Intro...
Author
Discussion

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Friday 28th February 2014
quotequote all
Greetings from Florida,

Another potential builder here. I've been strongly considering a kit car project for years, but life always interfered. I've built an airplane, though (and part of another), restored a vintage motorcycle, and generally consider myself to be reasonably handy in the workshop. Hopefully that'll be sufficient. :-)

I think I've viewed every GTR builder page and video in existence over the last few days. Multiple times. And made my wife watch a few...

Naturally, I've got a growing list of questions. I've put some to the factory and some to a reasonably local builder/owner whose contact details they supplied. I'd be glad to hear any and all opinions from the group:

- Is there a proper catalog (preferably online, but print is fine, too) available with photos and descriptions of all components and options available from Ultima? I couldn't find this anywhere on their site.
- I have a moderately steep driveway and have been trying to find numbers for maximum approach and departure angles. Are those figures available anywhere?
- Having been around (understatement!) the homebuilt aviation community, I tend to infer a great deal about kit and company from the organization and presentation of the build manual. Ultima, however, seems dead set on not sharing any part of their manual (even a page or two!) until the purchase is finalized. Naturally, that makes me wonder. Has anyone here built any other kits and how did the experience with Ultima (kit quality (completeness and organization), build manual, factory support, etc.) compare?
- Which engine/transmission do most builders use (if there's any sort of consensus) and how does the real-world performance compare with the factory numbers? 5-speed or 6? SBC or LS7?

And so it begins... :-)

Best regards,
Ken

Stig

11,823 posts

306 months

Friday 28th February 2014
quotequote all
Welcome Ken smile

Wish we had your weather hehe

In answer to you queries:

- Is there a proper catalog (preferably online, but print is fine, too) available with photos and descriptions of all components and options available from Ultima? I couldn't find this anywhere on their site.
>>Not that I know of. It's primarily the reason I wrote the build sites www.ultima-gtr.info and www.ultima-canam.info - far more info in them than the build manual wink

- I have a moderately steep driveway and have been trying to find numbers for maximum approach and departure angles. Are those figures available anywhere?
>>Good question - not that I know of but others (or factory) may have the relevant info?

- Having been around (understatement!) the homebuilt aviation community, I tend to infer a great deal about kit and company from the organization and presentation of the build manual. Ultima, however, seems dead set on not sharing any part of their manual (even a page or two!) until the purchase is finalized. Naturally, that makes me wonder. Has anyone here built any other kits and how did the experience with Ultima (kit quality (completeness and organization), build manual, factory support, etc.) compare?
>>In terms of kit quality, completeness and organisation - Ultima are without equal in my experience. Their ethos was to make a self build car in the same way as - say - a Tamiya RC car, with bagged components for every part with every nut bolt and washer (pretty much). Factory support is excellent, but obviously the more 'off piste' you go with the build, the harder it is for them to support. If you build to factory spec - they will no doubt help you at every step.

- Which engine/transmission do most builders use (if there's any sort of consensus) and how does the real-world performance compare with the factory numbers? 5-speed or 6? SBC or LS7?
>>Traditionally it's been SBC with Porsche G50. However with affordable crate LS engines now being available, they make a more contemporary choice - probably easier in terms of emmissions for FL too I guess? The Porsche Getrag is the 'box of choice and unless you have specific requirements for the car (track use/sequential etc.), I can't really see the point of deviating. In the end, it usually comes down to budget.

There's a thriving stateside Ultima community I believe - perhaps a bit more far flung than we are - I'm sure some locals will be glad to give further insight. But I do know many cars now reside over there.

thumbup

crossram

291 posts

146 months

Friday 28th February 2014
quotequote all
I wish I had known that they had a aluminum radiator.

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Friday 28th February 2014
quotequote all
Stig said:
Welcome Ken smile

Wish we had your weather hehe

In answer to you queries:

>>Not that I know of. It's primarily the reason I wrote the build sites www.ultima-gtr.info and www.ultima-canam.info - far more info in them than the build manual wink

>>Good question - not that I know of but others (or factory) may have the relevant info?
Unfortunately, the factory suggested that I measure for myself when I visit a local GTR owner. Oh, well - I'm not too worried about it; if the cars will handle speed bumps with aplomb, they should do fine going up and down the drive.

>>In terms of kit quality, completeness and organisation - Ultima are without equal in my experience. Their ethos was to make a self build car in the same way as - say - a Tamiya RC car, with bagged components for every part with every nut bolt and washer (pretty much). Factory support is excellent, but obviously the more 'off piste' you go with the build, the harder it is for them to support. If you build to factory spec - they will no doubt help you at every step.

>>Traditionally it's been SBC with Porsche G50. However with affordable crate LS engines now being available, they make a more contemporary choice - probably easier in terms of emmissions for FL too I guess? The Porsche Getrag is the 'box of choice and unless you have specific requirements for the car (track use/sequential etc.), I can't really see the point of deviating. In the end, it usually comes down to budget.

There's a thriving stateside Ultima community I believe - perhaps a bit more far flung than we are - I'm sure some locals will be glad to give further insight. But I do know many cars now reside over there.
Thanks for the reply and the warm welcome! The weather is definitely beginning to warm up here - should be in the 80s (F) this weekend.

Ah, those are your sites! I've already spent a few minutes hours perusing them...

An unequivocal recommendation; much appreciated. I'm planning to stick very close to factory spec, though we'll see how creative I feel when I get into the thick of it.

Emissions aren't much of an issue in FL (no smog check whatsoever), so I'm leaning toward the 640HP setup (dry-sumped 383ci). The 720HP LS7 is certainly a thought, but I'm planning on predominantly street use for the Ultima and I doubt that the power difference would come into play very much. I've read everything I could find on the various G50 gearboxes and admit that I'm somewhat at sea on their variations. I've spent some time in the Skip Barber formula car and love the sequential shifter, but that's probably a good example of an area where one would do well to remain with a spec installation.

If there's a viable online community on this side of the pond, I haven't been able to locate it. No matter, at worst that's just an opportunity to establish a new forum.

I'm sure I'll have more as things progress. Thanks, again, for the kind welcome.

Best,
Ken

ROWDYRENAULT

1,294 posts

236 months

Sunday 2nd March 2014
quotequote all
Ken: We had a good site here in the states but there was so much more traffic and info on the Pistonheads site that it became a bit redundant. In my not humble opinion the SBC is the wrong way to go, particularly here in the states where LS stuff is everywhere. On the tranny side sense you are starting from scratch I would take a long hard look at the 997 tranny that the factory can supply an end to end solution for. Lee

356Speedster

2,294 posts

253 months

Sunday 2nd March 2014
quotequote all
Welcome Ken! I'll give you my 2p worth.... You're doing the right thing by researching the build as much as possible before you jump in. There's a lot to consider, especially if you plan to do a few non-std bits along the way.

Regarding the catalogue... I don't think there is one, but the factory will provide an XL based price / option list (they did for me anyway).

I can't help with the slope figures, sorry.

I have a digital build manual which the factory sent me when I started. I have to say it need updating for accuracy & detail (there's quite a bit missing from it, but you'll fill in the gaps by speaking to the factory or this group). I start off adamant on following it to the letter, but as time went on, the less I used it. Stig's site is a great help, but the more you get into it, the less you'll find you need any documentation. Based on what you've said about your mechanical background, I think you'll be fine. If you want some more info and a more photographic build diary, have a look at my build site: www.facebook.com/ultima.can.am.build

Engine / 'box... This really divides opinion on here ;-) I'm firmly in the modern LS camp, with a 996/7 turbo or GT 'box. This combo works fantastically well together and while being modern, they suit the Ultima's character perfectly, IMO.

I hope this helps!

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Monday 3rd March 2014
quotequote all
Thanks, guys, for the warm welcomes and useful information.

With respect to the catalogue (or lack of one), I did receive a spreadsheet from the factory detailing the options selected by another builder. While his choices seem comprehensive, I'd feel much better if I could view the full and complete list of factory-supplied possibilities. Perhaps I'll have to spend some time on the phone with Ultima running through the options for each stage.

Regarding the approach/departure angles, I've decided not to be overly concerned. I saw a photo of a GTR being unloaded at the factory for service from the back of a trailer. If the car could roll on and off at that angle without touching hard parts anywhere, I should be just fine.

I'm looking forward to seeing the build manual at the earliest opportunity. Viewing even a few pages would help me gauge the project. I'm assuming (always dangerous!) that there are no complete plans or engineering drawings included with the kit. My airplane kit came with a full drawing package and a very thorough manual, though the company liked to say that they sold airframe kits not airplane kits. In other words, when you reached the end of the manual you had a large, aluminum paperweight, not a flying plane or anything close to one. Engine, propeller, avionics, electrics, instruments, etc. all had to be selected and installed by the builder. If I survived that, I'll manage here, but I'm hoping to minimize the pain...

I don't object to the LS7 (it's a great engine, certainly) beyond its modern looks; the SBC has such a classic appearance, though. More importantly, from a cost/benefit perspective, AmerSpeed is asking an additional $7500+ for a 650HP LS7 over the price of a 640HP 383ci SBC. Since the power difference is negligible, would I be gaining $7500+ worth (of what, exactly?) from the LS7? Right now, I just don't see it, but I'm more than willing to be convinced...

Ken

A pic of my earlier project:



Edited by Corsair613 on Monday 3rd March 13:55

Davrianman

487 posts

286 months

Monday 3rd March 2014
quotequote all
You will have to have the same colour scheme on the Ultima. Now that would be cool!!

I had very similar questions when I started my build. I'm an aircraft engineer and I too wanted to properly plan my build and "do it right first time". I found the build manual ok but lacking a lot of essential data. CJ's site was a valuable resource especially early in the build. Unfortunately this is an area that Ultima IMHO need a serious update. It was very frustrating when I had problems in the build to find out that the factory were well aware of them too! If so then the details should be in the manual!!

Anyway, you will have no problem building a top rate car. Don't bother with a SBC. I would do an LS engine next time. I have a 434 Dart Block motor with Motec ECU and Kinsler injection, but it is very costly and no more power than a good LS7. The advantage you will get for your extra $7500 is an engine that starts on the button, idles in the cold, and will do 100,000 miles without breaking or leaking oil.

Good luck with your build! You will have a great time.

Mart

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
Hi Mart,

Davrianman said:
You will have to have the same colour scheme on the Ultima. Now that would be cool!!
That would be cool. Of course, it would cost about as much as the engine and I'd still have to find money for the divorce attorney! So, red it shall be...

Davrianman said:
I found the build manual ok but lacking a lot of essential data. CJ's site was a valuable resource especially early in the build. Unfortunately this is an area that Ultima IMHO need a serious update. It was very frustrating when I had problems in the build to find out that the factory were well aware of them too! If so then the details should be in the manual!!

Anyway, you will have no problem building a top rate car. Don't bother with a SBC. I would do an LS engine next time. I have a 434 Dart Block motor with Motec ECU and Kinsler injection, but it is very costly and no more power than a good LS7. The advantage you will get for your extra $7500 is an engine that starts on the button, idles in the cold, and will do 100,000 miles without breaking or leaking oil.

Good luck with your build! You will have a great time.

Mart
Thanks for the input - much appreciated!

Among other things, I'm a professional writer and marketer these days and am planning a rewrite of the manual as I go. If I can get motivated and organized, I'd love to do a complete set of build videos showing every major step of the assembly process. I had the benefit of something similar when I built my airplane many years ago and it seems as though it would be worthwhile here.

I'm getting the impression that the LS7 has a substantial following hereabouts; I'll definitely give it some more thought. Plenty of time yet to decide on a motor.

Ken

SchimmS

258 posts

280 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
Corsair613 said:
A pic of my earlier project:



Edited by Corsair613 on Monday 3rd March 13:55
Hey Ken, that is a Van`s Aircraft (RV-8?). These planes are like Ultimas in the air - I started building an RV7, only finished the empennage kit and left wing in a slow-build kit before the kids came. Then I quit flying and sold the kit, the air space is so tight and crowded around here and somehow I was constantly targeted for fun by US jets (live near Ramstein AFB).

But what a plane...

F.C.

3,899 posts

230 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
Corsair613 said:
I don't object to the LS7 (it's a great engine, certainly) beyond its modern looks; the SBC has such a classic appearance, though. More importantly, from a cost/benefit perspective, AmerSpeed is asking an additional $7500+ for a 650HP LS7 over the price of a 640HP 383ci SBC. Since the power difference is negligible, would I be gaining $7500+ worth (of what, exactly?) from the LS7? Right now, I just don't see it, but I'm more than willing to be convinced...

Ken
I'd agree with the other guy, SBC is well supported but old and street manners will be questionable.
Why not try an LS3? IMO they give the biggest bang for buck out there and will do (almost) everything an LS7 will do except 700+BHP, of course you could always Procharge it evil

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
SchimmS said:
Hey Ken, that is a Van`s Aircraft (RV-8?). These planes are like Ultimas in the air - I started building an RV7, only finished the empennage kit and left wing in a slow-build kit before the kids came. Then I quit flying and sold the kit, the air space is so tight and crowded around here and somehow I was constantly targeted for fun by US jets (live near Ramstein AFB).

But what a plane...
Yep, it's an RV-8. Fantastic performance. Fully aerobatic, bubble canopy, tandem seating, tailwheel, and an honest 190KTAS. Solo, with half fuel, I'd see 2600 FPM climb rates.

I eventually sold the plane (and the Model 12 Pitts I was building) and, at this point, haven't flown for a few years. Still, I keep up-to-date and may get back to it someday. Lots of aviation stories to tell (warbirds, acro, formation flying, instructor follies, multiple declared emergencies, airline training, etc.), but don't want to stray too far afield on a car forum and risk boring anyone. Especially since I'm still the "new" guy! smile

Some of the RV-related stuff is here for anyone who might be interested: Ken's Kitplane Adventures (abridged)

Ken

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
F.C. said:
I'd agree with the other guy, SBC is well supported but old and street manners will be questionable.
Why not try an LS3? IMO they give the biggest bang for buck out there and will do (almost) everything an LS7 will do except 700+BHP, of course you could always Procharge it evil
Fair enough. I'm hearing the praises of the LS series sung from seemingly every quarter (Richard Marlow, too), so I find myself leaning that way. Time yet for a final decision, though.

The LS3? Hmm. Seems a bit like leaving things half done on the way to the LS7. I'll consider... smile

Ken

UltimaCH

3,181 posts

211 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
May I suggest the LSA option? It is an excellent solution which can fit in an Ultima (yes it has been done...), gets you very decent power and cheaper than the LS7

ROWDYRENAULT

1,294 posts

236 months

Tuesday 4th March 2014
quotequote all
Hi nice airplane, but it won,t hover. Spent my career as a helicopter pilot way to much fun. Let me say this quietly for our friends on the other side of the pond Amerspeed may make sense. Lack of product support , shipping costs , VAT, import fees ect ect. That is not the case here the Ls3 with ECU is perhaps $6000 from any number of suppliers. The late model GTO pulleys are really close to the block, engine mounts for the SBC to LS conversion can be bought from a verity of sources.That leaves headers and dry sump to deal with contact ARE for solutions for dry sump. Or the alternate route is buy the Ls7 for 12000 and avoid the cost of the dry sump mod. Don,t worry about the build Manuel what Ultimate sends will be sufficient for you this will be easier than the airplane. In general buy all of the kit at once they pay the shipping, doing it piece meal will cost big in shipping fees . Buy the kit as complete as you can but that said there are a few things that you will not need. Contact my P.M. On that one. Lee

738 driver

1,202 posts

215 months

Thursday 6th March 2014
quotequote all
Just on the build manual vs other kits comparison, Ultima don't ( and I think deliberately ) produce a step by step build guide which some lower priced kits manufacturers do and do very well ! It seems the factory always welcome regular contact from their builder customers and apparently deal with all build questions in a courteous and knowledgable manner. Might seem odd to many businesses but that's how they do things .
Lots of builder sites, photos and definitely no dumb questions at all amongst the clan so the lack of detailed manual is fairly irrelevant .
Flown an Rv some years back with a nervous owner after his two consecutive mishaps , lovely little machine !
g luck with the car !

Corsair613

Original Poster:

260 posts

144 months

Thursday 6th March 2014
quotequote all
Interesting business choice eschewing a step-by-step manual in favor of hands-on customer support. Seems more labor-intensive from the staffing perspective, but perhaps that's just me. No matter, it won't hold me back. I've already seen enough to convince me that there's a thriving builder community, if (mostly) at a 5-hour time difference, and the factory has answered multiple rounds of emailed queries with apparent good cheer. So far, so good... smile

I'm off to see my first in-person GTR on Saturday and I'm more excited than I've been in years. It's the right color, too!

Ken

UltimaFAN

107 posts

151 months

Friday 7th March 2014
quotequote all
The customer support of Richard is simply perfect. He always answers my questions within the current working day, thus I have my answers for my next 2 hours build of the evening. As the volume of cars is low, this kind of direct support is good to keep the contact with the customer base and to have a direct feedback. The Ultima is a continuously improved product.

Concerning the step-by-step manual, it is not needed for the Ultima as you can do many parts in parallel once the panelling is done and until the body is ready for fitting. Every big steps which should be finished before starting the next one is in a separate html page. In my opinion, they should only add some more pictures or more recent ones. Anyway, we quickly realize that there is not only one way to do things and once we are in the build, it is really straightforward. The build will be easy for you considering your previous project. I'm even surprised on my side, as I build my Ultima 2x quicker than I was expecting and it is so fun!

3Dee

3,206 posts

243 months

Friday 7th March 2014
quotequote all
UltimaFAN said:
The customer support OF Richard is simply perfect....
Hey!
Now hang on!

I only support Richard during weekdays! I will have NOTHING to do with him during his rather strange antics over the weekends (NO! I am NOT telling! It's a secret!)! nono

....Hi Rachael! wavey





Edited by 3Dee on Friday 7th March 09:49

UltimaCH

3,181 posts

211 months

Friday 7th March 2014
quotequote all
I can concur to what has been said regarding Factory support. Richard (or Ted when Richard is away) always has an answer in a max 24h frame. Great job there clapsmile