Big Component Costs
Discussion
I've decided to take the plunge and put together a budget to build a fairly high-spec GTR 
I've gleaned as much info as I can from the company's site, this forum and the build sites people have been kind enough to create for everyone's benefit
However, I'm completely stumped when it comes to sourcing/budgeting for the gearbox (any G50 derivative) and a decent lump
I would be grateful (as will a number of other builders) if anyone would be prepared to post the costs for the BIG components - Gearbox and Engines. It would help if you could share the spec and also supplier(s)
Perhaps we can link up with the Ultima Owner Club site and build up a database of costs for different specs to aid future builders....?! Might also help Ted and the factory...
Thanks
I've gleaned as much info as I can from the company's site, this forum and the build sites people have been kind enough to create for everyone's benefit
However, I'm completely stumped when it comes to sourcing/budgeting for the gearbox (any G50 derivative) and a decent lump
I would be grateful (as will a number of other builders) if anyone would be prepared to post the costs for the BIG components - Gearbox and Engines. It would help if you could share the spec and also supplier(s)
Perhaps we can link up with the Ultima Owner Club site and build up a database of costs for different specs to aid future builders....?! Might also help Ted and the factory...
Thanks
anmb1 - The engine cost question is simple ...... www.amerspeed.com
This site has a section devoted to Ultima engines. If your at the 'budget' stage it will give you all the info you need and you can rely on the prices staying reasonably stable.
As for 'boxes, I got mine through Ultima, it is a 'used' standard G50 gearbox and cost £1,250.00 IIRC. Funny though, it was shown as new for SVA & registration purposes ..... obviously an oversight!
G50 boxes are going to become more difficult to source as time goes by. So once you have decided what you want and found one then snap it up, another may not be there when you go looking again.
This site has a section devoted to Ultima engines. If your at the 'budget' stage it will give you all the info you need and you can rely on the prices staying reasonably stable.
As for 'boxes, I got mine through Ultima, it is a 'used' standard G50 gearbox and cost £1,250.00 IIRC. Funny though, it was shown as new for SVA & registration purposes ..... obviously an oversight!
G50 boxes are going to become more difficult to source as time goes by. So once you have decided what you want and found one then snap it up, another may not be there when you go looking again.
My rough guide.
Expect to spend at least 11k for all the gubins for a 500+Bhp engine (my plumbing alone came to nearly 2k).
Gearbox needs to be strong but a correctly sourced one should be budgeted for at least 2-3k (including starter and clutch), expect 3-6k for all new.
I recon my engine bay owes me the best part of 15k (but its worth it).
Factory can recomend/source these parts for you.
Expect to spend at least 11k for all the gubins for a 500+Bhp engine (my plumbing alone came to nearly 2k).
Gearbox needs to be strong but a correctly sourced one should be budgeted for at least 2-3k (including starter and clutch), expect 3-6k for all new.
I recon my engine bay owes me the best part of 15k (but its worth it).
Factory can recomend/source these parts for you.
Also join the club, and contact the many members.
They will be able to save you thousands as they might-possibly-could know some of Teds suppliers
For example a nice shiney set of Ultima spec wheels (from the original supplier) could set you back little over a grand if you do the right deal!
They will be able to save you thousands as they might-possibly-could know some of Teds suppliers
For example a nice shiney set of Ultima spec wheels (from the original supplier) could set you back little over a grand if you do the right deal!
With many major components e.g. engine, gearbox etc you have considerable choice but remember every builder will claim theirs is more powerful, tractable, reliable etc; they want to sell their product. It`s a good idea to see what others have used and remember its the cars actually on the road that count.
As for wheels the prudent builder will look at the quality not just the price. Your life may depend on a tyre not deflating if sliding sideways at some speed either on or off a circuit. Poor rim design is not something you can spot unless you know the subject. If you think Ultima wheels are expensive look at the price of quality wheels like BBS, OZ or Compomotive.
The earlier suppliers have been dismissed because they couldn`t meet the high standards set for the wheels by the Factory. Thats why they are cheaper. Builders who went this way have often found ovality, eccentricity and lateral runout, even cracks in centres and rims. Poorly made wheels usually leak air which is dangerous and annoying. If poor wheels are fitted to a heavier car, the increased weight of the vehicle sprung mass and the heavier unsprung suspension components will mask the effects of ovality, eccentricity and lateral runout. Conversely the very low compliance and light weight of the Ultima suspension joints will transmit these errors into the chassis and you will feel it, just as you felt the responsiveness of the car which would have been one of your reasons to buy it in the first place. Saving unwisely here can spoil the car.
As for wheels the prudent builder will look at the quality not just the price. Your life may depend on a tyre not deflating if sliding sideways at some speed either on or off a circuit. Poor rim design is not something you can spot unless you know the subject. If you think Ultima wheels are expensive look at the price of quality wheels like BBS, OZ or Compomotive.
The earlier suppliers have been dismissed because they couldn`t meet the high standards set for the wheels by the Factory. Thats why they are cheaper. Builders who went this way have often found ovality, eccentricity and lateral runout, even cracks in centres and rims. Poorly made wheels usually leak air which is dangerous and annoying. If poor wheels are fitted to a heavier car, the increased weight of the vehicle sprung mass and the heavier unsprung suspension components will mask the effects of ovality, eccentricity and lateral runout. Conversely the very low compliance and light weight of the Ultima suspension joints will transmit these errors into the chassis and you will feel it, just as you felt the responsiveness of the car which would have been one of your reasons to buy it in the first place. Saving unwisely here can spoil the car.
All true on a seven.
but Ultima wheels cost more than their entire kits including the wheels and tyres!
But I do agree and you don't build an Ultima cause its cheap, you build one because its the best....
substandard parts won't give you this, so you need to be carefull when cost-cutting.
I would be more concerned about the engine, an ultima can outhandle and outbrake any winged sump! If you are cutting costs replacing the engine after a failure is not economical.
But I can assure you it can be done without cutting corners, just don't expect to build one on a shoe string.
but Ultima wheels cost more than their entire kits including the wheels and tyres!
But I do agree and you don't build an Ultima cause its cheap, you build one because its the best....
substandard parts won't give you this, so you need to be carefull when cost-cutting.
I would be more concerned about the engine, an ultima can outhandle and outbrake any winged sump! If you are cutting costs replacing the engine after a failure is not economical.
But I can assure you it can be done without cutting corners, just don't expect to build one on a shoe string.
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