The garage is empty

[mclark]

But it for a good reason :D

The car has gone to GRL Motors in Woking to be setup on their rolling road.

They've done a few Ultima's in the past plus there was a red Can Am in there today - anyone here?

Here's to next weekend when I should be able to collect it.

Michael

[gtr-gaz]

Good choice

[stig]

I'd be interested in the results chap. Was the devil's own job finding a rolling road that could take the GTR (mainly because it was too powerful!). Lots of r/roads that know efi, but setting up carbs properly takes a lot of know-how & experience.

[mclark]

Initial diagnosis done this morning and he called straight away to discuss my options.

He felt the engine was over Carb'd with 750cf and Sec Vac, he suggested dropping to a 650 duouble pumper.

He also recommended removing the HEI dizzy and using a MSD Dizzy/Coil setup as there is far more options to tune these.

I'll keep you posted.

Michael

[stig]

Interesting, having heard some recent tales about bore wash causing problems, his advice sounds solid.

Still, the before and after bhp figures will be more telling.

Let us know how you get on.

[mclark]

Well, update so far.....

The dizzy, coil and carb are fitted and before tuning up the car, he had already noticed a huge improvement.

Rolling road setup hopefully today

He also asked why I had an oil cooler fitted (as per another thread here somewhere) and said that this could cause more harm than good. He is looking to fit and in line thermostat to control it's use.

Michael

[craig-ultima]

What's the theory on oil being too cold? Is the problem that there is reduced flow (viscosity), or is it that the lubrication characteristics aren't right, or something else?

I'm curious on getting some advice here since I put an oil cooler in, but have heard that a thermostat is a good idea.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Also, what is the right temperature?

[mclark]

The guy said that having the oil too cool does as much damage as it over heating.

He said that the coolers are great for track day cars but shouldn't be necessary for road cars. He did elaborate more but I was more interested in hearing how my car was going.

On a plus note as well, the guy provides an engineers report/snag list with the car when it's returned.

Michael

[Allen-GTR]

Yes, I would certainly add an oil thermostat. 180 F is the typical opening temp.

I have one, and it does the trick!

Allen

[craig-ultima]

Thanks. Will do.

Relief that the build is not over and I have something else to tinker with

[steve_D]

mclark said:

The guy said that having the oil too cool does as much damage as it over heating. He said that the coolers are great for track day cars but shouldn't be necessary for road cars.............Michael

I agree the oil should not be cool but think his comment on the need for a cooler in a road car is based on cars with the engine up front with plenty of fresh air blowing around the engine and sump. Hidden away in the middle of an Ultima there is little air movement around our engines and is also why the factory are against skining the underside of the engine bay.

Steve

[canam-phil]

steve_D said:

I agree the oil should not be cool but think his comment on the need for a cooler in a road car is based on cars with the engine up front with plenty of fresh air blowing around the engine and sump. Hidden away in the middle of an Ultima there is little air movement around our engines and is also why the factory are against skining the underside of the engine bay. Steve

This tuner has a LOT of experience on both road and race cars both front and mid engined and I trust him to be bearing all in mind when he makes recommendations.

But you only have to listen to a handful of tuners to hear a handful of (most times) contradicting recommendations!

>> Edited by canam-phil on Friday 26th August 08:32

[stig]

craig-ultima said:

Thanks. Will do. Relief that the build is not over and I have something else to tinker with

Craig, trust me, the build is NEVER over

[chuntington101]

is anyone running a oil to water cooler/heater? i have heard good things about them. they will worm the oil up to operating temp faster and then maintain a constant temp better! but this will put more stress on the water cooling system.

thanks Chris.

[gtr-gaz]

chuntington101 said:

is anyone running a oil to water cooler/heater? i have heard good things about them. they will worm the oil up to operating temp faster and then maintain a constant temp better! but this will put more stress on the water cooling system. thanks Chris.

I think you mean an oil/water heat exchanger?
ultimacz has fitted one and swears by it.

http://web.quick.cz/prague7/P2040331%20a.jpg

[mclark]

Well, the car comes back tomorrow

The guys back off hols and has finished tweeking the car for running in.

He did comment on how well the engine ran and that it would be a bit of ab animal in traffic (oh well).

Only down side, said his rollers only measure up to 300bhp when graphing performance.

Not a problem for setting the car up but I did want a chart but I do have free time on a rolling road in Bedford for graphs etc anyway.

The guy asked what the gearing was on the car as he had it up to 160 on the road at 4000rpm!!

Proof will be in the pudding tomorrow but from what I have seen so far he is an excellent chap and I can only but recommend him.

Mine goes back in a few weeks for final tune up after I've run it in.

Here's to the next 1000 miles.

Michael

[canam-phil]

Michael

That would make it 240mph at 6000rpm

What gearbox have you fitted because that does not fit any ratios I have ever heard of? I wants ome of those!

Phil

[mclark]

Phil,

You're right but sadly it is only a g50/20 I bought from someone early on in my build.

I'll have to get the guy to run it up again and check it!

240mph - I wish (in fact we all wish!!)

Michael

[gtr-gaz]

mclark said:

Phil, You're right but sadly it is only a g50/20 I bought from someone early on in my build. I'll have to get the guy to run it up again and check it! 240mph - I wish (in fact we all wish!!) Michael

Don't tell G Man!!

[canam-phil]

Michael

I did try to edit my post and add that 160 was probably kph to give those revs. That then looks like standard G50/20 box.

Phil