After the initial build... what's next?
Discussion
Evening all, I'm in the process of reviewing options for my next car purchase and I'm hoping that you can answer a quick question I have about the longer term ownership of an Ultima Evo.
So, once you've ether built or bought a car what's next? I know some people just like the challenge of the build and then sell, but for the rest do you then just drive it and maintain it or do you continue to enhance and upgrade it over the years? This can be upgrading the brakes, cosmetic changes or a new engine to keep with the times.
Essentially I'd like a vehicle that has more involvement rather than the usual purchase, drive, wash, service, repeat and then sell exercise that I've been doing over the years. I'm no F1 engineer but I'm pretty mechanically minded and I like the idea of a build or upgrading a car as a challenge.
I think I'd be pretty happy if I opened the garage door on a Sunday morning to find something like the Ultima with a Rothmans livery.
Thanks in advance.
GoM
So, once you've ether built or bought a car what's next? I know some people just like the challenge of the build and then sell, but for the rest do you then just drive it and maintain it or do you continue to enhance and upgrade it over the years? This can be upgrading the brakes, cosmetic changes or a new engine to keep with the times.
Essentially I'd like a vehicle that has more involvement rather than the usual purchase, drive, wash, service, repeat and then sell exercise that I've been doing over the years. I'm no F1 engineer but I'm pretty mechanically minded and I like the idea of a build or upgrading a car as a challenge.
I think I'd be pretty happy if I opened the garage door on a Sunday morning to find something like the Ultima with a Rothmans livery.
Thanks in advance.
GoM
You Sir are in the right place. Building the Ultima is challenging, rewarding and an adventure I'm glad that I have not missed. Yes, some of us sell and go on to other ventures, as for myself Im on my second GTR. I built my first in 2007 and improved and tinkered with it for 10 years. I enjoyed driving it, every time I got in the car it was an event. I tracked it and came to understand that the car was faster than me by a bunch and that's not false modesty. The car if driven to its potential is world class fast. In 2017 a opportunity to buy a partially completed car at dimes on the dollar came along and I jumped at the chance. Why change horses? because the new car had been started way after mine and the fellow who started the car did a great job and put every piece of the best hardware available in it. He also was very receptive to input from myself and Bob Woods another GTR owner here in So Cal to some really need modifications. Now Im in the process of adding even more to the car not just in parts but also in small details.
Bottom line is this if you go around a corner or drive quickly on your favorite road or attend a track day the results are yours. . Not Ferrari or Porsches best software engineers adding differential brakes here traction control there you did it with your brain feet hands and ass. Lee
Bottom line is this if you go around a corner or drive quickly on your favorite road or attend a track day the results are yours. . Not Ferrari or Porsches best software engineers adding differential brakes here traction control there you did it with your brain feet hands and ass. Lee
ROWDYRENAULT said:
You Sir are in the right place. Building the Ultima is challenging, rewarding and an adventure I'm glad that I have not missed. Yes, some of us sell and go on to other ventures, as for myself Im on my second GTR. I built my first in 2007 and improved and tinkered with it for 10 years. I enjoyed driving it, every time I got in the car it was an event. I tracked it and came to understand that the car was faster than me by a bunch and that's not false modesty. The car if driven to its potential is world class fast. In 2017 a opportunity to buy a partially completed car at dimes on the dollar came along and I jumped at the chance. Why change horses? because the new car had been started way after mine and the fellow who started the car did a great job and put every piece of the best hardware available in it. He also was very receptive to input from myself and Bob Woods another GTR owner here in So Cal to some really need modifications. Now Im in the process of adding even more to the car not just in parts but also in small details.
Bottom line is this if you go around a corner or drive quickly on your favorite road or attend a track day the results are yours. . Not Ferrari or Porsches best software engineers adding differential brakes here traction control there you did it with your brain feet hands and ass. Lee
I totally agree with Lee. Bottom line is this if you go around a corner or drive quickly on your favorite road or attend a track day the results are yours. . Not Ferrari or Porsches best software engineers adding differential brakes here traction control there you did it with your brain feet hands and ass. Lee
An Ultima can be a constant project. It is best to start by building one (rebuilding in my case) but once complete you can have an annual upgrade program. Drive during the summer and modify/tinker during the winter. Part of the fun is the research followed by sourcing components. There is no part of the car you can't change. Some are more challenging than others.
The driving part is important too though. The car is rare on the road and real theatre. It can open doors too.
Paul
I’m with Lee and Paul, although I will admit sometimes the upgrade or tinkering path can end in frustration and thinking “why the f
k did I start this”
There is nothing like one of these. They’re not replicas, they have their own identity but the experience and drama will make you feel like you’re in an old race car at Le Mans.
Every drive is an event and because most people don’t know what it is there is no brand envy and the attitude to the car is amazingly positive. Which may also be a downside when you want to quickly refuel and get on your way!
There is a small but close knit group of owners who collectively seem able to answer any query.
If you want an event, would enjoy the build and subsequent tinkering, they’re hard to beat
k did I start this”There is nothing like one of these. They’re not replicas, they have their own identity but the experience and drama will make you feel like you’re in an old race car at Le Mans.
Every drive is an event and because most people don’t know what it is there is no brand envy and the attitude to the car is amazingly positive. Which may also be a downside when you want to quickly refuel and get on your way!
There is a small but close knit group of owners who collectively seem able to answer any query.
If you want an event, would enjoy the build and subsequent tinkering, they’re hard to beat
deadscoob said:
.....the experience and drama will make you feel like you’re in an old race car at Le Mans...........
Or you sit in your car waiting for the lights to change at a roadworks on the way to LeMans.By the time the lights change all the workmen have stopped and are now standing along the line of traffic cones, some had even gotten out of their diggers. Seemed only fair to hang back before making a spirited transit.
Every drive is an event and if it does not scare you a little you are doing something wrong.
Steve
xrtim said:
I’m building mine in a 16’ x 16’ garage and with racking and benches down either side I’m left with 10’ x 16’, only at chasis / engine stage so would imagine its going to be a bit snug when the body is ordered, whatever you have you will make it work
Thanks xrtim - good to know. My workable space is 16' x 16' and I have some options for storage of parts. Out of interest which engine did you go for - sensible and usable or the full 1000Bhp?
I think if you look at the past performance numbers posted by the factory 550hp versus 720 hp vs the 1020hp? you get a feel that at about 600 you have really kind of come to the peak of cost versus performance. A good N.A. LS7 will produce 600hp still be very happy on the street and get with it on the track.
In my mind I would rather spend the money to go over 600 hp on other parts of the car like a really well done bump steer and corner weighing session with a very competent race shop or the double adjustable shocks or a second set of rims. Maybe the best expenditure would be some quality one on one coaching in the car with a top instructor.
In my mind I would rather spend the money to go over 600 hp on other parts of the car like a really well done bump steer and corner weighing session with a very competent race shop or the double adjustable shocks or a second set of rims. Maybe the best expenditure would be some quality one on one coaching in the car with a top instructor.
I went my own route, self built 4.8l twin turbo, taught myself tig welding for custom fabrication. Just got it running on Megasquirt MS3 Pro Ultimate (never done ecu programing but so far so good) in another thread, traction control fitted and just sorting water injection and charge cooling systems. There are lots of possibilities with the car I have mostly enjoyed building it, some times there are fights and fall outs but cat wait to finish and drive it before I’m to old to get in it. Good luck
Tim
Tim
Had a quick look on the Ultima site as I'm thinking of selling my old 911 to fund the build of one.
I have very little engineering knowledge (I'm a woodworker) but I've messed around with cars enough over the years to know most of the basics.
I must have dreamt it but I thought when I looked on the Ultima site a few years back that they gave prices for the different stages of self build, seems that that is not the case when I looked today (unless I just couldnt find them).
I'd assume that body is the last thing to go on, but anyone any idea what it costs to get to rolling chassis, and why it seems Ultima does not sell the engines, and if not, what the engines cost?
I have very little engineering knowledge (I'm a woodworker) but I've messed around with cars enough over the years to know most of the basics.
I must have dreamt it but I thought when I looked on the Ultima site a few years back that they gave prices for the different stages of self build, seems that that is not the case when I looked today (unless I just couldnt find them).
I'd assume that body is the last thing to go on, but anyone any idea what it costs to get to rolling chassis, and why it seems Ultima does not sell the engines, and if not, what the engines cost?
Contact the Factory direct and they will send you a cost estimate excel sheet.
Engines are supplied direct from the US. American speed list Ultima engines https://amerspeed.com/engine-service/
It is well worth considering these as they have been configured to fit in the Ultima engine bay. As you have already said work is not your strong point you should stick with the known route.
I've said before (to other would be builders) that DIY skills are more relevant on an Ultima build than mechanics skills because the build is well established and the kit supplied is well thought out and pretty much everything you need is supplied.
Steve
Engines are supplied direct from the US. American speed list Ultima engines https://amerspeed.com/engine-service/
It is well worth considering these as they have been configured to fit in the Ultima engine bay. As you have already said work is not your strong point you should stick with the known route.
I've said before (to other would be builders) that DIY skills are more relevant on an Ultima build than mechanics skills because the build is well established and the kit supplied is well thought out and pretty much everything you need is supplied.
Steve
Here is my post build experience start to finish, sorry to link to FB but its all on this page for me. AND I still need to write about local meets my trip to Le mans this year and my air con retro fit! I'm falling behind!
https://www.facebook.com/Ultima-Can-Am-Scotland-96...
I love it!
https://www.facebook.com/Ultima-Can-Am-Scotland-96...
I love it!
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