First day on the road

[Abbosevolution]

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 !

[Abbosevolution]

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.

[Abbosevolution]

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

[Abbosevolution]

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

[Abbosevolution]

deadscoob said:

Nice!

Are you planning UK or mainland Europe trackdays?

I'm looking to do Silverstone, Snetterton & Bedford next year but not ruling out a long held wish to drive Spa

[Abbosevolution]

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 it

[Abbosevolution]

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.

[Abbosevolution]

deadscoob said:

Did you torque seal all major fixings? Good way of quickly checking nothing has moved

Top tip - will invest in some as should last longer than tip-ex

[Abbosevolution]

drivin_me_nuts said:

Can I just pick up on this please from those who have also self registered,

is it normal for the DVLA to ask for these written proofs and also, is this in any way linked to the IVA itself, or is this a specific requirement of the DVLA.

From what I understand, you are allowed one major used part ( eg engine or box ), but not both. Is my understanding correct.

Cheers.

For the IVA I took everything just in case in my now huge folder of info and receipts. For IVA dont forget the installation certificate, my tester was really keen in seeing that. The certificate thats issued by VOSA (IVA) confirms your vehicles built to an acceptable standard and complies with current regulations and enables you to apply for a registration from the DVLA. The DVLA issues the registration based on the receipts provided and identified in the vehicle build up report you have to complete as part of the registration application, along with the IVA pass certificate. You have to provide receipts for all the major components identified in the vehicle build up report, only one if which can have been previously used but that has to have been refurbished to an as new condition if you want a new registration number. Proof of refurbishment has to be provided in writing by the company carrying out the work. If like me your kit had a number of previous owners dont worry, the DVLA dont class a part second hand based on ownership, its based on if the part has been used. PM me if you need any more info.

[Abbosevolution]

3Dee said:

Well done old man...

If there is anything I can add, and forgive me if you have already sorted, is to pay particular attention to bump-steer... and don't I know it!

Before IVA, I thought I had it sorted, well...sort of...
It was only when driving down a certain dual carriageway, giving the loud pedal a tiny a bit of a squeeze that I had a sudden moment...

The road was previously smooth and just a little undulating, but nothing major. Then out-of the-blue, the road dipped down and then up again, and it scared the absolute bejesus out of me as the car kicked left, then right, as I held on for dear life.

All that I had eaten when waiting for IVA finish was about to give a big show from both ends! LUCKILY a lay-by was close, so I took a few minutes to get my heart rhythm back to near normal before driving the rest of the way home!

I knew what it was, but did not appreciate how violent bump-steer can be in the worst scenarios. That night I spent hrs re-doing the bump steer, raising/ lowering the rack until I got it absolutely perfect! It wasn't hugely out...but enough, it seems, to give ma a fright I wont forget!

The same dip tried next morning did not result in anything like the adventure of the day previously.. I hardly noticed it...

Enjoy, drive enthusiastically...drive safely.... and above all, respect this BEAST, because that is what it is, if you get too complacent!

Keith

Cheers Keith and your comments ring so true !
Last Thursday had the suspension settings adjusted to the reconmended factory settings, short journey home and no real issues apart from the car feeling a little edgy????, couldnt put my finger on it. Sunday morning drive out to a local car meet and the cars been transformed into something Im not happy with. Was so happy not having any tramlining before, now it seems to do it whenever I start to have "fun". Obviously enthusiastic driving has now been suspended until i've sorted it.