Do you pay up front or in stages?

[Jungle-Jim]

After a bit of searching through the archives I’ve figured out that a fair built ultima can be built for maybe around €40k (ok, maybe more like €50k!). But I haven’t found any information on how the payment for the kit works – do you pay everything up front or do you pay at different stages in the build? (I don’t live in UK btw)

Let’s say it takes me 2 years to build an ultima; when do I need most of the money? I’m guessing I need a quite a bit of the budget in the start of the build – maybe something around €20k? When would I have to pay for the rest (generally speaking)? I guess the engine and gearbox stuff takes up a quite big part of the budget(?) – do I need to buy those at the start of the project or at the end? I’m trying to figure out for how long I should wait before ordering a kit

Thanks!

[eliot]

You only pay for what you take. Typically, you get stages 1-15 to get you started.
And yes, you can get the more expensive bits, like the engine, wheels & tyres later.

>> Edited by eliot on Monday 30th January 13:41

[steve_d]

You may find that shipping costs will work against you here as it does for the guys in the US. They have to order everything they will want from the factory in one hit because multiple orders would be too expensive.

Steve

[ld1racing]

Is that a realistic build price (ie Euro50k) and time (2 years)? I am considering starting a build and all of the items on the options list seemed more like essentials. I work overseas for four months and return home for around two months at a time, so i could probably build it (almost) full time when i'm home. Also, regarding engine choice, is jumping straight in with the 5-600bhp lump a good idea? i'm guessing that the performance will be 'adequate' with around 300bhp. One can always improve later.

[steve_d]

IMO you should be looking at £45-48K.
I built mine in 18 months but I know it has been done in 3.
You could choose a lower power engine and change it for something more powerful later or carfully select an engine spec that can be modified. Engine swaps are not difficult.

Steve

[mhussa]

steve_d said:

Engine swaps are not difficult.

what about going from an SBC to an LSx? does anyone have any experience of this?

[craig-ultima]

In the US - I'd recommend doing it all in one hit since shipping charges and customs make a difference if you do it piece by piece. I got about 90% of what I wanted for my car in one go, and then ordered some extras from the factory as I realised that I needed them.

The other advantage in getting the full kit at once is that you can actually look at the upcoming parts and get a better sense of how they all fit together.