SVA Q's - Engine, gearbox and chassis.
Discussion
Good day to you all,
I have bought an Ultima GTR part built - all stages from 1 to 14. I plan to have a busy winter with my new found love. I plan to register the GTR on a '12' plate come spring time. I have a few questions with the SVA, engine, gearbox and chassis;
1. Will I have any problems registering the GTR on a '12 plate' even though many parts of the parts inc the chassis are around 8/9 years old? Bearing in mind, they have never been fitted to a road going car, it has been dry stored so it still looks 'new' and I have ALL invoices from Ultima?
2. Engine, this is relatively straight forward as I can just buy a crate engine in the USA. Looking for a LS7 I think? Any power / upgrades with this? I take it buying from the US will be cheapest / more options? Even though I'm based in the UK?
3. Gearbox, this I feel is a little more tricky. What are my options with this? I know I will need a new/refurbished gearbox. I'm thinking the G96-50 from the 996 turbo over the norm G50. Any places to look for one? I missed out on the one advertised on here for 2.65k.
That is all. I look forward to any input.
Bert.
I have bought an Ultima GTR part built - all stages from 1 to 14. I plan to have a busy winter with my new found love. I plan to register the GTR on a '12' plate come spring time. I have a few questions with the SVA, engine, gearbox and chassis;
1. Will I have any problems registering the GTR on a '12 plate' even though many parts of the parts inc the chassis are around 8/9 years old? Bearing in mind, they have never been fitted to a road going car, it has been dry stored so it still looks 'new' and I have ALL invoices from Ultima?
2. Engine, this is relatively straight forward as I can just buy a crate engine in the USA. Looking for a LS7 I think? Any power / upgrades with this? I take it buying from the US will be cheapest / more options? Even though I'm based in the UK?
3. Gearbox, this I feel is a little more tricky. What are my options with this? I know I will need a new/refurbished gearbox. I'm thinking the G96-50 from the 996 turbo over the norm G50. Any places to look for one? I missed out on the one advertised on here for 2.65k.
That is all. I look forward to any input.
Bert.
Welcome Bertie
You shouldn't have a problem getting a 12 plate, there are builders on here that are a few years down the line, when you have completed your build Ultima should issue you with a certificate of newness stating that all new parts were purchased for the build, DVLA will want this for a new reg. Obviously keep all receipts as the DVLA will want sight of these and also keep a photographic file of the build as VOSA will want to see things like brake pipe fixings are correctly spaced and seat belt anchorage rails that are hidden by bodywork etc, plus it shows the tester it wasn’t thrown together and might ease the way.
As for the engine choice, have you considered an LS3? Cheaper than an LS7 and not much to spend to get a bit more power out of it, but then I’m a bit biased
The choice of box is a good one, that seems to be the strongest of the cable change boxes or the 997 box but haven’t heard of anyone’s experience with these boxes.
Good luck with the build, look forward to seeing your progress.
You shouldn't have a problem getting a 12 plate, there are builders on here that are a few years down the line, when you have completed your build Ultima should issue you with a certificate of newness stating that all new parts were purchased for the build, DVLA will want this for a new reg. Obviously keep all receipts as the DVLA will want sight of these and also keep a photographic file of the build as VOSA will want to see things like brake pipe fixings are correctly spaced and seat belt anchorage rails that are hidden by bodywork etc, plus it shows the tester it wasn’t thrown together and might ease the way.
As for the engine choice, have you considered an LS3? Cheaper than an LS7 and not much to spend to get a bit more power out of it, but then I’m a bit biased

The choice of box is a good one, that seems to be the strongest of the cable change boxes or the 997 box but haven’t heard of anyone’s experience with these boxes.
Good luck with the build, look forward to seeing your progress.
Bertie N said:
Good day to you all,
I have bought an Ultima GTR part built - all stages from 1 to 14. I plan to have a busy winter with my new found love. I plan to register the GTR on a '12' plate come spring time. I have a few questions with the SVA, engine, gearbox and chassis;
1. Will I have any problems registering the GTR on a '12 plate' even though many parts of the parts inc the chassis are around 8/9 years old? Bearing in mind, they have never been fitted to a road going car, it has been dry stored so it still looks 'new' and I have ALL invoices from Ultima?
2. Engine, this is relatively straight forward as I can just buy a crate engine in the USA. Looking for a LS7 I think? Any power / upgrades with this? I take it buying from the US will be cheapest / more options? Even though I'm based in the UK?
3. Gearbox, this I feel is a little more tricky. What are my options with this? I know I will need a new/refurbished gearbox. I'm thinking the G96-50 from the 996 turbo over the norm G50. Any places to look for one? I missed out on the one advertised on here for 2.65k.
That is all. I look forward to any input.
Bert.
Talk to Autobionics re the gearbox - top chaps and very helpful. They did ours for us which has stood up to a lot of abuse and was also good value.I have bought an Ultima GTR part built - all stages from 1 to 14. I plan to have a busy winter with my new found love. I plan to register the GTR on a '12' plate come spring time. I have a few questions with the SVA, engine, gearbox and chassis;
1. Will I have any problems registering the GTR on a '12 plate' even though many parts of the parts inc the chassis are around 8/9 years old? Bearing in mind, they have never been fitted to a road going car, it has been dry stored so it still looks 'new' and I have ALL invoices from Ultima?
2. Engine, this is relatively straight forward as I can just buy a crate engine in the USA. Looking for a LS7 I think? Any power / upgrades with this? I take it buying from the US will be cheapest / more options? Even though I'm based in the UK?
3. Gearbox, this I feel is a little more tricky. What are my options with this? I know I will need a new/refurbished gearbox. I'm thinking the G96-50 from the 996 turbo over the norm G50. Any places to look for one? I missed out on the one advertised on here for 2.65k.
That is all. I look forward to any input.
Bert.
http://www.autobionics.co.uk/
Jonny
Bertie N said:
2. Engine, this is relatively straight forward as I can just buy a crate engine in the USA. Looking for a LS7 I think? Any power / upgrades with this? I take it buying from the US will be cheapest / more options? Even though I'm based in the UK?
What engine is your chassis set up for? Doesn't the LS7 chassis have a slightly different engine mount position? I seem to remember you can buy special offest mounts that move the engine by the required amount. Disclaimer: I'm no expert on LS engines as I have a carb fed 2001 vintage SBC GTR, so I might be talking out of my arse.Welcome Bert
As has been said you should have no problems.
Keep all receipts for DVLA.
Different line with the photos....VOSA will inspect the car (IVA) so do not need photos of the fine detail. What they do need for their files is evidence of amateur build as the rules only allow the likes of Ultima to build commercially. For this the photos should show the car at various build stages in a domestic environment, wheelie bins, push bikes, small child sitting in the bare chassis holding a steering wheel etc.
Steve
As has been said you should have no problems.
Keep all receipts for DVLA.
Different line with the photos....VOSA will inspect the car (IVA) so do not need photos of the fine detail. What they do need for their files is evidence of amateur build as the rules only allow the likes of Ultima to build commercially. For this the photos should show the car at various build stages in a domestic environment, wheelie bins, push bikes, small child sitting in the bare chassis holding a steering wheel etc.
Steve
Graham-P said:
Welcome Bertie
You shouldn't have a problem getting a 12 plate, there are builders on here that are a few years down the line, when you have completed your build Ultima should issue you with a certificate of newness stating that all new parts were purchased for the build, DVLA will want this for a new reg. Obviously keep all receipts as the DVLA will want sight of these and also keep a photographic file of the build as VOSA will want to see things like brake pipe fixings are correctly spaced and seat belt anchorage rails that are hidden by bodywork etc, plus it shows the tester it wasn’t thrown together and might ease the way.
As for the engine choice, have you considered an LS3? Cheaper than an LS7 and not much to spend to get a bit more power out of it, but then I’m a bit biased
The choice of box is a good one, that seems to be the strongest of the cable change boxes or the 997 box but haven’t heard of anyone’s experience with these boxes.
Good luck with the build, look forward to seeing your progress.
Cheers Graham. For sure I will take pictures of everything and keep all invoices and such like. I think I'm set on the LS7 engine really. Just wondering if there are any tweaks I can do to increase power. Maybe S/Cing. Then I need the right mapper...You shouldn't have a problem getting a 12 plate, there are builders on here that are a few years down the line, when you have completed your build Ultima should issue you with a certificate of newness stating that all new parts were purchased for the build, DVLA will want this for a new reg. Obviously keep all receipts as the DVLA will want sight of these and also keep a photographic file of the build as VOSA will want to see things like brake pipe fixings are correctly spaced and seat belt anchorage rails that are hidden by bodywork etc, plus it shows the tester it wasn’t thrown together and might ease the way.
As for the engine choice, have you considered an LS3? Cheaper than an LS7 and not much to spend to get a bit more power out of it, but then I’m a bit biased

The choice of box is a good one, that seems to be the strongest of the cable change boxes or the 997 box but haven’t heard of anyone’s experience with these boxes.
Good luck with the build, look forward to seeing your progress.
macgtech said:
Talk to Autobionics re the gearbox - top chaps and very helpful. They did ours for us which has stood up to a lot of abuse and was also good value.
http://www.autobionics.co.uk/
Jonny
Thanks Jonny. I'll send them an email. http://www.autobionics.co.uk/
Jonny
Storer said:
Welcome Bert.
Enjoy the build and don't rush it. Setting yourself a deadline may be a good idea but don't beat yourself up if you don't make it.
I was looking to have my GTR rebuilt by LeMans, I just didn't say which one!!
Paul
Ha, ha. I have a free winter coming to build the GTR. I will not rush it though. Each stage will require a mass of research! Enjoy the build and don't rush it. Setting yourself a deadline may be a good idea but don't beat yourself up if you don't make it.
I was looking to have my GTR rebuilt by LeMans, I just didn't say which one!!
Paul
Is your GTR ready now?
Steve_D said:
Welcome Bert
As has been said you should have no problems.
Keep all receipts for DVLA.
Different line with the photos....VOSA will inspect the car (IVA) so do not need photos of the fine detail. What they do need for their files is evidence of amateur build as the rules only allow the likes of Ultima to build commercially. For this the photos should show the car at various build stages in a domestic environment, wheelie bins, push bikes, small child sitting in the bare chassis holding a steering wheel etc.
Steve
Ah really? I never knew that! Thanks for the tip. I have yet to read in detail about the whole process of the new IVA, etc. What are the costs involved in putting a new car on the road? Cost of IVA, road tax, any other taxes? As has been said you should have no problems.
Keep all receipts for DVLA.
Different line with the photos....VOSA will inspect the car (IVA) so do not need photos of the fine detail. What they do need for their files is evidence of amateur build as the rules only allow the likes of Ultima to build commercially. For this the photos should show the car at various build stages in a domestic environment, wheelie bins, push bikes, small child sitting in the bare chassis holding a steering wheel etc.
Steve
Cheers Steve
YIIHAA said:
What engine is your chassis set up for? Doesn't the LS7 chassis have a slightly different engine mount position? I seem to remember you can buy special offest mounts that move the engine by the required amount. Disclaimer: I'm no expert on LS engines as I have a carb fed 2001 vintage SBC GTR, so I might be talking out of my arse.
Can anyone else shed some light on this? Thanks for the input 
Bertie N said:
Storer said:
Welcome Bert.
Enjoy the build and don't rush it. Setting yourself a deadline may be a good idea but don't beat yourself up if you don't make it.
I was looking to have my GTR rebuilt by LeMans, I just didn't say which one!!
Paul
Ha, ha. I have a free winter coming to build the GTR. I will not rush it though. Each stage will require a mass of research! Enjoy the build and don't rush it. Setting yourself a deadline may be a good idea but don't beat yourself up if you don't make it.
I was looking to have my GTR rebuilt by LeMans, I just didn't say which one!!
Paul
Is your GTR ready now?
With regard to the engine mounts. Your older chassis will probably have SBC engine mounts which I don't think are the same as LS engine mounts. I had the factory supply me with a set of LS brackets for me to weld to the chassis. To get them in the correct place they send you measurements but I also attached them to the engine to make sure.
A chat with the factory will reveal quite a lot about your car and highlight changes that have been made since your chassis was built.
If you want a standard LS7 you can get one from GM PartsWorldPerformance ( http://www.partsworldperformance.com/?gclid=CM-w8Z... ). Not sure if this is cheaper than importing but it very easy. Trailer, credit card and back with new engine in a few hours.
Paul
Hi - If you go LS7 I would recommend the Parts World route but NOT their ECU/Loom/Anciliary kits. Spend the extra and buy from American Speed. It really is a good bit of kit and the install is simple as it fits the car. It will save you many, many hours of trouble!! Also, request a pre 2008 (Silver butterfly) Throttle Body with the engine. Or source one elsewhere. The AS ECU does not work well with the post 2008 TB. (Gold butterfly.)
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