Who has used non-Chevy Power?

[gmonsen]

I am very happy to have found an Ultima board. Over in the States I haven't found an active site. I have thought about building an Ultima for years, but haven't gotten around to it. I haven't had a chance to read all the current threads, but was wondering if people had put alternative power sources in the Ultima? I thought the BMW V8 or even V12 might make a nice power source. The V8 can be easily made to produce 450 hp. This is not on a par with the Chevy small block's I've seen, but the BMW motors have a different sound, feel, and rev characteristics. I would assume other interesting V8's could also be used, such as an older Ferrari 3/3.2/.3.4 liter? Again, these would not produce the power or in the case of the Ferrari be as reliable as the Chevy, but they would rev a lot higher and sound beautiful. Anybody done any of this? -Gordon

[ultimasimon]

Hi Gordon, for the BMW V12 you need to speak to Jay Esterer. This guy really knows his stuff with the V12's and he's already got one up and running.

See www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=26714&f=20&h=0

He has already manufactured all the parts, and I have spoken with him previously. Also on this thread is a an MPEG of the running engine. Interesting point about using the BMW V8 though as they are a lot more available than the V12. They also make good power as well, especially in M5 tune.

Simon.

[jschwartz]

tom heltzel has Olds Aurora power. Cliff Hudson has a Ford powered GTR. I have a Gen 3 SBC LS6 (Z06) engine in my GTR.
They are on the west coast, I'm near Chicago. There's also a guy in Wisconsin with a Ford engine in his Sports.

[k wright]

There are plenty of great motors available that can be made to fit this car, however in defense of the Chevy:

1) there are hundreds of combinations of bore and stroke available that will shape the torque curve and response rate to a quickly opened throttle.

2) millions of aftermarket parts

3) you can get one that is all aluminum

4) they sound really good

5) someone else has figured out all the details to make it fit the car.

How good of an engineer are you?..., the factory has done an outstanding job of making this car. I've learned to trust their work and decisions.

ken

[ultimichael]

Hi Gordon,

I am using a BMW V8 in my GTR. The Chevy small block the factory offers can not be legalised in Germany due to emission regulations. The BMW will be supercharged to reach 550 hp. It is not running yet. If you are intersted in details or pics please send me an email.