First Drive - Shakedown

[Mjpmark]

Well, today i drove my Ultima for the first time.

Albeit not too far, and only made it into 3rd slightly but havent stopped smiling since.

Gear change felt like a bolt action rifle - lovely, Brakes well they will take some getting used to. Strangely scary and intimidating was the first drive. Not quite sure why and within a few seconds felt fine.

102db at full revs, but without restrictor silencers on for iva.

Only one main problem - slight squeaking from the serpentine belt system but other than that im ready to go get my iva fail.

Posted two vids on youtube - here they are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F4N7SueZy4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_hmVtfpRjw

[Storer]

Well done Mark. The grin on your face says it all.

BTW. What make are those wheels and are they 3 piece.I am trying to decide on wheels ATM.

Paul

[pilbeam_mp62]

Mjpmark said:

Only one main problem - slight squeaking from the serpentine belt system

Mark,

You need to look carefully at that - I had the same, although initially it only occurred at start-up.
It got a bit worse (yours sounds worse than mine was) and eventually one of the top pulleys broke up from the excess heat inside the bearing.

Check for tiny black bits of belt that rub off where the pulley is not turning properly, to narrow down which one it is.

Regards

[Mjpmark]

Yeah im guessing its an engine out jobbie. Gutted really but if thats what is required in the pursuit of perfection.

The wheels for me make the look, they are custom made Trafficstar STR's 20" rears 19" fronts.

Im not going to lie the wheels were a big issue fitment, limited tyre sizes etc but each to their own.

Thanks for the feedback. I havent stopped smiling yet.

[GTRCLIVE]

I see your trusty Electrician there.....

[Mjpmark]

Haha Good ole Steve... My saviour, dont tell him that though;)

[GTRCLIVE]

He's the guy that did the original Ultima Visio drawing everybody has.... we did it for the GTW.

[Mjpmark]

Clive, his work is perfect a true master of his art. If there is such a thing with electrics. I put lots and lots of stuff in to my Dash, and it didnt phase him one bit. Pleasure to work with him.

I think his build is starting to come on now too.

[Mjpmark]

Ok update on the screaming belt system.

Belt has been changed to a 5 rib belt, and the system is now silent, not sure if anyone else is having this problem but try this.

[pilbeam_mp62]

Mark - did you check the smooth running of all the pulleys when the belt was off, as I mentioned in the e-mail I sent you ?

[Mjpmark]

Im not with the car at the moment, Kyle has it, but i do believe they were fine, i will be speaking with him today so will find out more.

[Mjpmark]

UPDATE -

IVA Scheduled for 8am tomorrow!!!!

Just lost all data feed to the dash! No Tacho, No Oil Pressure, No Water Temp.

Looks like a long one this evening in prep for tomorrow. !!!!

---

All sorted tucked up ready for iva test!

Edited by Mjpmark on Wednesday 30th March 21:03