Considering an Ultima GTR. Have a few questions!!!!!

[alpha6164]

I have been interested in the ULTIMA for some time now and have read everything on the website and have been on this site for some time just reading the different threads. I do have some questions.

1) How easy/difficult is it really to put this thing together. The website makes it sound very simple, but I am not sure sure from reading all the build sites. I have changed my BMW spark plugs, engine/tranny/diff oil, installed SS brake lines, changed rotors/pads in my cars. I have never pulled an engine or tranny. I have pretty much all the basic tools in my garage. What do you guys think?


2)Are there any companies in the USA that would build the Ultima for you? and for what cost?

3)I have a 900whp toyota supra and these cars come with a V160 Getrag 6-speed transmission. These are considered to be extremely stout. There are no upgrades for the MKIV supra as far as transmissions go and there are hundreds of supras that are putting excess of 700whp and 20-30 that are making more than a 1000whp with the same transmission. Does anybody know if this getrag 6-speed can be used for this setup?

[Builder]

alpha6164 said:

I have been interested in the ULTIMA for some time now and have read everything on the website and have been on this site for some time just reading the different threads. I do have some questions.

1) How easy/difficult is it really to put this thing together. The website makes it sound very simple, but I am not sure sure from reading all the build sites. I have changed my BMW spark plugs, engine/tranny/diff oil, installed SS brake lines, changed rotors/pads in my cars. I have never pulled an engine or tranny. I have pretty much all the basic tools in my garage. What do you guys think?


2)Are there any companies in the USA that would build the Ultima for you? and for what cost?

3)I have a 900whp toyota supra and these cars come with a V160 Getrag 6-speed transmission. These are considered to be extremely stout. There are no upgrades for the MKIV supra as far as transmissions go and there are hundreds of supras that are putting excess of 700whp and 20-30 that are making more than a 1000whp with the same transmission. Does anybody know if this getrag 6-speed can be used for this setup?

Hi Saman,

Welcome to the world of Ultima! You can also check out the USA builder's site at http://www.markkoch.net/ultima - There, you can sign up and contact Florida Ultima owners, builders, and other interested folks.

To answer your questions in general:

1) It's not that hard...especially if you get the majority of your peripheral parts from the factory. It's a really mature kit and the factory does a great job of including everything you need...down to the last rivet, washer, and connector. Of course, most folks do a little customization so there are lots of things that can make the process more complex and time consuming. As long as you have basic mechanical aptitude, you should be fine. There's a CD-ROM with the kit that is a great reference as you go. One thing I can tell you is it's a lot easier to build a car from (new and clean) parts than to rebuild one.

2) Yes, contact Jeff at Schwartz Extreme Performance in the Chicago area. He's at the SEMA show this coming week, so maybe a little hard to reach. As far as cost goes, you can probably figure on somewhere between 500 and 1000 hours depending on complexity and options...times whatever shop rate you can manage. Schwartz has tons of Ultima experience and can advise you on whatever you want in your GTR.

3) Your trans probably wouldn't fit well in the "stock" build process. That said, you can fit anything you can cram in there, as long as you don't mind welding up the proper mounts. That goes for the engine, too. Some folks stray from the Chevy products intended, but they are willing to bite the bullet on the research, fabrication time, and costs. The chassis is set up for a Chevy small block (Gen I) or LSx (Gen III and IV) engine and a Porsche transaxle (Getrags in there). Generally, it's hard to put the power to the ground with the vehicle weights of the Ultima (2,500-2,600 lbs. with driver and full fuel). So, torque and HP numbers don't have as great an affect on the life of the trans and clutch. Component life is probably more a function of the driver's technique. I say probably because my GTR isn't on the road yet. Soon though. Very soon! You don't see a lot of stories about shredded transaxles on the Ultima forums. The factory have a 720 HP engine they couple to a stock Porsche box apparently without problems.

Hope that answers some of your questions.

[CanAm Dave]

Hi Saman

Scott has given you some good answers but your Getrag is an in line box not a transaxle so it's not going to work in an Ultima.

Regards Dave