Hello and Questions

[rjben]

I've spotted the following car and wondered if anybody knew it:

www.pistonheads.com/sales/62566.htm

I've come from a history of TVR's and recently moved to a very track orientated and modified Elise. My Elise has incredible handling on it's track modified suspension but just lacks the punch in the back I used to get from my Cerbera's. I know the Ultima is going to be much faster than the Cerbera but I'm assuming that the track handling is going to be much better?

The car would get used on track about once or twice a month / 6 weeks and would be used on the road seldomly. I'm hoping that you guys can give me some idea of running costs (I'm not very handy with a spanner)? I'm assuming that a well built Ultima should really only consume tyres and brakes? How long does a clutch last and cost in one of these beasts?

Also, relating to the car above, is the engine going to be reliable? I'm a little concerned because it does seem to be in quite a high state of tune.

Finally, do you guy's know where I can get such a car checked out or even if I should be looking at a different Ultima configuration for track day use?

Thanks, any info much appreciated.

Regards,

Rob


>> Edited by rjben on Thursday 26th January 11:43

[G Man]

rjben said:

So I've spotted the following car and wondered if anybody knew it: www.pistonheads.com/sales/62566.htm I've come from a history of TVR's and recently moved to a very track orientated and modified Elise. My Elise has incredible handling on it's track modified suspension but just lacks the punch in the back I used to get from my Cerbera's. I know the Ultima is going to be much faster than the Cerbera but I assuming that the track handling is going to be much better? So I was thinking of changing to an Ultima. The car would get used on track about once or twice a month / 6 weeks and would be used on the road seldomly. I'm hoping that you guys can give me some idea of running costs (I'm not very handy with a spanner)? I'm assuming that a well built Ultima should really only consume tyres and brakes? How long does a clutch last and cost in one of these beasts? Also, relating to the car above, is the engine going to be reliable? I'm a little concerned because it does seem to be in quite a high state of tune. Finally, do you guy's know where I can get such a car checked out or even if I should be looking at a different Ultima configuration for track day use? Thanks, any info much appreciated Regards, Rob

This engine has a lot of the right parts !! It has a dry sump system, arp bolts etc its looks right, I have never heard of the engine builders, checking them out is problably more important, I would take a good look at the Alcon brakes as they are non std, I am not saying they are wrong just make sure the spec is the same as the factory AP racing 320mm 4 pots. Just make sure that they can prove the internal engine parts by receipt, ie steel crank and rods
But it looks the right thing !!

[stig]

I would also say (having tried it) that driving the Lotus on track you're using the engine at 9-10/10ths most of the time, the sheer pace of the Ultima means that you're pushed to use it at even 7/10ths of its potential.

No substitute for cubes and all that.

That car really does seem a great deal. Almost tempted to buy it so that I can have a blue 'pair'

[rjben]

Thanks for the replies gents.

Just been speaking to the owner and apparently the head requires checking every 600 miles or so! Something to do with cam followers or such like - forgive me, I have no idea about these things. So I guess that rules this car out unless I can get that particular issue modified. I was really looking for an engine that would have an oil and filter change every other track day and a major service every 4-6k. I certainly don't want to have a rebuild before 30k!

Regards,

Rob

[CanAm Dave]

Hi Rob

You could get the engine detuned with a change of cam and hydraulic followers. You just need to find out more about the build quality of the engine. The hydraulic followers take away the need to keep checking the valve lash. A more standard tune of chevy requires very little maintenance.

Regards Dave

[steve_d]

rjben said:

Thanks for the replies gents. Just been speaking to the owner and apparently the head requires checking every 600 miles or so! Something to do with cam followers or such like - forgive me, I have no idea about these things. So I guess that rules this car out unless I can get that particular issue modified. I was really looking for an engine that would have an oil and filter change every other track day and a major service every 4-6k. I certainly don't want to have a rebuild before 30k! Regards, Rob

He's working quite hard to not sell you this machine!!!!

The checking after 600 sounds like checking the tappets.
As already said a change to hydraulics will fix that.

Another option would be to sell the tuned engine to another builder and fit a milder tune one in its place.

Steve

[gtr-gaz]

CanAm Dave said:

Hi Rob You could get the engine detuned with a change of cam and hydraulic followers. You just need to find out more about the build quality of the engine. The hydraulic followers take away the need to keep checking the valve lash. A more standard tune of chevy requires very little maintenance. Regards Dave

Exactly what I am having done on mine at the moment! Race engines are fine...for racing.

There's a top chevy man out Colchester way if you are interested.

BTW, I'm told the power will be further down the rev range than I had, so will not really notice any power loss.


>> Edited by gtr-gaz on Thursday 26th January 14:24

[stig]

gtr-gaz said:

Exactly what I am having done on mine at the moment! Race engines are fine...for racing.

See Jack - we're gradually converting them

[pb3]

Na, not me, what's wrong with wearing ear plugs?! It is surely the cheapest option and without any power loss!

[bigmack]

Adjusting the valve lash isn't that big of a deal really. Why not find a local mechanic to do this bit for you?
Looks like a good deal to me
Cheers!
-Mack

[andygtt]

gtr-gaz said:

[quote=CanAm Dave]Hi Rob There's a top chevy man out Colchester way if you are interested.

So who's out colchester way? as thats near to me and Graham so may be very useful.

[gtr-gaz]

andygtt said:

gtr-gaz said: [quote=CanAm Dave]Hi Rob There's a top chevy man out Colchester way if you are interested. So who's out colchester way? as thats near to me and Graham so may be very useful.

YHM

[ultimacz]

bigmack said:

Adjusting the valve lash isn't that big of a deal really. Why not find a local mechanic to do this bit for you? Looks like a good deal to me Cheers! -Mack

Agree, this is about the only thing I can do on my Ultima myself. My father showed me how to do it and if you have done it once it becomes just routine. And a nice work, actually, if you take your time. (Note that I am a finance guy, have no idea of cars otherwise)

Also, it is a bit of an overkill to do it every 600 miles. I would do it not more often than once a year or every 2000 miles max. It is only necessary to do it more frequently when the motor is fresh (built or re-built), I have found that it does not change much after that. Of course I have quality components like Jesel valve train.

[andygtt]

I had solid roller cam and adjusted mine every service 2-3000miles and never had a problem..... would recomend changing them evey 10-15000miles but they whole lot is around £3-400 and a few hrs to fit so hardly a major problem.