Ultima Advice for a potential buyer

Ultima Advice for a potential buyer

Author
Discussion

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Hey guys, potential buyer from the States here looking for advice/information from some of you in the UK that have a lot of experience with these cars. I'm very interested in doing a build of a new Evolution and any input would be much appreciated.

Ordering: I've read about suggested packages for ordering the parts that would coincide with the stages of the actual build but I can't find any online. The factory's only recommendation was to order at least $41k to avoid shipping costs to the states. While that may make sense, it still doesn't help me with what needs to be ordered first other than the obvious items. Are there recommended stages for ordering?

There is a ton of info out there on the GTR and Can Am but not as much on the newer Evo. I understand the factory has made some pretty nice improvements on the newer model. That being said, are there still certain items that are better upgraded or sourced elsewhere based on what past builders have experienced? I ask this question with performance/functionality in mind as I know personal customization can be endless on these cars.

Engines: I've read tons of posts on guys upgrading to an LS platform and it costing in the $15k range but the pricing I got was double that or more for the higher HP options from the factories recommended supplier. Are there special mods that have to be done to fit an LS in this car or am I missing something? Seems to be some big differences in price so I'm just trying to understand why.

Also, anyone on here from the US (East Coast)? I'd love to see one of these cars in person if there was someone willing to let me have a look.

Thanks, B

Corsair613

260 posts

121 months

Tuesday 5th July 2016
quotequote all
Where on the East Coast are you? If Orlando is convenient, I'd be happy to show you my GTR and answer any questions you might have.

Ken

ROWDYRENAULT

1,270 posts

213 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Depending on your horsepower requirement or ego not sure which one drives some folks to go nuts on horse power the LS3 E rod motor from chevy with a factory ECU is maybe the most bang for the buck about $8K. The LS 7 at maybe $12k has a couple of real world advantages dry sump for one, which you will need in this car and is not supplied on the LS3. Anyone who speaks in hushed tones about how difficult or expensive it is to install these motors in the Ultima chassis is either selling you crap or bought it themselves and will not admit that they bought the smoke and mirrors. the A.C. goes on a factory mount on the right side of the engine down low and the alternator goes on the left. Standard chevy tension pulleys can be used and you may need to put a pulley with no drive in place of the power steering's normal position. its really that simple. As per which items to order in what order if at all possible order the whole kit let the factory take the hit on shipping and deal with customs and that mess once. if that's not in the cards money wise the kits are basically numbered in order of build. As to mods lets say that when you go off of the factory's parts because you will "save money" unless you are really dialed in as a builder and fabricator I would resist that idea. Read what is posted here and define your questions from what you learn and then ask more detailed questions. This is a great forum the guys are knowledgeable and they truly want you to succeed. Don't be afraid to ask the factory questions they are great folks and the product support that I have enjoyed for 8 years has been top[ notch. Last thing if you can possibly go to the factory and spend a morning or afternoon there you will be glad you did. Lee

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Thanks Rowdy!

I'd love to take a trip over and visit the factory but not sure how feasible that is time wise in the near future. I did find an owner here in the States that may be bringing his GTR through my state on the way to an event. If so, I'm going to try and meet up with him to see the car.

I'm leaning more towards trying to swing the entire order at once. Like you said, it will save me shipping and the guy here in the States I've been talking to mentioned that Customs can take forever. So if I only have to do that once, it will be easier. I think the way to go is to source everything from Ultima and make a few minor changes that others have suggested. One being with the fuel system and combining the tanks to work together rather than switching between the two.

I don't think I need a 1000HP SC engine but I would like to be in the ballpark of 700HP with an LS7. I'm going to call my State's DMV today and see what all they require for registering a self built car. There are a lot of options out there but a lot of them are not going to be "street legal".

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
Ken
I'm in North Carolina. I've been emailing a guy in NY with one that may be going to FL in the next few weeks with his car. I may try and meet him somewhere on 95 and check it out. If that doesn't work out, I may be down for a road trip to FL. It might cost me a day at Disney with the kids but it would be worth it.

Corsair613

260 posts

121 months

Wednesday 6th July 2016
quotequote all
BusyB said:
Ken
I'm in North Carolina. I've been emailing a guy in NY with one that may be going to FL in the next few weeks with his car. I may try and meet him somewhere on 95 and check it out. If that doesn't work out, I may be down for a road trip to FL. It might cost me a day at Disney with the kids but it would be worth it.
Sounds good; just let me know.

Ken

tjlees

1,382 posts

236 months

Sunday 10th July 2016
quotequote all
BusyB said:
I don't think I need a 1000HP SC engine but I would like to be in the ballpark of 700HP with an LS7. I'm going to call my State's DMV today and see what all they require for registering a self built car. There are a lot of options out there but a lot of them are not going to be "street legal".
The 720 LS7 is a good motor, but doesn't like to cruise below 2k rpm because of the aggressive cams - this maybe not be an issue, but I suggest being at least driven in one before deciding.

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
tjlees said:
The 720 LS7 is a good motor, but doesn't like to cruise below 2k rpm because of the aggressive cams - this maybe not be an issue, but I suggest being at least driven in one before deciding.
I'm ready for a ride in an Ultima w 700 HP LS7, who's offering? US, East Coast

Racingroj

488 posts

162 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
In my opinion the standard LS7 is more than enough power (wheel spin in 3rd gear in the dry). Better still with the standard cam you can creep along in a traffic jam on tick over. I may have pointed this out in the past on more than one occaision but more power than a standard LS7 is bragging rights IMO!

Rscocca

127 posts

123 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
Corsair- I'm the Ultima coming down from NY in a few weeks, I'm outside Orlando as well. Closer to Kissimee.
If everything goes as planed I'll be leaving NY on or about the 20th of July.

BusyB-- I'll touch base with you as the date gets closer and everything is ok at this end.

Corsair613

260 posts

121 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
Rscocca said:
Corsair- I'm the Ultima coming down from NY in a few weeks, I'm outside Orlando as well. Closer to Kissimee.
If everything goes as planed I'll be leaving NY on or about the 20th of July.
Sounds good. Let's see if we can plan a meetup while you're here. If you want to peek at another (non-Ultima) project, a buddy of mine is currently working on a Factory Five GTM...

Ken

tjlees

1,382 posts

236 months

Monday 11th July 2016
quotequote all
Racingroj said:
In my opinion the standard LS7 is more than enough power (wheel spin in 3rd gear in the dry). Better still with the standard cam you can creep along in a traffic jam on tick over. I may have pointed this out in the past on more than one occaision but more power than a standard LS7 is bragging rights IMO!
+1

The other option is the LS9 - though the installation is faff but autobionics have cracked it.

Nabbott

294 posts

135 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
quotequote all
Racingroj said:
In my opinion the standard LS7 is more than enough power (wheel spin in 3rd gear in the dry). Better still with the standard cam you can creep along in a traffic jam on tick over. I may have pointed this out in the past on more than one occaision but more power than a standard LS7 is bragging rights IMO!
+1

I've a newly installed LS3 in standard tune and its already faster than mostly anything else on the road - which begs the question why on earth would you want more power?..... I certainly wouldn't discount an LS3 if cost becomes a priority.

UltimaCH

3,155 posts

188 months

Tuesday 12th July 2016
quotequote all
Nabbott said:
+1

I've a newly installed LS3 in standard tune and its already faster than mostly anything else on the road - which begs the question why on earth would you want more power?..... I certainly wouldn't discount an LS3 if cost becomes a priority.
+1

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Thursday 14th July 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for the advice guys. I think the LS7 is a good platform and probably the way I'll go. I questioned why you'd need more because that's a heck of an engine in a ZO6 and we're talking about a car that weighs less and the weight of the engine is applied more to the rear of the car. I would agree that a supercharged 1000HP in an Ultima has to be more for bragging rights as I don't see how you can fully apply it to the road.

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Thursday 14th July 2016
quotequote all
Rscocca-Looking forward to it! I'll try and keep my schedule open around that timeframe. Really appreciate your willingness to stop on your trip and show me the car. Very excited

Rscocca

127 posts

123 months

Sunday 17th July 2016
quotequote all
Corsair-- I know the GTM very well. I've built a Factory Five Roadster. Dave Smith and the guys are great people to deal with.
I looked at the GTM, but didn't quite like the body lines.
Great car though.

Corsair613

260 posts

121 months

Sunday 17th July 2016
quotequote all
Rscocca said:
Corsair-- I know the GTM very well. I've built a Factory Five Roadster. Dave Smith and the guys are great people to deal with.
I looked at the GTM, but didn't quite like the body lines.
Great car though.
Consider me another positive vote for Dave Smith. I went to see him when I was up in Boston this past April, thinking it would be just a quick hello. We hit it off immediately and he spent over two hours showing me around and talking cars and automotive history. Get him talking about Carroll Shelby and just stand back! LOL

I'm not big on the GTM, myself, but my buddy fell for it and picked up a third-hand kit for a fair price, so I'm helping him put it together. Personally, I'm giving serious thought to building a FFR Coupe, but we'll see what happens if/when my GTR sells.

Ken

BusyB

Original Poster:

10 posts

92 months

Monday 18th July 2016
quotequote all
So is there much of a re-sale market for Ultimas here in the states? Just curious as I never even knew about them until I came across them on a website dedicated to top kit cars.

Rscocca

127 posts

123 months

Monday 18th July 2016
quotequote all
Corsair613 said:
Consider me another positive vote for Dave Smith. I went to see him when I was up in Boston this past April, thinking it would be just a quick hello. We hit it off immediately and he spent over two hours showing me around and talking cars and automotive history. Get him talking about Carroll Shelby and just stand back! LOL

I'm not big on the GTM, myself, but my buddy fell for it and picked up a third-hand kit for a fair price, so I'm helping him put it together. Personally, I'm giving serious thought to building a FFR Coupe, but we'll see what happens if/when my GTR sells.

Ken
Ken--Great minds think alike, I'm contemplating another build either the Coupe or the 33.
Yes, Dave just adores ole Caroll. hurl