If my 85 vette is faster than a ZR-1, does that make my vette better than a ZR-1? Resale value aside of course.

ZR1:driving:

85 vette:burnout:

I think in this case "better" is a relative term. If YOU think it's better than a ZR-1, that's all that matters. The ZR-1 is a badass ride, with a badass engine, but it's also an engine that few aftermarket parts are available for, and it's expensive to work on. I know of alot of different built up rides that are faster than a stock ZR-1. Do I think they're all better than a ZR-1? well, some yes, some no. I would have bought a ZR-1 if I could have found one in my price range and in good shape. But, I absolutely love my '87, and if I can get the perormance up to a level similar to a ZR-1, I will be just as happy with it. SO, whether or not your car is "better" than a ZR-1 is pretty much a question that can only be answered by you. The ZR-1 has alot of upgrades from earlier C4's... engine, suspension, etc. but if you'd take yours over a ZR, that's really all that matters. Just my opinion, anyway.:cheers:

Of course, if it's BADDER, then its BETTER! :sm_party:

Is it the cost is that why GM made the early TPI engines have 230-250 HP? Even if they asked another $5000.00 and added 100 HP, they would have sold more vettes in my opinion. They could of added headers large tube runners ported intake, heads, cam. If they mass produced them it would of cost peanuts.

Is it the cost is that why GM made the early TPI engines have 230-250 HP? Even if they asked another $5000.00 and added 100 HP, they would have sold more vettes in my opinion. They could of added headers large tube runners ported intake, heads, cam. If they mass produced them it would of cost peanuts.


That's where the evolution from the L-98 to the LT-1 and it's sucessors came about. The L-98 is pretty limited by the TPI intake manifold, and unless that issue is addressed, there's a limit on just how much hp that engine can make.
The horsepower is not everything in the earlier C4's. My 87 had 240hp from the factory, but 300 ft lbs of torque, which coming off the line would (and still will) desimate alot of cars with more hp, that dont have that kind of torque figures as low in the RPM range. Some of those cars will get me on the top end, but not until they've seen a fair amount of the back of my car (I'm pushing about 300hp now, with the few mods I've done so far).

Of course, if it's BADDER, then its BETTER! :sm_party:

Thats the way I look at it, now if only everyone else would! lol