I'm sure this has been done to death but...
Discussion
Since the Noble went last year I have told myself I need to wait until next spring before thinking about a replacement. Thing is, it's becoming harder and harder as time goes on to avoid the temptation.
So, I was considering another Noble but the Ultima would be something different (and...faster?).
Does anyone have any advice about what to look for? There seems to be endless engine and gearbox options and with a vast array of power outputs.
My main concerns centre round the fact that although the Noble was great it did eventually suffer from a broken third gear and a broken (open) diff which I guess are fairly obviously under-stress items. The Noble also suffered from poor gearbox access (engine out or chassis cut). How does the Ultima compare?
I'm just wondering if I need to consider similar things when looking at the Ultima? Or are the gearboxes meatier and more reliable generally? Are there any particular engines I should avoid due to unreliabilty or are they all more or less likely to go as each other? I'd be looking to consider any examples between 400-500(ish) horsepower.
And in terms of general ownership, am I going to spend a lot of time fiddling with minor issues or are they generally sound in this respect?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any advice.
So, I was considering another Noble but the Ultima would be something different (and...faster?).
Does anyone have any advice about what to look for? There seems to be endless engine and gearbox options and with a vast array of power outputs.
My main concerns centre round the fact that although the Noble was great it did eventually suffer from a broken third gear and a broken (open) diff which I guess are fairly obviously under-stress items. The Noble also suffered from poor gearbox access (engine out or chassis cut). How does the Ultima compare?
I'm just wondering if I need to consider similar things when looking at the Ultima? Or are the gearboxes meatier and more reliable generally? Are there any particular engines I should avoid due to unreliabilty or are they all more or less likely to go as each other? I'd be looking to consider any examples between 400-500(ish) horsepower.
And in terms of general ownership, am I going to spend a lot of time fiddling with minor issues or are they generally sound in this respect?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any advice.
If it helps, it's rare that anyone has a gearbox problem despite the plethora of options. The Porsche boxes are well up to the task - the clutch and tyres will go well before it does 
The SBCs (Small Block Chevys) give great power per pound, but being mainly carb fed can be a little more temperamental than a more modern ECU driven LS (or aftermarket EFI on a SBC). No reason why a well setup SBC can't do a great job too though and will cost a good deal less.
Big, lazy V8 power should be less of concern than a highly tuned turbo charged unit as in the Nobles.
Hope that helps
The SBCs (Small Block Chevys) give great power per pound, but being mainly carb fed can be a little more temperamental than a more modern ECU driven LS (or aftermarket EFI on a SBC). No reason why a well setup SBC can't do a great job too though and will cost a good deal less.
Big, lazy V8 power should be less of concern than a highly tuned turbo charged unit as in the Nobles.
Hope that helps
BogBeast said:
NobleGuy said:
... The Noble also suffered from poor gearbox access (engine out or chassis cut). How does the Ultima compare?
Pretty straight forward to remove gearbox, Engine and gearbox is revealed by removing the rear clip (2 man job) and gearbox removed without removing engine..
Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated
For some reason a year or two back I didn't like the look of them, but they've really grown on me recently. Plus they're something out of the ordinary.
One futher question, do they run with an LSD/non-open diff? The Noble open diff was a particular weak spot...
For some reason a year or two back I didn't like the look of them, but they've really grown on me recently. Plus they're something out of the ordinary.
One futher question, do they run with an LSD/non-open diff? The Noble open diff was a particular weak spot...
Like the noble the gearbox choice in the ultima is important (gearing varies massivelly on the porsche units), unlike the noble the diff is not a weak point so you can happily have an open diff without fear of total anihalation
The porsche boxs that Ultimas use are also significantly strong than the ford ones used in a noble, but then they are significantly more expensive unless you get a 550bhp monster Id not be worrying too much about bax failure.
Dont be think that it will be faster than the noble as they are not, end of the day they are very similar in design and its all down to power so a genuine 400bhp in either car will be very similar... AdriansW's car was significantly faster than a 550bhp ultima when Lucky raced him
The power delivery is very different tho and an LS engined Ultima is something very sweat indeed, they are also significantly easier to work on than the Noble.
They require quite a bit of fettling during ownership so think long and hard if you intend to get a garage to do all the work and not get your hands dirty.
If your into cars like the Ultima or Noble etc then Id say you have to own an Ultima a least once in your life, they are more an event than a car
The porsche boxs that Ultimas use are also significantly strong than the ford ones used in a noble, but then they are significantly more expensive
unless you get a 550bhp monster Id not be worrying too much about bax failure.Dont be think that it will be faster than the noble as they are not, end of the day they are very similar in design and its all down to power so a genuine 400bhp in either car will be very similar... AdriansW's car was significantly faster than a 550bhp ultima when Lucky raced him
The power delivery is very different tho and an LS engined Ultima is something very sweat indeed, they are also significantly easier to work on than the Noble.
They require quite a bit of fettling during ownership so think long and hard if you intend to get a garage to do all the work and not get your hands dirty.
If your into cars like the Ultima or Noble etc then Id say you have to own an Ultima a least once in your life, they are more an event than a car
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