I do not recall the details.
easiest way.. the price tag.. your not going to find a C4 ZR-1 for under $ 30,000 and even then it’s probably in crap shape for around that price.. it had the uber rare LT5 DOHC motor designed by Lotus and built by Mercury Marine.. they are one of the most collectable corvettes ever produced.. and not to mention that.. all original owners are guaranteed a lifetime warranty for the engine through GM/Lotus/Mercury Marine.. so original owners aren’t going to sell them.. if i were you i would do what a few people who were fans of the ZR-1s of the time.. buy a C4 vette and drop a Northstar motor into it.. the Northstar series was designed from the LT5 motor.. it’s actually not a hard swap i read up on one