Corvette age check here.
I say, “ZR-1”. If you only think of the 1990-1995 C4 Mercury Marine, Lotus-designed OHC engined Vettes…..you're a Corvette n00b.
ZR-1 has an older heritage.
GM first introduced the ZR-1 package back in 1970. This beast included the LT-1 350ci 370hp [maybe more like 400hp] engine, the M22 transmission, transistor ignition, aluminum radiator, heavy-duty power brakes, special springs and shocks, front and rear stabilizer bars, and a metal fan shroud.
The package also included 4 fiberglass flared wheel wells (not installed).
A cold air induction hood and side pipes could be ordered separately.
Strong stuff in the 70's.
BTW, the really first ZR-1? The 1923 USS Shenandoah, a 2,115,000 cubic foot rigid airship. Fabricated in Philadelphia, PA, assembled in Lakehurst, NJ, she first flew in September that year.
2 years later, on 9/3/1925, during the first leg of a publicity flight, ZR-1 Shenandoah encountered violent weather over Ohio and crashed.
Corvette had better luck with its ZR-1’s.
So, if BlueDevil really is to become the next ZR-1……not so bad. But, stay away from the helium. |
I'm fortunate to have a real deal '70 ZR1 in my garage. It's equipped with all that you mentioned but has no rear sway bar, flares or induction hood (I believe add-on glass pieces being delivered with the early ZR1's is a myth, but could be ordered over the counter). C3 Zr's were also equipped with the smaller diameter lightweight L88 flywheel. My car has 456 posi mated to the M22 - and is a real scream to drive. Thanks for your site - keep the Corvette performance and racing flame alive!
--- Pepper from Danol on 10.11.07 at 12:21 am