First day on the road
Discussion
So the day finally arrived. My 65 reg from the DVLA arrived after a 5 week wait and boy was it worth the wait. The end of a 27 month build programme and I'm all smiles. Despite yet to have the suspension/wheel track properly set the car was great and performance during a rather careful first proper run wicked. All I can say to those of you thinking about an Ultima is JUST DO IT !
Thanks so much for the comments and yes Roj do feel like I got the cream. The wing was bought as soon as I got the kit as imo it finishes the car. Defo agree with Roj on the rear view mirriors and the wing restricting view but Im gonna give it time before going for higher pilons.
I've only 2 negatives with my build experience, IVA & DVLA.
Positives are the factiory, thanks for the advice and help, also Autobionics for all their help and if course the many helpful guys on here.
Cant wait for my first track day, the engine sound is totally intoxicating.
I've only 2 negatives with my build experience, IVA & DVLA.
Positives are the factiory, thanks for the advice and help, also Autobionics for all their help and if course the many helpful guys on here.
Cant wait for my first track day, the engine sound is totally intoxicating.
Well done mate! She looks awesome. I'm in the same boat waiting for DVLA registration doc. I've been waiting for 3 1/2 weeks so far. Ridiculous! I share the same feelings. DVLA are so slow. After the long wait to finally finish your car, it's a real pain to have it sat in the garage for 5 weeks waiting for paperwork that should take an hour to process... Progress ehh? 😴😴
Davrianman said:
Well done mate! She looks awesome. I'm in the same boat waiting for DVLA registration doc. I've been waiting for 3 1/2 weeks so far. Ridiculous! I share the same feelings. DVLA are so slow. After the long wait to finally finish your car, it's a real pain to have it sat in the garage for 5 weeks waiting for paperwork that should take an hour to process... Progress ehh? ????
Cheers mate - the most gauling part with dealing with the DVLA was that despite providing invoices for both the engine and gearbox proving newness they wanted written confirmation from the engine and gearbox suppliers - thanks to performance parts and Autobionics this was provided without delay but it did add yet another element of uncertainty regarding the allocation if a new reg and not the dreaded Q plate.Edited by Abbosevolution on Saturday 26th September 19:40
Looks very good (except it is not silver 
).
Remember to spend a good bit of time going around checking bolts and hoses etc. You will find that all the silicon hoses will take a little more tightening after the first heat cycle.
Might be worth checking the fuel filters too. Of course a fuel line and brake line check is essential.
After a few miles (500 to 1000) change the engine oil and filter.
Once you have done this you will also find you have a lot more 'confidence' in the car you have built.
Paul
Edited for spelling....
).Remember to spend a good bit of time going around checking bolts and hoses etc. You will find that all the silicon hoses will take a little more tightening after the first heat cycle.
Might be worth checking the fuel filters too. Of course a fuel line and brake line check is essential.
After a few miles (500 to 1000) change the engine oil and filter.
Once you have done this you will also find you have a lot more 'confidence' in the car you have built.
Paul
Edited for spelling....
Thanks Paul - just over 100 mikes covered today and still taking it very easy. No leaks as yet and nut and bolt check completed this evening. Will have a look at the filters as suggested. This week i'm going to be sorting the suspension/geometry setup and despite either mine or the ph search engine inadequacies i've found the settings. My car will be predominantly for the road with 3 track days a year. I have the double adjustable shocks, I've found a number if recomended settings for these, any advice would be most welcome.
Edited by Abbosevolution on Monday 28th September 16:46
deadscoob said:
Cool, me too with Bedford, hoping for Spa too. Different league to Silverstone IMO 
I'll keep an eye on Bedford dates, be good to have a pair there!
Great idea - ive not driven Bedford but some of my track day buddies think the Ultima would be the ideal car with which to drive itI'll keep an eye on Bedford dates, be good to have a pair there!
Abbosevolution said:
Thanks Paul - just over 100 mikes covered today and still taking it very easy. No leaks as yet and nut and bolt check completed this evening. Will have a look at the filters as suggested. This week i'm going to be sorting the suspension/geometry setup and despite either mine or the ph search engine inadequacies i've found the settings. My car will be predominantly for the road with 3 track days a year. I have the double adjustable shocks, I've found a number if recomended settings for these, any advice would be most welcome.
Are those the gold ones? If so I think I have the same. They have 13 clicks in total.Edited by Abbosevolution on Monday 28th September 16:46
I played around a bit and was surprised how much of a difference it makes to the handling.
I have settled for road settings of 6 clicks rear, 4 clicks front. On track 3 additional clicks all round.
I initially had front and rear same settings but it understeered, which is markedly improved by changing the settings.
Great looking car! Well done! I built mine, now just over 2 years on the road. Expect some minor niggles in the first year or so! Mine are ALMOST ironed out now.
Mark
Thanks Mark and yes the gold ones. First minor niggle today - gearbox cable failure caused buy an insert installed the wrong way round, an easy fix albeit on the side of the road for a half hour waiting for it to cool down. Sods law it failed changing from 1st to 2nd so was stuck in first Doh. Need to refine some filters on the dash2 data but other than that no complaints.
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