The rear fenders are stretched...
The rear fenders are stretched to cover the massive 17x11 wheels and 315/35 tires originally installed by General Motors. A B&B exhaust system ensures the sound is just right.
Besides price tag, this was perhaps the single item most to blame for the ZR-1's lack of showroom success. Though true enthusiasts could pick out the King easily enough, the rest of the world easily missed the subtly widened rear fenders cloaking enormous 315/35-17 Gatorbacks, and the convex rear bumper cover with its rectangular taillights. These visual tip-offs were further diminished for the '91 model year, when the base car received a minor facelift featuring--you guessed it--a convex rear bumper cover and rectangular taillights.
While the ZR-1's unique appearance was quickly diluted by the lesser model, its performance remained unmatched by its less costly sibling up until its demise in 1995. More trouble was on the horizon, however, as the C5 was just around the corner, and with it the promise of more power; less weight; a completely new suspension; an advanced, hydroformed chassis; and slippery new aerodynamics. The ZR-1 remained an impressive package, but its kingdom was quickly becoming a fiefdom, courtesy of the relentless advance of technology.
What Mehta couldn't have imagined all those years ago was just how over-the-top his own ZR-1 would end up being. While a stocker is obviously a very stout performer, even a mildly modified C5 can give it a run for its money. Deciding that only the best would do, Mehta planted a Lingenfelter Performance Engineering stroker under the hood. Sporting a resleeved block, a fully forged rotating assembly, intricately ported cylinder heads, and four more-aggressive camshafts, the LT5 now bristles with 610 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque from a displacement of 415 ci.
The rollcage was installed...
The rollcage was installed as a safety measure prior to tackling the Texas Mile, where Mehta laid down an impressive 184.55 mph in the standing mile.
Though the original ZF six-speed gearbox remains, a Spec Stage 3 clutch provides rock-solid coupling while keeping the pedal effort reasonable. The remainder of the drivetrain remains stock and has held up admirably to the brute force it is asked to transmit.
Moraca-valved Bilstein coilover shocks retain the adjustability of the FX3 suspension while improving damping. "When performance mode is selected, the car corners perfectly flat," Mehta says. "But in touring mode, the car is very comfortable and has great weight transfer for dragstrip launches. It's really the best of both worlds."
Another area that needed attention due to the increase in power was braking. Mehta selected a set of Wilwood four-piston calipers with 13-inch rotors for the front, but he deemed the stockers sufficient for the rear. Of course, tires are the most vital aspect of grip, whether accelerating, decelerating, or turning. To this end, a distinctive set of Fikse FM/5 wheels were fitted with Nitto rubber, the rears being NT555R Extreme Drags for their extra grip. "The drag radials actually made First and Second gears useful," Mehta quips.
One could be forgiven for...
One could be forgiven for overlooking the subtly flared rear fenders and discreet ZR-1 badge. But if you miss the license plate, you deserve what's coming to you.
Besides the obvious addition of the Fikse wheels and shiny B&B Tri-Flo exhaust tips, most would be hard pressed to distinguish this from just another nice C4. The car still sports its original Dark Red Metallic paint, having been one of just 181 ZR-1s blessed with this color in 1990.
Most cars that look this good seldom leave the garage, but not Mehta's. He has wrung his Vette out in nearly every discipline imaginable. It's seen countless laps at the road course during open-track events. It's been hammered down the quarter-mile to the tune of 11.1 at 129 mph (on street tires, no less). It's even won its class at the Texas Mile, where it posted an amazing 184.55 mph.
Though Mehta doesn't get to drive the ZR-1 as often as he might like these days, it never fails to put a smile on his face. "The interior is like a cocoon, and when you run the tach up to 7,500 rpm in Second gear, there's nothing else like it. No other Corvette can match that feeling."
Yes, it's good to be king.