Im looking to buy a zilla in clean condition and one that has been lightly worked: pipe, air intake, maybe a +2 axle. I dont know much about the different years. I figure if I'm going to have to pay top dollar for a clean zilla, I best find the best year........If there is such a thing? thank you!

 

i'm not an expert on the zilla's, but i know on my LT250R the later the year the better, like that a 92 is a lot better than an 85. So I technically would think that the last year the Zilla was made like 89 or whenever the last year it was made would be the best year because you know that each year a quad is out it is improved somehow. (Most quads anyhow)

 

They made the Zilla for three years 87-89. There are a couple suttle differences between the years. The 87 model had 6 studs in the head and the others had 7, if not properly maintained the 87's could blow more head gaskets. The 87's have a slightly different gearing, and the 87's have a squre style a-arm as opposed to a round style on the following models. Over all any Zilla is going to be a handful if not properly maintained. There are several areas you must look for when getting an older quad, the zillas are notorious for warping the bearing bosses in the cases. Which if taken care of is no problem but if left alone can cost you alot to fix. The zilla is an awsome bike if setup right there are very few bikes that are faster.

 

The 88-90 models seem to be more desirable, but dont turn down a clean 87 by any means. The head is not a problem if a good gasket is used, and an 87 cylinder has more potential for porting than the latter models. Im am currently restoring my 3rd Zilla, its an 89 and I will be running a 89 lower with a 87 jug. Check my pics, not a lot to look at now, but u get the idea.

 

I have herd the same about the 88-90s and I dont understand it because the differences are minor. And I dont want to turn it down but........with shipping included it going to run me around 3700.00 to get the monster in my drive way. Are there many zillas to be found in this condition.........thank you guys for your help!

 

Come on I know all you got more info for me.......I realy could use the help!

 

I've had my Zilla for about 10 years now, and I would never consider getting rid of it... I would say if you can find any Zilla any year in good shape, then grab it. Yes it's true there are subtle differences between years, specially the 87, but everything is fixable at a reasonable price.

In short - get it!

 

Ok, so I got it, dont pass up a clean zilla......But should I be weary about buying one that has had no engine work done to it? Is it possable that some people realy know how to take care of these monster machines? And should I be paying; $3000-$4000 for one ............................ help

 

I paid 3200 for mine it was 85% restored. The guy decided to build a car instead. The only reason i paid that was because he done every mod the way I would have. I still tore the quad back down to check alot of things. It will be a awesome quad when I am done.