engine options

[tailslider]

Sounds like you guys know how to have fun in a car!

Reading through some of the posts it seems there's a divide in opinion between whats the best type of engine; light and alloy v monster power and cast iron.

If I were to build one I would go for lightness and reliability over all other considerations. I'm sure even 400 ponies will be scary in such a very light car!

What are the engine options for lightness and reliability then? Without resorting to back water engine builders and remote servicing places, what do you reccommend? Can you drop in a standard new engine from a major manufacturer, with all the service back up that would come with it? Maybe a standard corvette engine (don't vauxhall service these in the uk), or maybee a BMW V8.

Any ideas for an easy life in the uk, as I'm not a mechanic?!

[Boosted LS1]

Chevrolet LS1 5.7 is used by ultima in the US. It can be from the Z28 or Vette. I've seen reports of up to 600 hp normally aspirated and more with turbo's. Another lightweight candidate has to be the Rover v8 but perhaps 4.6 or 5.0. It doesn't really come close to the ls1 but there is no doubt that it's light. There is some talk about the Northstar quad cam but it's wide and under 5 litres. Good internals though but I don't like it's computer controlled cams. There is the mustang quad cam as well. It's cams are conventional as far as I know. It's still wide and is 5.0. I'm not sure what the european options are. The Lexus engine is excellent inside but personally I am biased towards the LS1 despite what I have suggested above.

[Steve_D]

If you build one you will find that you don't have much option to use anything other than the Chevy V8.
This could be the later LS1 etc. but will not be any other make.
This is because the market perception is that Ultima's have big Chevy engines and your resale value will therefore be very badly impacted if you choose anything else.
You will also find that the Chevy is relatively cheap and easy to source.
Steve

[daydreamer]

There is a V12 BMW being constructed at the moment though IIRC. I think if you do go non standard though, you have to do something pretty special.

Zonda engine anyone????

[Sieze]

Out of interst steve D how do you know the market reslae value will be severly affected?

[Steve_D]

Sieze
I remember some time ago an Ultima for sale in Which Kit?. It had the Rover V8 and Renault box. It looked ok but was there for many months and going down in price.
As someone else said, the only exeption would be if the alternative engine was something rather special/exotic.
Steve

[Boosted LS1]

Steve_D said: Sieze
I remember some time ago an Ultima for sale in Which Kit?. It had the Rover V8 and Renault box. It looked ok but was there for many months and going down in price.
As someone else said, the only exeption would be if the alternative engine was something rather special/exotic.
Steve

Hi Steve, can you recall how long ago that was and roughly what the price dropped to. It would be interesting to have an idea of the 'bottom' end pricing because an ls1 could be used in place of the rover? I would be interested in a rolling chassis to play around with.

[Steve_D]

Not sure, It was probably over a year ago.
(I have been watching and wanting an Ultima for many years)
Steve

[andyrixon]

Heard somewhere that JayKay from Jamiroquai crashed his Diablo but due to legal reasons only the engine and gear box were able to be sold....

Diablo engine in Ultima.....

>> Edited by andyrixon on Monday 24th March 00:33