Couple of comparitive moans!
Discussion
Right,
the car is now MOT'd taxed and insured and driven just a little as I am unfortunately super busy for a couple of weeks.
So I need to ask:
Do Ultimas normally have any power steering (like a Corsa EPS column or Ultima option)?
Do they normally have brake servos?
Do they normally have self cancelling indicators?
I have a self built Ram Cobra with all the above but which should be years behind the Ultima in development, (I even engineered in spark cut traction control), so I was really wondering if my Ultima is unusual in missing the above?
Cheers
ps, I have a tiny steering wheel with wide wheels which does not help, what diameter steering wheel is normal?
the car is now MOT'd taxed and insured and driven just a little as I am unfortunately super busy for a couple of weeks.
So I need to ask:
Do Ultimas normally have any power steering (like a Corsa EPS column or Ultima option)?
Do they normally have brake servos?
Do they normally have self cancelling indicators?
I have a self built Ram Cobra with all the above but which should be years behind the Ultima in development, (I even engineered in spark cut traction control), so I was really wondering if my Ultima is unusual in missing the above?
Cheers
ps, I have a tiny steering wheel with wide wheels which does not help, what diameter steering wheel is normal?
Ed.
No power steering, servo brakes or self cancelling indicators on most Ultimas
You seem to miss the point of an Ultima. Minimal weight and maximum hp = lots of performance.
They are designed to be a raw experience with minimal driver aids. More akin to a race car for the road.
There are very few 'standard' Ultima's and mine is not one. No idea on standard steering wheel size as mine is the size I wanted.
Your questions suggest a lack of research prior to purchasing, so I hope you will not be disappointed with the experience.
Paul
No power steering, servo brakes or self cancelling indicators on most Ultimas
You seem to miss the point of an Ultima. Minimal weight and maximum hp = lots of performance.
They are designed to be a raw experience with minimal driver aids. More akin to a race car for the road.
There are very few 'standard' Ultima's and mine is not one. No idea on standard steering wheel size as mine is the size I wanted.
Your questions suggest a lack of research prior to purchasing, so I hope you will not be disappointed with the experience.
Paul
As Storer said the base Ultima has no EPAS, servo assisted brakes or self cancelling indicator stalks.
The thing to remember is that this is not a standard production car, it's what you want to make it.
Regarding EPAS you can add a system that is 5 point adjustable from full assist to none so best of both worlds. Regarding the brakes some have added power assist but imo the fronts need to be 6 pot not 4 pot to get the correct performance especially on track. It's not difficult to add stalks just time consuming and you need to be a bit of a contortionist.
Just to add that some have made major alterations from the standard car to suit their personal requirements and tastes and imo none are wrong, just enjoy the differences.
Just two I have seen that demonstrate what you can do are Graham P's and Storer.
Enjoy yours.
The thing to remember is that this is not a standard production car, it's what you want to make it.
Regarding EPAS you can add a system that is 5 point adjustable from full assist to none so best of both worlds. Regarding the brakes some have added power assist but imo the fronts need to be 6 pot not 4 pot to get the correct performance especially on track. It's not difficult to add stalks just time consuming and you need to be a bit of a contortionist.
Just to add that some have made major alterations from the standard car to suit their personal requirements and tastes and imo none are wrong, just enjoy the differences.
Just two I have seen that demonstrate what you can do are Graham P's and Storer.
Enjoy yours.
I used an adaptor for my self cancelling lights. I believe it was from a motorcycle.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hi-Tech-Deluxe-Turn-...
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hi-Tech-Deluxe-Turn-...
Edited by Rscocca on Friday 14th April 17:35
bitsilly said:
Right,
the car is now MOT'd taxed and insured and driven just a little as I am unfortunately super busy for a couple of weeks.
So I need to ask:
Do Ultimas normally have any power steering (like a Corsa EPS column or Ultima option)?
Do they normally have brake servos?
Do they normally have self cancelling indicators?
I have a self built Ram Cobra with all the above but which should be years behind the Ultima in development, (I even engineered in spark cut traction control), so I was really wondering if my Ultima is unusual in missing the above?
Cheers
ps, I have a tiny steering wheel with wide wheels which does not help, what diameter steering wheel is normal?
I have adjustable power steering on mine for parking and slow manoeuvring.the car is now MOT'd taxed and insured and driven just a little as I am unfortunately super busy for a couple of weeks.
So I need to ask:
Do Ultimas normally have any power steering (like a Corsa EPS column or Ultima option)?
Do they normally have brake servos?
Do they normally have self cancelling indicators?
I have a self built Ram Cobra with all the above but which should be years behind the Ultima in development, (I even engineered in spark cut traction control), so I was really wondering if my Ultima is unusual in missing the above?
Cheers
ps, I have a tiny steering wheel with wide wheels which does not help, what diameter steering wheel is normal?
I think the standard steering wheel is 320mm.
I have 365mm Hi-Spec Monster brakes which IMO are overkill so no servo required, however If I had to fit brakes now I'd go smaller for less un-sprung weight and go for a lightweight six pot set up at the front and fours at the rear.
I used a custom indicator timer designed for an Ariel Atom it is a good unit that holds the flashers on while the brake lights are on.
momentary push gives a couple of lane change flashes I second push gives around seven flashes, second push while flashing cancels.
Ask on the Atom forum someone there may be able to help.
There are little tips to ease steering too ie make sure you are always moving (even very slowly) when going lock to lock. IE don't sit stationary and pull on the wheel thats the hardest way to do it.
F1 has non of these things either..... just saying
As Paul mentioned.... Thats the point in the Ultima. Its a raw, no driver assistance experience. Of course if you want these things they can be added and many owners have but for me, if I want a fast easy point to point car with ESP, TC power steering, you can get that from any other performance car on the market and I get that from my daily. But when the Ultima rolls out the garage, for me, it never fails to dissappoint.
I believe my wheel is 315mm outside diameter
F1 has non of these things either..... just saying
As Paul mentioned.... Thats the point in the Ultima. Its a raw, no driver assistance experience. Of course if you want these things they can be added and many owners have but for me, if I want a fast easy point to point car with ESP, TC power steering, you can get that from any other performance car on the market and I get that from my daily. But when the Ultima rolls out the garage, for me, it never fails to dissappoint.
I believe my wheel is 315mm outside diameter
Edited by confusionhunter on Saturday 15th April 10:10
confusionhunter said:
There are little tips to ease steering too ie make sure you are always moving (even very slowly) when going lock to lock. IE don't sit stationary and pull on the wheel thats the hardest way to do it.
F1 has non of these things either..... just saying
As Paul mentioned.... Thats the point in the Ultima. Its a raw, no driver assistance experience. Of course if you want these things they can be added and many owners have but for me, if I want a fast easy point to point car with ESP, TC power steering, you can get that from any other performance car on the market and I get that from my daily. But when the Ultima rolls out the garage, for me, it never fails to dissappoint.
I believe my wheel is 315mm outside diameter
F1 cars do have power steering these days (over 10 years now).F1 has non of these things either..... just saying
As Paul mentioned.... Thats the point in the Ultima. Its a raw, no driver assistance experience. Of course if you want these things they can be added and many owners have but for me, if I want a fast easy point to point car with ESP, TC power steering, you can get that from any other performance car on the market and I get that from my daily. But when the Ultima rolls out the garage, for me, it never fails to dissappoint.
I believe my wheel is 315mm outside diameter
Edited by confusionhunter on Saturday 15th April 10:10
Hopefully my GTR will have power steering in a couple of weeks time. As an old git with increasing aches and pains I have bitten the bullet and got SS to fit it for me as I am too busy at present.
Yep, I have wimped out.
But it will allow wider (285) front tyres if I wish......
Paul
Man up guys! Never have I thought the clutch peddle is too stiff, the steering is too hard. Here in South France know one uses the indicator anyway so inherited a bad habit. Usually knock the switch and it stays on left or right for a whole trip, lol Petrol Nirvana tours had a laugh of reminding me on the radio that my indicator was still on. Anyway its a race car for the road. Drive a Caterham like you stole it and then an Ultima seems like a Rolls Royce. Ult-Jim ps excuse me had a few wines.
Thank you all.
The point of Ultimas is truly not wasted on me, but I didn't intend mine as a track car, more a GT, and GT's need indicators, as do all road legal Ultimas. If mine had time based cancelling, or manouver based cancelling, I would less frequently drive for ages totally ignorant of the indicators flashing.
Paul, you are correct that I did not do much research, but at the price I paid it was a genuine no brainer for any petrol head! Research wise, I'm doing it now! Hence the questions.
For a dedicated track car I would go BEC. My Ultima is mainly for the road, so if I practice going to the loo before using it, the personal loss of weight would more than make up for self cancelling indicators. For me it is a no brainer and once I strip out all the fancy buttons and lights, an old mini or MG based self cancelling system works for me and probably be lighter. The Atom system sounds a good alternative, thanks for that.
I asked about the EPS because I wanted to know if they are normally used! It is very easy to engineer in a Corsa EPS to any car and you do not have to switch it on if thrashing a track, but it is useful for Tescos's car park where even the stig could understand the benefit. Before I fit it I will see what narrower tyres and a larger staring wheel are like. I am an ex tight head prop so can generally handle heavy steering and pedals, but at the moment, if the car is stationary, the effort required is ridiculous. It is good to know that it is not generally frowned upon!
Ditto the brake servo, I could not imagine heel/toeing the car as is, because of the difference in pressures needed. Also, I recently broke my back, both knees and shattered my left femur into 12 pieces, so rather than retire from the ownership of non-sanitised cars I take steps to ease my pain. Servos are my friend!
Thanks everyone. Angry trip planned for tomorrow so I will hopefully understand the car better.
Cheers
Ed
The point of Ultimas is truly not wasted on me, but I didn't intend mine as a track car, more a GT, and GT's need indicators, as do all road legal Ultimas. If mine had time based cancelling, or manouver based cancelling, I would less frequently drive for ages totally ignorant of the indicators flashing.
Paul, you are correct that I did not do much research, but at the price I paid it was a genuine no brainer for any petrol head! Research wise, I'm doing it now! Hence the questions.
For a dedicated track car I would go BEC. My Ultima is mainly for the road, so if I practice going to the loo before using it, the personal loss of weight would more than make up for self cancelling indicators. For me it is a no brainer and once I strip out all the fancy buttons and lights, an old mini or MG based self cancelling system works for me and probably be lighter. The Atom system sounds a good alternative, thanks for that.
I asked about the EPS because I wanted to know if they are normally used! It is very easy to engineer in a Corsa EPS to any car and you do not have to switch it on if thrashing a track, but it is useful for Tescos's car park where even the stig could understand the benefit. Before I fit it I will see what narrower tyres and a larger staring wheel are like. I am an ex tight head prop so can generally handle heavy steering and pedals, but at the moment, if the car is stationary, the effort required is ridiculous. It is good to know that it is not generally frowned upon!
Ditto the brake servo, I could not imagine heel/toeing the car as is, because of the difference in pressures needed. Also, I recently broke my back, both knees and shattered my left femur into 12 pieces, so rather than retire from the ownership of non-sanitised cars I take steps to ease my pain. Servos are my friend!
Thanks everyone. Angry trip planned for tomorrow so I will hopefully understand the car better.
Cheers
Ed
bitsilly said:
Thank you all.
Servos are my friend
Cheers
Ed
My car was originally fitted with the Ford Scorpio and twin servo brake option. When I upgraded to the AP brakes, I soon disconnected the servos, although they are still in the car, because of the lack of feel and the brakes would occasionally "lock on" after coming to a stop. OK, they would release as soon as I pulled away, but I preferred that not to happen! (The servos are still in the car because it would require cutting out the front of the side pods to extract them!)Servos are my friend
Cheers
Ed
Ult-Jim said:
Never have I thought the clutch peddle is too stiff
Me neither until a day of stop start traffic gave me a blister on the ball of my foot!!!! Couldn't believe it! New master cylinder and all was fine.F1... OK well the other stuff!!
Ed, Fair shout on your reasoning, I've seen I think 2 installations of EPS on Ultimas, I've also seen someone adapt pedal due to a serious ankle injury too, so never say never!
Lets face it half the time I'm are after an engineering challenge anyway! Can you stick up a coupl of pics of your car so we can go. Ohh and Ah
Also there is an Ultima FB group that sometimes gets different conversations as its easier to post Pics etc....
Edited by confusionhunter on Sunday 16th April 11:21
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