Restoring my Salvage Corvette ZR1's Flood Destroyed Engine Components 

Like the exhaust but those tips need to be tucked in. A lot.

Thank you for fixing this legend. I had a 90 ZR-1 about 15 years ago. I should never had sold it. These are truly special cars.

Those exhaust tips are cool, but I'd like to see them only extend about an inch past the bumper. Looks like they'd fit perfectly set back a bit. The profile of bumper cutout and the contour of the tips scream inset...🤔✌️😎

No way this is a lost cause. This is an important car that deserves to be brought all the way back, and I feel like the value will be there when it's fixed. This and the Callaway Vette are awesome cars of that period, and I think the exotic 4 cam is more interesting.

With the alternator voltage being so low its possible the fans arent spinning fast enough or at all

I would reposition those exhaust clamps. The first time you bottom out the suspension or go over the speed bumps you’re going to hit those clamps and pull the cats or exhaust boxes off. Put them to the side or 90° from how you have them at the moment.

Love this project! Good to see you fixing this corvette. Any car that is over 10 years old will most likely need extensive repairs especially when the car is flood damaged. You are doing a great job. Can't wait to see the next video.

That LT-5 engine is awesome. I truly appreciate you saving it from the scrap heap. The car should definitely be on the road.

Please rotate those clamps up on the exhaust. This car is not a lost cause. I enjoy watching you bring it back from the dead.

1:33 checking the current draw of a pump isn't a guarantee that the pump is pumping fluids, the current could simply be due to the motor running with some resistance. The only way to be sure that a pump is moving fluid is to check the line pressure on the outlet side. (or volume). I've had MANY water pumps etc "run" but not move any water due to a broken impellor.

Former 92 ZR1 owner here. I purchased mine used with fairly high mileage in 2006 and had fuel issues. Replaced the fuel pump, no fix. In the end there was a loose ground on the wiring to the fuel pump. I couldn't find it, a dealership did. Fyi :)

Great video! Your trouble shooting skills are extraordinary! Flood issues + old car issues.

The way that engine is coming up slow through the gears - even though you have the power light - seems like the secondary butterfly's aren't opening. Or if they are, possibly no fuel flow to the secondary injectors. Back in the day, I discovered quite by accident, one side of the butterfly's was opening up a good bit faster than the other. Found by using a vacuum pump on the actuators. The factory had put the linkage on backwards on the slow side!

Sam...don't put your ramps on soft ground! So dangerous! I did the same and got stuck under my car after the ramps settled on what I thought was firm ground.

I have to say, Sam and Legit Street Car Alex are the best snapshot recappers in these automotive RU-vid streets.

Hey Sam, I have repaired many of these C4 corvettes and the most common issue is the two engine temperature sensors, One runs the fan control and the other runs the ECU feedback. Both are usually bad and may have been switched with generic sensors, only use NTK or the original GM sensors as the others do not report correctly and are critical for engine performance. The initial overheat is usually due to the electric fans not operating or the relay for the fan controller being bad (Drivers side engine compartment in front of the battery). GM did not tie the two temp sensors together in the ECU and they both run independently of each other. the next one is to check the fan/fans (some have two others have one) for operation by manually powering them up. The ECU temp sensors when bad will give you hard starting, especially when the engine is hot and a lack of power is another symptom as it can not control the fuel content correctly. This is due to reading the engine temperature incorrectly (Usually creates heavy smoke due to running to rich once hot). last but not least is the fuel injectors. they are prone to fail on these and will take down more then one cylinder or just will not provide enough fuel. And yes I do run and own my own shop if you did not already guess. Hope this helps with the diagnostics a little.

I kinda think you should pull the heads and check the valves... I bet the exhaust valves and possibly seats and guides are rusted and whatever intake valves from whatever exhaust valves were open.

Oh man! Wanted to see this car in full beast mode. Clean and spankin ready for a spin.

I just picked up a '91 ZR1 yesterday. I already had a '93 base c4 so can't wait to compare them. The zr1 was sold as needing a clutch but the description the seller gave me says something bigger with the transmission (first and second don't work). He'd sent me a video about a month ago of it running great and of course it didn't run yesterday. Checking the fuel pump asap

Right after the 19 minute mark when you were showing that it’s overheating your alternator voltage is tanking to almost 8 V. Low-voltage will wreak havoc with the ECU and make it do all kinds of crazy shit.

Your problem solving and determination makes you the best on the tube....can't wait for the next vid.

Oddly, this is one my favorite cars that your'e bringing back. I think its well worth the work you're putting in. It will never be as fast as some of your other cars, but the ZR-1 is iconic. I really think the exhaust will make it spin up faster, but you also might be having an ignition issue too.

This is by far my favorite build so far. The exhaust is perfect. A blue 6 speed zr1 is REALLY RARE. My cousin had a red automatic, when there right they are quick and a blast ti drive. Thanks for all your work.

Finally, you had gone quiet SAM 😊

I think your getting close to solving the issues with this car. Keep going

Keep the ZR1 alive, enjoy watching the progress.

Unless there's a hidden disaster somewhere, and it doesn't seem that there is, this isn't anywhere close to a lost cause. This is a car worth saving just for that Lotus designed cylinder head if nothing else. Keep going, man, you've got to be close...

there is no lost cost my bro. corvet turning to be a beast!! your almost there keep going !!

@samcrac, if I recall the knock sensor have specific tightening torque, check the correct value and tighten it cz then you won't have false positives

As a Z owner myself, I'm loving the content and hope you repair the car to completion! As someone else mentioned, the low voltage could also cause the overheating. The fans on these draw a lot of power so they might not be spinning fast enough to keep the car cool.

Great effort in fixing these flood issues on the wonderful ZR1. Your videos are inspiring to us other C4 owners. I replaced the fuel pump on my 3 C4's after purchasing each one. Each one was sparingly used by previous owners and were easy to replace. Best of luck on this refurbishment efforts.

just came across this channel...i love the raw feel of just jumping and fixing up classic cars...ima a ford guy..but corvettes and dodge vipers have a big place in my heart. im subbed

Can't wait to see this car running at 100%, soooooo worth the wait.

Really cool car to restore Sam. You mention a radiator problem, but have you considered the water pump? Maybe the auxiliary belt is slipping given the loose alternator. OTOH I've seen water pump impellers just spinning independently of the shaft they are supposed to be attached to.

I appreciate you showing this old stallion the love you are.

I own a nice C4 Grand Sport and love it. My second C4 is going to be a ZR-1. You are a God send of knowledge. Thanks for the videos.

I missed your shows a lot, every day I checked my YT subs eagerly, hoping I'd find a recent Samcrac upload. Finally it's here! 3:07 - I'm happy to see more and more Corvettes! 16:43 - Bless you!

Welcome to ZR1 ownership, its a revolving door of problems. Most likely your secondary vacuum system and injectors arent working so its "stuck" in valet mode physically.

I had bad catalytic converters cause a lack of performance. Replacing it/them worked stellar

I'm excited to see the progress being made on the ZR1. Even though I'm a Ford guy I've always loved the ZR1. Looking forward to completion of this project.

🙌🔧🚗 What a restoration project! It's great to see you bringing this legendary car back to life. The Corvette ZR-1 holds a special place in the hearts of many automotive enthusiasts, and your dedication to fixing its flood-damaged engine components is commendable. I'm curious to know more about the challenges you faced during the restoration process and the techniques you used. Keep up the fantastic work! 💪🔩🔥

I'm proud of you Sam ! You put new cat converter on the car, most youtuber will just dump them. Climate change is real, let's not make it worst ! Happy Planet ! Happy Wife ... i mean step mother !

Please keep going on this one. The ZR-1 is too special to lose. You're almost there. Cheers!

I think the exhaust tips would look great 1/2 to an inch past the cutout on the facia. Great progress on this project, and I appreciate you taking on such an influential and unique car in the corvette lineup!

This one time a week uploads are killing me 😬😬😬😬 love love love the content!

Well done Sam. I know its not a Supercar but its great that you have spent some time and money on the Corvette. That exhaust sounds brilliant Sam. So keep up the great work. I saw Scott Ratarossa there in the intro. Scott is a great guy and very knowledgeable on Ferraris. 😊😊

Keep going on this Corvette, I enjoy watching you figure things out and also seeing this Vette come closer to it’s former glory

Keep going sam, restore the zr1, needs to be preserved

Hey Sam.. looks great, sounds great.. the only small thing I noticed was the exhaust clamps midway down were tightened perpendicular compared to the others. it could result in scraping the ground/concrete in certain conditions i.e. driveway transitions, speed bumps, etc. (and ultimately may cause them to break off) Keep up the hard fight!!. CHEERS!!!

Leather honey works great on saddles as well! The oval tips are fine….the clamps are hideous…

The exhaust clamps should be rotated so that all the bolts are on the sides or top of the pipes. I snagged one on a fairly tall speed bump and put a nasty wrinkle in a pipe, not to mention, the ones holding the tips on are rather visible from behind the car.

I really enjoy how each diagnosis leads to an inexpensive, easy to replace part. I keep a magic wand in my tool box for such situations.

Just like old times seeing Sam squeezed in under a car working in the tightest space ever.

Those clamps and tips... puuuhhleeezze

Sam I’m glad you are still with us after laying under that ZR1 on the grass with just those cheap plastic ramps.

Thanks Sam! Me thinks you kinda like that Corvette 😍

im super invested in this and i dont even like that style corvette. love this series

Love the content Sam. By far my favourite RU-vid channel. Looking forward to the next one.

Glad you're back, still a master of the video

Always great to see another if Sam. Love your easy, laid back style and demeanour - keep up the great work.

I have bought and fixed a couple flood vehicles. Strayed away from sports cars though. Just figure everything is too close to the ground. Especially things like computers. Nice job on the fuel pump. A lot of love has gone into this one. Personally I like the C1, 2, 6 and 7 versions but respect the ZR-1. I saw a C2 flood vehicle on Copart that I wanted to throw down on but I just finished a Ram 2500 Cummins that I drive now and I'm building an airplane. Try to limit myself to one project at a time.

Can’t wait to see you get that car sorted out.

So glad you didn't give up on this car, Sam! Can't wait for the next episode in the ZR1 saga!

Another great one Sam. Love the new exhaust.

💪🔧🚗 This is a remarkable restoration! Thank you for breathing new life into this legendary car. It's always bittersweet to look back on the cars we used to own and realize what we've let go. The 90 ZR-1 was truly a special vehicle, and your dedication to restoring it is inspiring. Keep up the amazing work! 👍🔥👏

i'm going through my own C4, but its a 96 LT1. Its not a cakewalk, but its going along. its a journey but its worth it. keep them on the road. especally ZR1s.

Stay with the ZR1. Interesting to see the older technology and your figuring out the issues. And as for finishing projects, I seem to remember a blue 911 a while back you did a bunch of work on including paint and you finished completely. Hang in there!

Been looking forward for the next part of this!

I love this car!!! I remember in 1990 when i first bought my 1976 corvette i used to read Corvette fever magazine and that is when I found out about the awesome ZR1.

It probably is a lost cause but worth the time just in case you actually get it running properly for the first time in god knows how long. Keep up the great work Sam, I want to hear this car running right.

Can't wait to see it repaired and on the road.👍

like the exhaust but any tips you use tuck them in

Hey Sam, I’m a neighbor of yours, being a Floridian and I’m a C4 lover, having had three of them. I’m glad to see you fixing up the old girl. In about 15 years I think the C4 in good shape will be like the C2s, worth six figures.

The voltage dropping that low will cause it to lag also, bringing it back to life little by little, awesome work Sam.

I love this car and this build, subscribed and can’t wait for the next video

Almost there. Keep going! Also, no go on the exhaust tips, they look clunky. YMMV

As I zr-1 92 owner I advice you to remove the secondaries! Then you need to struggle with all the vacum issues under the plenum. The next generation zr-1. That never got made. The secondaries was removed. Its was just like that contact on the gearbox you removed. So the government was happy. If you need the parts number for the freezeplugs. Let me know

Your car is not starting but the first thing you do is to condition leather seats! Priceless!

Easy in, easy out. Though you were talking about stepmom

Thank God Samcrac is back

Stay with it Sam. You’re so close to “driving” out the gremlins!

This is a Great Car all the way around! Keep her and get her back to 100%. Nice to see a video from you- have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Videos once a month Sam? c'mon.. u have more cars than anyone on uTube.. u have SOOOO much content to make.. i check for ur videos everyday..

One of my dream cars right here. That amazing lt5

Love the exhaust, just get those oval tips to sit more flush to the bumper instead of sticking out like they are. Love your stuff Sam! I think you'll get the ZR1 working great in the end. Keep at it!

This would be great to fix, I have a 84 crossfire rebuild after the hurricane Ian, water destroyed the crankshaft so much it needed torn apart, then after everything was back together it ran great but still have overheating coolant temp levels like yours, please keep up the work I’m interested in the results!

Sounds good! Personally I don’t care for the tips extended past the bumper

Those tips are hidious

I love your new exhaust! ❤

Lost cause??? No way Sam!! Great series this has been. Love the ZR1!!!

Those exhaust tips are hideous.

Personally, I don't like those exhaust tips.

You’re close, don’t give up. Special car here man. Save it

Stay on the Corvette. Dont give up.

Those tips look absolutely ridiculous and stick out way too far.

Those tips are horrendous

Samcrac, the King of unfinished projects!

I love the seat scratch test, post leather conditioner application, where you scratch it with your fingernails in a less aggressive manner to show how well it worked ;)

Exhaust tips stick out way too far

Those exhaust tips are in my opinion hideous.