The C4 model of the Corvette ZR-1 is an underrated supercar. Wanting like a regular Corvette, its coronary heart is a Lotus-designed 32-valve twin overhead cam V8 producing 375 horsepower. Extraordinarily quick by the requirements of the time, it set a 24-hour endurance run averaging 175.9 mph and remains to be quick right now.
How briskly? That is what the staff at TFL Classics determined to seek out out. They arrange a drag race between a 1990 Corvette ZR-1 and a 1988 L98 Corvette. The proprietor of the ZR-1 made some efficiency modifications and thinks his automotive makes about 425 horsepower, 180 greater than the common Corvette.
The L98 Corvette places up a battle, working a 16-second quarter mile at 89 mph, however it’s no match for the ZR-1 which does it in 14.5 seconds at 109 mph. A rolling begin produces comparable outcomes, with the ZR-1 working away because it will get into the meat of its powerband. At 5,000 RPM, the bottom Corvette begins to get winded whereas the ZR-1 continues to tug exhausting, peaking at virtually 6,000 RPM.
What about in comparison with the up to date C5 Corvette? Beginning with an all-new 350-horsepower LS1 and a six-speed handbook transmission, the C5 appears to be like like a greater match for the “King of the Hill” ZR-1. Not like the ZR-1, the C5 makes use of a rear transaxle, the primary era to take action, giving it a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
It is nonetheless not shut. The 1999 Corvette C5 runs the quarter mile in 15.3 seconds, topping out at 99 mph, whereas the ZR-1 makes a move at 14.38 seconds and 108 mph. Even with higher weight distribution, there is not any getting across the ZR-1’s further horsepower from the higher-revving LT-5 engine.
However what’s most superb about all three Corvettes is their sturdiness. The ZR-1 on this video has over 150,000 miles on the clock and the proprietor drove it for 3 hours to get to the video shoot. The opposite two vehicles function day by day drivers and had been bought for lower than $15,000. It proves but once more that when cared for, an outdated Corvette can final over 300,000 miles and supply years of cheap enjoyable.