Reclaimed enthusiasm to keep Ultima and build :)
Discussion
Decided to keep parts and start my build as soon as possible, the missus has persuaded me to keep as i will regret in the future. (she wont be saying that when we are skint)... Ive just got to finish the garden, and decorate the whole house. Then of course clearing out garage and ebaying all the stuff we no longer want (or ever wanted).. So maybe this time next year i will be building lol.
Im just hoping that all you Ultima Builders and owners are patient and helpful with all my inevitable questions once my build starts. Might have to contact the factory to ask for the new build manual I read about on a thread.
Am i mad? You only live once!
Im just hoping that all you Ultima Builders and owners are patient and helpful with all my inevitable questions once my build starts. Might have to contact the factory to ask for the new build manual I read about on a thread.
Am i mad? You only live once!
Chris good call,
the wife is right you probably would regret it later, like i regret selling a black car that I stripped and had big intentions but then sold, and my Lime green one.
there is a lot of advice and experience on the forum which you will find helpful.
Get the domestic duties out of the way, because after that you will be in the garage or on the internet the rest of the time.
best of luck
But why a Can-Am ?
the wife is right you probably would regret it later, like i regret selling a black car that I stripped and had big intentions but then sold, and my Lime green one.
there is a lot of advice and experience on the forum which you will find helpful.
Get the domestic duties out of the way, because after that you will be in the garage or on the internet the rest of the time.
best of luck
But why a Can-Am ?
Yep good call. Of you do struggle for time, it's worth allocating a bit of budget if you can for build assistance.
Based on my historic available time, work that would've taken me 4 months, I've had done in 1 week.
If you're thinking of changing from factory spec, think long and hard about the knock on effects, will save you loads of time in future. Especially around the interior, don't underestimate how little room there is to package stuff.
But if in doubt, ask
Based on my historic available time, work that would've taken me 4 months, I've had done in 1 week.
If you're thinking of changing from factory spec, think long and hard about the knock on effects, will save you loads of time in future. Especially around the interior, don't underestimate how little room there is to package stuff.
But if in doubt, ask
Thanks for the responses.
'highflyer'.. i will be buidling a GTR, not sure where you read can-am?
I will be keeping the specification exact to factory spec as i dont dare deviate. I have read some of the horror stories and escalating costs when people try to customise. The only customisation im thinking of at the moment is a full wrap.
'highflyer'.. i will be buidling a GTR, not sure where you read can-am?
I will be keeping the specification exact to factory spec as i dont dare deviate. I have read some of the horror stories and escalating costs when people try to customise. The only customisation im thinking of at the moment is a full wrap.
There are some nice options available that don't cause big headaches but are a must IMO - stalks for one.
Pm if you want any info or recommendations, there are some non factory spec things I wouldn't bother doing again, but there are others that are easy and an improvement, but that's my personal choice and the beauty of these things - you really can do what you want.
Pm if you want any info or recommendations, there are some non factory spec things I wouldn't bother doing again, but there are others that are easy and an improvement, but that's my personal choice and the beauty of these things - you really can do what you want.
Deciding on your final spec early on in the planning process is important, IMO, before you start buying parts or turning a spanner. Obviously following the factory route gives you the most support & most straight forwards implementation route, but there are a number of things that you could still look at that make sense. Of course, budget and your intended use for the car will have an impact here too.
There are some knowledgeable people out there who can help, so you needn't be on your own, scratching your head. Just be careful who you choose to spend money with and do your howmework on partners. I think everyone know who I'm working with (in addition to the very helpful factory, of course), but if you want to discuss anything, pls PM me.
As mentioned by DeadScoob, I'd look at stalks as a way of clearing up the dashboard. Likewise, a digital dashboard will further remove some dials & lights. The factory offer a Stack setup, or there's a number of alternative suppliers out there too.
Engine choice is personal, but if you stick to the recommended Chevy options, there's plenty of scope to cater for all tastes. Likewsie, for the Porsche transaxles.... I've gone LS3 with a 911 (996) Twin Turbo gearbox, which has a good spread of ratios (just under 200mph in 6th) and is built to handle well over 500lb/ft torque straight out of the box. I have gone for a bespoke fuel system which removes the change over mechanism and uses different components to std. It's a simple & straight forwards install. The 'box & fuel system are probably over spec'd, but it was a "because I can" upgrade
Have a look at my latest build pics for a view of the engine bay install so far.
All research I did suggested sticking to the std suspension / brakes, so don't waste your time looking elsewhere there. Likewise the excellent factory seats, wheels, steering, etc.
It's your call how far you go / don't go at the end of the day and part of what's so appealing about the cars is the freedom you have, to make subtle changes along the way.
There are some knowledgeable people out there who can help, so you needn't be on your own, scratching your head. Just be careful who you choose to spend money with and do your howmework on partners. I think everyone know who I'm working with (in addition to the very helpful factory, of course), but if you want to discuss anything, pls PM me.
As mentioned by DeadScoob, I'd look at stalks as a way of clearing up the dashboard. Likewise, a digital dashboard will further remove some dials & lights. The factory offer a Stack setup, or there's a number of alternative suppliers out there too.
Engine choice is personal, but if you stick to the recommended Chevy options, there's plenty of scope to cater for all tastes. Likewsie, for the Porsche transaxles.... I've gone LS3 with a 911 (996) Twin Turbo gearbox, which has a good spread of ratios (just under 200mph in 6th) and is built to handle well over 500lb/ft torque straight out of the box. I have gone for a bespoke fuel system which removes the change over mechanism and uses different components to std. It's a simple & straight forwards install. The 'box & fuel system are probably over spec'd, but it was a "because I can" upgrade
Have a look at my latest build pics for a view of the engine bay install so far.All research I did suggested sticking to the std suspension / brakes, so don't waste your time looking elsewhere there. Likewise the excellent factory seats, wheels, steering, etc.
It's your call how far you go / don't go at the end of the day and part of what's so appealing about the cars is the freedom you have, to make subtle changes along the way.
Yes seen autobionics sell stalks, i like the idea of the digital stack system. so this is now a factory option? so there is no problems with install.
The engine i was thinking was the ls7 but costing makes the ls3 seem a better option. As for gearbox unsure at moment but would like it geared so it could reach the magic 200 like yourself.
What factory specs would you not bother with?
I appreciate all the offers to help
The engine i was thinking was the ls7 but costing makes the ls3 seem a better option. As for gearbox unsure at moment but would like it geared so it could reach the magic 200 like yourself.
What factory specs would you not bother with?
I appreciate all the offers to help
There are some nice options available that don't cause big headaches but are a must IMO - stalks for one.
Pm if you want any info or recommendations, there are some non factory spec things I wouldn't bother doing again, but there are others that are easy and an improvement, but that's my personal choice and the beauty of these things - you really can do what you want.
Pm if you want any info or recommendations, there are some non factory spec things I wouldn't bother doing again, but there are others that are easy and an improvement, but that's my personal choice and the beauty of these things - you really can do what you want.
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