Another GTR in gestation ...
Discussion
I've been lurking in here for a few months now, but thought I ought to post as I've now ordered my GTR kit. 
I'm currently driving an Evo VII (with GEMS ECU and mild antilag, probably about 340bhp) and a Westfield Megablade. I got into trackdays in the Evo which was what inspired the Westfield build. Fancied building something else and thought about an XTR2 but decided the Ultima was more usable on the road. I built the Megablade in 7 weeks but plan on taking a bit longer next time
I've gone for most of the usuals, cage, APs, aircon etc. but still a couple of decisions to make:
Dampers - should I go for the Intrax or are the Avo's good enough? In the Westy world Avo's have a very good reputation.
Engine - don't want to go too silly, probably looking at 425-450 bhp. It seems there's an overlap here between the 350ci American Speed motor and the 383ci, although the 383 seems more torquey. Any suggestions on the relative merits?
Colour - I know better than to ask opinions on this one! Don't fancy white, the Evo's black (and shows the crap all the time!), the Megablade's yellow, wife won't let me have green (superstitious!). Leaves me with red or blue, probly go for the red as the blue gelcoat's a fairly dark blue.
Enjoyed Stig's build diary, I'll probably get one going in due course - planning on starting the build in July.
Bob
www.megablade.org.uk
I'm currently driving an Evo VII (with GEMS ECU and mild antilag, probably about 340bhp) and a Westfield Megablade. I got into trackdays in the Evo which was what inspired the Westfield build. Fancied building something else and thought about an XTR2 but decided the Ultima was more usable on the road. I built the Megablade in 7 weeks but plan on taking a bit longer next time
I've gone for most of the usuals, cage, APs, aircon etc. but still a couple of decisions to make:
Dampers - should I go for the Intrax or are the Avo's good enough? In the Westy world Avo's have a very good reputation.
Engine - don't want to go too silly, probably looking at 425-450 bhp. It seems there's an overlap here between the 350ci American Speed motor and the 383ci, although the 383 seems more torquey. Any suggestions on the relative merits?
Colour - I know better than to ask opinions on this one! Don't fancy white, the Evo's black (and shows the crap all the time!), the Megablade's yellow, wife won't let me have green (superstitious!). Leaves me with red or blue, probly go for the red as the blue gelcoat's a fairly dark blue.
Enjoyed Stig's build diary, I'll probably get one going in due course - planning on starting the build in July.
Bob
www.megablade.org.uk
Welcome aboard.
You made a good choice on the GTR.
I’ll leave others to comment on the dampers and learn something for myself.
The engine power you are looking for is, as you say, on the divide between the engine sizes. You should go for the larger inches. ‘There’s no replacement for displacement’ as they say. Basically the smaller engine has to be working harder if it is to make the same power, which cannot be a good thing.
Enjoy
Steve
You made a good choice on the GTR.
I’ll leave others to comment on the dampers and learn something for myself.
The engine power you are looking for is, as you say, on the divide between the engine sizes. You should go for the larger inches. ‘There’s no replacement for displacement’ as they say. Basically the smaller engine has to be working harder if it is to make the same power, which cannot be a good thing.
Enjoy
Steve
Hiya, welcome to the insane club!
Hmmmm, dampers, I haven't had any experience with the Avo's but find the Intrax set up very good indeed. I believe there is a broader range of adjustment with the Intrax (although could be wrong). Also the I believe the Intrax dampers & springs were spec'd for Ultima (bespoke) while the Avo's are just an after market unit.
With the engine, a 350 will rev more willing than a 383 but will have a little less torque. You realy need to make your own mind up on this one. You decide what you want from an engine and buy just that.
Maybe try and get along to some meets and have a chat with some of us. I'm a lazy barsteward so went for a 400. Loads of torque, lazy revver!
Good luck
Paul
>> Edited by ultimapaul on Monday 28th April 19:22
Hmmmm, dampers, I haven't had any experience with the Avo's but find the Intrax set up very good indeed. I believe there is a broader range of adjustment with the Intrax (although could be wrong). Also the I believe the Intrax dampers & springs were spec'd for Ultima (bespoke) while the Avo's are just an after market unit.
With the engine, a 350 will rev more willing than a 383 but will have a little less torque. You realy need to make your own mind up on this one. You decide what you want from an engine and buy just that.
Maybe try and get along to some meets and have a chat with some of us. I'm a lazy barsteward so went for a 400. Loads of torque, lazy revver!
Good luck
Paul
>> Edited by ultimapaul on Monday 28th April 19:22
Thanks for the replies guys.
On the engine front, I'd initially thought it was a no brainer and that the bigger engine was clearly a better option, but had seen elsewhere that the smaller one might rev better. I'll wait and see what the budget's looking like when I get to that stage I think.
Ted told me about the Intrax being valved specifically for the Ultima. I don't doubt they're better, but just wonder if a numpty like me will notice the difference!
I wouldn't mind having a nose round a few cars and having a chat with some owners. I'm in South Wales though and haven't seen many about round here! Anyone going up to the kit car show at Stoneleigh next weekend?
On the engine front, I'd initially thought it was a no brainer and that the bigger engine was clearly a better option, but had seen elsewhere that the smaller one might rev better. I'll wait and see what the budget's looking like when I get to that stage I think.
Ted told me about the Intrax being valved specifically for the Ultima. I don't doubt they're better, but just wonder if a numpty like me will notice the difference!
I wouldn't mind having a nose round a few cars and having a chat with some owners. I'm in South Wales though and haven't seen many about round here! Anyone going up to the kit car show at Stoneleigh next weekend?
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