Buying an Ultima
Discussion
e8_pack said:
RWD cossie wil said:
What are the main deficiencys of an Ultima then? Why does the Can-am not get much love? Does the Evo sort out most of the issues?
Still longing for one, just considering if it's worth buying a secondhand one, or building a new one over 3/4 years?
Hey Will, you thinking of one too then? chopping in the turbo or just keep it?Still longing for one, just considering if it's worth buying a secondhand one, or building a new one over 3/4 years?
F.C. said:
....
ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
Hairdressers?!?! ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 28th December 09:41
Naaaa.... I think is only because they live in the wrong country to own a Can-Am!
I think there are two types of Ultima owners.
Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
Storer said:
I think there are two types of Ultima owners.
Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
Never built a full car, but done plenty of engine rebuilds, and every other type of jobs on cars & bikes I can think of, plus I'm an aircraft engineer so I think for me the pleasure would be 50% in the build & 50% in driving the thing! So far I have only sat in a 90% built GTR, and already decided that the first "improvement" I would make is a snap off steering wheel boss for ease of access, being somewhat tall & gangly Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
RWD cossie wil said:
Never built a full car, but done plenty of engine rebuilds, and every other type of jobs on cars & bikes I can think of, plus I'm an aircraft engineer so I think for me the pleasure would be 50% in the build & 50% in driving the thing! So far I have only sat in a 90% built GTR, and already decided that the first "improvement" I would make is a snap off steering wheel boss for ease of access, being somewhat tall & gangly
Fitted a removable wheel as part of my modifications. Not tall and gangly but short, fat and old!Don't think you can fit one before passing IVA though.
Paul
Storer said:
I think there are two types of Ultima owners.
Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
I've already mentioned my Westfield, it's close to 300hp, 570kg, sequential box It's noiser than an Ultima will ever be, whether it's the whine and clunk from the box or screaming at 9k with the wind in your face. No windscreen, hard seats. My Porsche is a 4.1 stroker which I am also building myself. I'm no stranger to fast, uncomfortable or noisy cars.Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
Viper's are the only car I know without doorlocks and windows, there's only 3 places to put your feet, its anything but refined, they are also quite an event, with dare I say wow factor surpassing an Ultima on looks alone, everyone knows them, but you never see them. The first question I'd expect as an Ultima owner is "what is it"
I'm no Nigel mansell and don't try to be but that has never stopped me from buying, modding and owning fast cars, nor is it a prerequisite for Ultima ownership as far as I'm aware.
The undercurrent of this thread appears to be a thinly veiled attempt at dissuasion, like it's some kind of exclusive club. It's a car I can pap 35-45k on drive, enjoy, sell. There are zero cars advertised at £50k so heaven knows why that would be regarded as a starting point. The starting point is the price they're advertised at which is currently about 90% of the market in my budget!
Not many pointers on buying tips so far.
e8_pack said:
Storer said:
I think there are two types of Ultima owners.
Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
I've already mentioned my Westfield, it's close to 300hp, 570kg, sequential box It's noiser than an Ultima will ever be, whether it's the whine and clunk from the box or screaming at 9k with the wind in your face. No windscreen, hard seats. My Porsche is a 4.1 stroker which I am also building myself. I'm no stranger to fast, uncomfortable or noisy cars.Those with funds for a fleet of toys of which the (probably Factory built) Ultima is one. Used when the urge takes them and the weather suits.
The other owner is one who enjoys the build process (or the modification process if the build cost is beyond their pocket).
Some of these owners sell promptly after completion as their 'bag' is the build itself. For others the build is only part of the process, as they also enjoy the ownership experience.
For some of these owners the Ultima will be their only real toy. Others will have a small selection.
Used Ultima owners are often scratching an itch but soon realise the car is not really for them. I purchased mine s/h but had a rebuild planned and as a car that was already registered it would not need SVA/IVA, which gave me more freedom.
These cars need regular checking with (usually) small fixes or adjustments. Some mechanical knowledge is very useful and improve the experience.
Comparable cars (not necessarily performance wise) would be Cobra replicas, GD70, GT40 replicas, Aerial Atom, Caterham, Radical, Lotus Exige S1, get the picture?
A Porsche GT3, Ferrari (any), Viper, Mustang, etc are all much more 'normal' than an Ultima in every way.
Paul
Viper's are the only car I know without doorlocks and windows, there's only 3 places to put your feet, its anything but refined, they are also quite an event, with dare I say wow factor surpassing an Ultima on looks alone, everyone knows them, but you never see them. The first question I'd expect as an Ultima owner is "what is it"
I'm no Nigel mansell and don't try to be but that has never stopped me from buying, modding and owning fast cars, nor is it a prerequisite for Ultima ownership as far as I'm aware.
The undercurrent of this thread appears to be a thinly veiled attempt at dissuasion, like it's some kind of exclusive club. It's a car I can pap 35-45k on drive, enjoy, sell. There are zero cars advertised at £50k so heaven knows why that would be regarded as a starting point. The starting point is the price they're advertised at which is currently about 90% of the market in my budget!
Not many pointers on buying tips so far.
From my point of view, owning a car like the Ultima means you are either handy with a spanner & don't mind the occasional day in the workshop tweaking & maintaining/improving your car, or you have pretty deep pockets to pay a specialist. Added to that, again, only having had a brief mooch around a 90% built car, the Ultima is going to be a very challenging drive, no PAS, no ABS, no get out of jail stability/traction control etc, plus it's probably going to be noisy, bumpy & without Aircon probably quite hot!
I would imagine quite a few people coming from something like a 911 turbo or 360/430 would find the GTR a step too far down the comfort level & end up hating the car?
I quoted storer but it wasn't the only act of dissuasion. I did start this thread so don't be surprised if I take the comments personally. Pigeon holeing buyers into two types is really quite conceited.
Spannering a kit car goes without saying, even a built one. Whether someone pays the factory or does it themselves is largely irrelevant.
Misconceptions on refinement would be a tiny percentage of the demographic that shows any interest in buying one, especially on PH. Every vid, review and comment says as much. It's not really relevant to my question either, which is my point. Traction control is VERY easily added, as is power steering. One could dynomat it to death if they choose. The evo upgrade list is packed with supposed refinement upgrades, I was actually disappointed because to my eye is mostly garnish but the factory is clearly trying to open the market for is product. All my opinion of course, which means I'm right.
I work in an industry where I currently don't get much time off and spend 89 days in the UK/year max, less in the current climate, so building one is really out the question, but that is my own personal circumstances influencing my decision, im sure many others have theirs which is no one else's business. So am i type 1 buyer or 2? No need to answer that btw.
Spannering a kit car goes without saying, even a built one. Whether someone pays the factory or does it themselves is largely irrelevant.
Misconceptions on refinement would be a tiny percentage of the demographic that shows any interest in buying one, especially on PH. Every vid, review and comment says as much. It's not really relevant to my question either, which is my point. Traction control is VERY easily added, as is power steering. One could dynomat it to death if they choose. The evo upgrade list is packed with supposed refinement upgrades, I was actually disappointed because to my eye is mostly garnish but the factory is clearly trying to open the market for is product. All my opinion of course, which means I'm right.
I work in an industry where I currently don't get much time off and spend 89 days in the UK/year max, less in the current climate, so building one is really out the question, but that is my own personal circumstances influencing my decision, im sure many others have theirs which is no one else's business. So am i type 1 buyer or 2? No need to answer that btw.
Edited by e8_pack on Thursday 29th December 07:44
F.C. said:
Your question is a little subjective but if comparing with mainstream then noise (road and mechanical) the cabin is tight, When I first got mine I thought I had made a mistake as it is a little claustrophobic, you need the right engine AND gearbox combination. there's nothing worse than building a stonking motor and then finding your ratios are wrong and the car tops out at 170 meaning motorway driving is a pain because you are revving too high at 70 mph on motorway runs, I have a G50/52 Turbo box that gives approx. 210 @ 7200 rpm, I am still thinking of changing out 6th for a higher geared option that would give 240+ theoretical but the point is a much more relaxed motorway overdrive gear.
water ingression when you open the doors (design).
No driver aids or comforts, some people have built Ultimas and fitted all manner of equipment to try and bring it up to mainstream sports car spec, only to find what they really wanted was a Porsche GT3, this is a real example the red car just bought by someone on here was an attempt at just that and the owner admitted that he should have spent his money on a Porsche.
The EVO is much the same they will have the later stiffer chassis but on the whole the same rawness, which is what these cars are about IMO.
I would look at second hand cars first, I'm glad I did, at least you have the time to get the "feel" of the car, imagine building one after 3/4 years only to find you don't like it as much as you thought you would.
If you do like it you have two options, improve the one you bought or sell and build one yourself.
One thing is for sure you won't get your money back on a new build.
Remember once you have an Ultima you will have joined the dark side and the path back to "normal" cars is a difficult one, I have looked long and hard for a replacement experience and come up lacking. I have had my car for over 5 years now having changed my "weekend toy" on a near yearly basis up until the Ultima.
ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
+1 water ingression when you open the doors (design).
No driver aids or comforts, some people have built Ultimas and fitted all manner of equipment to try and bring it up to mainstream sports car spec, only to find what they really wanted was a Porsche GT3, this is a real example the red car just bought by someone on here was an attempt at just that and the owner admitted that he should have spent his money on a Porsche.
The EVO is much the same they will have the later stiffer chassis but on the whole the same rawness, which is what these cars are about IMO.
I would look at second hand cars first, I'm glad I did, at least you have the time to get the "feel" of the car, imagine building one after 3/4 years only to find you don't like it as much as you thought you would.
If you do like it you have two options, improve the one you bought or sell and build one yourself.
One thing is for sure you won't get your money back on a new build.
Remember once you have an Ultima you will have joined the dark side and the path back to "normal" cars is a difficult one, I have looked long and hard for a replacement experience and come up lacking. I have had my car for over 5 years now having changed my "weekend toy" on a near yearly basis up until the Ultima.
ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 28th December 09:41
dark side.....it's true
it's drugso tips for buying.
Air con is pre-requisite.
Try and buy an LS engine car, you will spend less time under the clam fettling. (unless you are a sadist and like fire spitting high output SBC's).
Snap off wheel I find very helpful as without I was bruising my shins getting in and out.
Take a view on the build.
It's true some are better built than others but in the main they are a component car and it is the sum of the components that can make the difference.
Like storer I bought my car second hand, knowing I could modify without the hassle of having to comply to every nit-picking IVA regulation, my car had an SBC fitted but now runs an LS, come MOT time they only do the visual emissions test.
I would not recommend doing a SBC to LS swap yourself it will cost more than you bargain for, far easier to start with an LS in the first place.
There is only one LS engine GTR advertised at less than 50k as far as I can see, but this would be my starting point.
Air con is pre-requisite.
Try and buy an LS engine car, you will spend less time under the clam fettling. (unless you are a sadist and like fire spitting high output SBC's).
Snap off wheel I find very helpful as without I was bruising my shins getting in and out.
Take a view on the build.
It's true some are better built than others but in the main they are a component car and it is the sum of the components that can make the difference.
Like storer I bought my car second hand, knowing I could modify without the hassle of having to comply to every nit-picking IVA regulation, my car had an SBC fitted but now runs an LS, come MOT time they only do the visual emissions test.
I would not recommend doing a SBC to LS swap yourself it will cost more than you bargain for, far easier to start with an LS in the first place.
There is only one LS engine GTR advertised at less than 50k as far as I can see, but this would be my starting point.
Don't let some of the answers put you off 
As an ex Westie owner (xtr2 and 4) too, you will find similarities in both. The Ultima being bigger and heavier of course. Track performance when set up well is very very good, despite what Storer says, there are also plenty of race cars a well sorted ultima will be much faster than on track. On road with kumhos they're horrible.
Look at quality of parts used in the build - sounds obvious but often overlooked. Some buyers prefer factory built cars thinking they're "better" but that's not necessarily true. As a westie only you'll recognise a well built one compared to not well built.
If I was looking, these would be my must haves:
A/C
LS engine of some description
Gearbox suited to my use - if road and track something like a g50/03 or 00 with longer 5th gear is good for LSs
APs
Well fitted bodywork
In addition obviously a rearwing, decent shocks, wheels etc are good, but bolt on.
Be careful on any that you don't like the interior, changing is often a ball ache and expensive.
Nice to havea are longer front wishbones , but again are boot on (need new offset wheels too).
If you find the perfect spec car with a non LS engine, there's nothing wrong with those (some owners prefer the old carbed small blocks) but they do require more tinkering with to keep running.
After your Westie id say the majority you see are unlikely to be set up to feel similar, you'll find as standard they understeer quite badly through slow corners, but that can be resolved quite easily.
There are a few nice ones up your way, 356speedster in particular - that will give you a good example of a top end build.
If you're ever down Bristol way you're welcome to look at mine, built as a road/track one.
Referring back to your options, they're all great cars for sure. I'd be happy with anyone of them, but I wouldn't sell my Ultima for them, or any of the choices 200plusclub mentions.
Try and get a friendly owner to take you for a spin too.
PM me if you want more info, am away until 7/1 so may be a delay in replying tho.
Good luck with the search.
As an ex Westie owner (xtr2 and 4) too, you will find similarities in both. The Ultima being bigger and heavier of course. Track performance when set up well is very very good, despite what Storer says, there are also plenty of race cars a well sorted ultima will be much faster than on track. On road with kumhos they're horrible.
Look at quality of parts used in the build - sounds obvious but often overlooked. Some buyers prefer factory built cars thinking they're "better" but that's not necessarily true. As a westie only you'll recognise a well built one compared to not well built.
If I was looking, these would be my must haves:
A/C
LS engine of some description
Gearbox suited to my use - if road and track something like a g50/03 or 00 with longer 5th gear is good for LSs
APs
Well fitted bodywork
In addition obviously a rearwing, decent shocks, wheels etc are good, but bolt on.
Be careful on any that you don't like the interior, changing is often a ball ache and expensive.
Nice to havea are longer front wishbones , but again are boot on (need new offset wheels too).
If you find the perfect spec car with a non LS engine, there's nothing wrong with those (some owners prefer the old carbed small blocks) but they do require more tinkering with to keep running.
After your Westie id say the majority you see are unlikely to be set up to feel similar, you'll find as standard they understeer quite badly through slow corners, but that can be resolved quite easily.
There are a few nice ones up your way, 356speedster in particular - that will give you a good example of a top end build.
If you're ever down Bristol way you're welcome to look at mine, built as a road/track one.
Referring back to your options, they're all great cars for sure. I'd be happy with anyone of them, but I wouldn't sell my Ultima for them, or any of the choices 200plusclub mentions.
Try and get a friendly owner to take you for a spin too.
PM me if you want more info, am away until 7/1 so may be a delay in replying tho.
Good luck with the search.
RWD cossie wil said:
Turbo will never get sold I don't think, too much £££ into it now & I still love it, the M3 is prob going to go as I just don't get to use it, & I need something rear drive & something to tinker with, been hankering after an ultima for about 15 years now!
Come on Will, you know you want to.If I was thinking of taking the plunge again, I'm pretty sure I'd go down the build route it's half of the enjoyment of these cars. Mine at present is purely standard with an SBC, the sound give me goose bumps every time i start it up and I haven't driven it yet.....Roll on spring..
key750 said:
F.C. said:
....
ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
Hairdressers?!?! ETS the CanAm is a capable car, just there is no "proper" roof solution.
Oh and some on here say they are for hairdressers only
Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 28th December 09:41
Naaaa.... I think is only because they live in the wrong country to own a Can-Am!
Thanks, some excellent pointers on the engine choices and something I might want to consider. I could up my budget if I see value in doing so and it does explain the market somewhat. Before I bought the westy I didn't know much about the engine types but after some research nothing less than a duratec would do.
I know there are obvious differences in the shortlist options, the viper is really just a dream car from my youth which happens to be in budget and one that I would love to own, I don't think I'd sell the westy if I bought one though. As I've got older, the Ultima has an equal appeal on its own merits, the time is right for either. Exige is the likely progression from a Westy for most, it will give similar enjoyment but not be entirely limited to warm sunny days, especially with so little time off work these days.
Ultima is probably the best compromise, has the pantomime of a viper, thrills of a Westy and the practicality of an Exige. (Leaking viper roofs are considered normal!)
I know there are obvious differences in the shortlist options, the viper is really just a dream car from my youth which happens to be in budget and one that I would love to own, I don't think I'd sell the westy if I bought one though. As I've got older, the Ultima has an equal appeal on its own merits, the time is right for either. Exige is the likely progression from a Westy for most, it will give similar enjoyment but not be entirely limited to warm sunny days, especially with so little time off work these days.
Ultima is probably the best compromise, has the pantomime of a viper, thrills of a Westy and the practicality of an Exige. (Leaking viper roofs are considered normal!)
e8_pack said:
The undercurrent of this thread appears to be a thinly veiled attempt at dissuasion, like it's some kind of exclusive club. It's a car I can pap 35-45k on drive, enjoy, sell. There are zero cars advertised at £50k so heaven knows why that would be regarded as a starting point. The starting point is the price they're advertised at which is currently about 90% of the market in my budget!
Don't think anyone is trying to dissuade you. The more members of this "exclusive club" the better. You mentioned an Exige as an option, I suggested an s1 vhpd would be a good choice. Can't offer any real constructive thoughts on a Viper based on experience or having had a nosey on eBay at them.Personal preference...
I would want a proper roof. I got fed up of the compromises in my previous 2 Westfields and my Caterham. So that rules out Canams for me. The factory now offer a fabulous roof for Canams (I have seen it close up, it really is fabulous) but it is relatively expensive and I guess is best suited as an option for new builders. If you are less fussed about a roof then great. I don't know if the canams are inherently cheaper or not but the wider the choice the better.
I would also want an LS engine because I am less interested in the enjoyment of faffing about and tinkering with stuff than others. If you are not fussed, even better.
I would be less fussed than others about aircon. Mine didn't work for the 1st year I owned the car and I didn't really find it to be a huge issue. In truth I didn't realise it wasn't working. It's better with it, but hardly the end of the world without it IMHO.
The biggest limitation will be whatever is available at the time you are looking to buy. I am looking for an V10 R8 at the moment and get an update from the PH Classifieds of various new cars added almost daily to the 187 currently on offer. Most aren't in the right spec/colour/budget but the right one will likely turn up soon enough (hopefully before I get bored and start looking for something else)
On the other hand, I have seen the same core bunch of Ultimas in the classifieds or on eBay for yonks. The ones I think, "yeah, I like that" seem to sell fairly quickly and are usually closer to, or just above, £50k than sub £40k. The others don't really seem to sell very quickly for whatever reason and as you point out, they aren't exactly the expensive ones so the reason must be something other than price alone.
Which of the ones for sale do you fancy?
Edited by renmure on Thursday 29th December 12:19
I was not trying to dissuade you, just point out realities. We get a lot of people asking the same question and for the majority an Ultima would be too impractical.
For serious track days then a dry sump is good insurance. The car can generate considerable cornering force which can cause oil starvation on long sweeping curves.
Two way adjustable shocks very useful and you may want the track springs too.
Some early GTR's only had a roll hoop and not cage. You can see 150mph on track so safety worth considering. AP brakes important. Brake bias adjustability worth having for track.
Aircon and power steering are both a bas*ard to fit to a complete car, as is anything under the dash.
LS engine for me. Upgrading an LS1, 2, 3 to LS7 power and spec is expensive, so don't buy a smaller LS thinking you will upgrade to 600hp.
Heat management. Alloy rad preferable as is ceramic exhaust coating. Fuel system can have issues with boiling fuel. Lots of comment on here over fuelling.
Look hard a build quality, gel coat/paint condition, glass/Perspex adhesion, etc. Is it neat and tidy where you can't see from outside. Have additional fans, etc. been fitted with relays as the wiring is only designed for the Factory setup.
As you can see there is a good bit to check but it is not rocket science if you have a bit on knowhow.
Lastly. The Factory hold records for all chassis and know what parts were purchased for each one. They can be a very useful source of information on any car you are seriously considering buying.
Paul
For serious track days then a dry sump is good insurance. The car can generate considerable cornering force which can cause oil starvation on long sweeping curves.
Two way adjustable shocks very useful and you may want the track springs too.
Some early GTR's only had a roll hoop and not cage. You can see 150mph on track so safety worth considering. AP brakes important. Brake bias adjustability worth having for track.
Aircon and power steering are both a bas*ard to fit to a complete car, as is anything under the dash.
LS engine for me. Upgrading an LS1, 2, 3 to LS7 power and spec is expensive, so don't buy a smaller LS thinking you will upgrade to 600hp.
Heat management. Alloy rad preferable as is ceramic exhaust coating. Fuel system can have issues with boiling fuel. Lots of comment on here over fuelling.
Look hard a build quality, gel coat/paint condition, glass/Perspex adhesion, etc. Is it neat and tidy where you can't see from outside. Have additional fans, etc. been fitted with relays as the wiring is only designed for the Factory setup.
As you can see there is a good bit to check but it is not rocket science if you have a bit on knowhow.
Lastly. The Factory hold records for all chassis and know what parts were purchased for each one. They can be a very useful source of information on any car you are seriously considering buying.
Paul
Matt's blue one is obviously a candidate. He may well have a buyer before I can view it though
Yellow can-am, again, unlikely to be around in Feb
The red SBC which is quite recent, though red is not my choice colour.
The blue 45k one, I think is dealer priced which doesn't interest me seeing as I don't need finance or enough mileage for warranty.
What are the thoughts on charged one in the higher end, i'd expect that price for a charged LS engine. No AC, SBC, cheap interior switches. Was over heating on a you tube video.
Sure there will be more available in the next few months though, quietist time for selling cars now.
Yellow can-am, again, unlikely to be around in Feb
The red SBC which is quite recent, though red is not my choice colour.
The blue 45k one, I think is dealer priced which doesn't interest me seeing as I don't need finance or enough mileage for warranty.
What are the thoughts on charged one in the higher end, i'd expect that price for a charged LS engine. No AC, SBC, cheap interior switches. Was over heating on a you tube video.
Sure there will be more available in the next few months though, quietist time for selling cars now.
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