I just found out what car I need.

What I need is an Ultima Can Am. I could get rid of a whole load of cars and this should cover most of the bases. I'm gonna be all obsessed with this for at least 3 days now.

Prices

That's one heck of a kit.

I'll take the GTR instead.

I love the Ultima kit. It is a knock out performer, looks bad ass and is just outright alright.

Great car but it uses a Porsche transaxle...$$$$$

In reply to motomoron:
If you're in that frame of mind you need to hit the Carlisle Kit Car show. And take your cheque book, too !

In reply to DeadSkunk:

I take it you've been there? What can you tell us about it? I've been tempted to go a few times, but haven't yet. Think I could sell my TVR there?

Is this your TVR? I have seen it on CL in the past.
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/cto/2947423568.html
Very nice.

I've only ever seen one Ultima, a GTR in suburban Maryland. I thought it was a little underwhelming - it looked just a bit too kit-car instead of exotic (I feel the same way about the FFR GTM and Noble M12). I can't imagine how awesome it would be to drive, though!

On the Ultima, I don't like the wheels, I don't know why they insist on those wheels but, ugh.

I don't like the way the headlights look inside. Not the configuration the background behind the lens.

I don't like how the roll hoop looks. It looks like an after thought.

I don't like the Porsche transaxle.

That being said.

I can buy different wheels, paint the area around the head lamps, do a Shelby GT500KR roll bar pad treatment that makes it look more finished and install a different transmission.

So I guess I am just trying to empathize with you on the kit car feel?

nderwater wrote: I've only ever seen one Ultima, a GTR in suburban Maryland. I thought it was a little underwhelming - it looked just a bit too kit-car instead of exotic (I feel the same way about the FFR GTM and Noble M12). I can't imagine how awesome it would be to drive, though!

I think in the Noble's case it's the giant wing found on nearly all of them. my company built a Rossion Q1 (noble) for a customer who ordered his without the rear wing and it looks FAR classier with nearly identical body lines.

In reply to jrw1621:

No, that's not mine.

That Noble looks much better without the wing, but it was probably there for a reason...maybe if they put a rear diffuser on there that wasn't just ornamental that could make up for the downforce. I think it would also look much better if the brake cooling inlets weren't so gaping huge, but we're trying to turn an unapologetic track car into a classy supercar...

In reply to I Am Keyser Söze:

Curious what you'd suggest in place of the Porsche trans.

pres589 wrote: In reply to I Am Keyser Söze: Curious what you'd suggest in place of the Porsche trans.

FF sourced a new trans for the GTM to replace the Porsche ones.

Audi 01E/01X?

Subaru converted to 2WD?

ThePhranc wrote: FF sourced a new trans for the GTM to replace the Porsche ones.

When? They still list the Porsche G50 as the transmission you need..

http://www.factoryfive.com/kits/gtm-supercar/what-you-need/

and from

http://www.factoryfive.com/kits/gtm-supercar/faq/

"What type of transmission does the GTM use?
The transmission is a G50 from a 1990-1998 Porsche 911. On average, you can purchase a used/new G50 for between $2,500 – $7,000."

In reply to dculberson:

You now can use a Mendeola transaxle they had designed. You can find it on the Factory Five parts website under drivetrain for the GTM.

FFR said: This 5 speed gearbox is designed as a bolt in replacement for the required Porsche transaxle in the mid-engine Factory Five GTM. The gearing provides good street manners with 2100 RPM at 65 MPH and a top speed of more than 200 MPH. This allows for a great all around set of gears for street, track duty, and highway fuel economy. The new Factory Five-Mendeola SDR transmission is a good match for Chevrolet's LS engines. The transaxle bolts directly to the LS engine block without using a bell housing adaptor. Features: Limited slip differential 930 drive stubs with 10 x 1.50 bolt holes A356 T6 cast aluminum housing Total weight is 168 lbs. Tremec 26 spline input shaft for LS1/LS6 stock clutch Uses 1998-2008 Corvette/Camaro LS1-LS6 stock 168 tooth flywheel Transmission fluid capacity is 5 quarts Requires: 78-79 Porsche 930 40 mm CV joints For LS1/LS6 - 1998-2008 Corvette/Camaro LS1/LS6 stock clutch (Not Z06) For LS2/LS7 - Use Kennedy 11" Street Pressure Plate (#KEP-GMP11) and Kennedy Organic Clutch Disc 26 spline (#KEP-S11) 1998-2008 Corvette/Camaro LS1-LS6 stock 168 tooth flywheel Hi Torque IMI-140 starter Shipping is $299. THIS IS A CUSTOM DESIGNED PART. PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 12 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY. Click here for installation instructions. Details SKU #26106 Price: $8600.00

I will say: I saw two at CMP a couple years ago. I won't split hairs on bang for buck, etc. I will say that multiple parts of my anatomy screamed "berkeley, I NEED TO BE INSIDE THAT!!!"

If you click the Ultima link above and scroll down to the "ENGINE BAY" section, they can source you a used Getrag 6 speed for 350 pounds over the cost of a G50.

EDIT....I drive one of the Noble's when they first came out...sweet car. Truth be told, I didn't mind the wing....maybe it was the color.

If I sold the M3, Sprite and Radical, I'd be about there to build a really nice one. That's all I'm saying.

I have seen Jeff Schwartz' twin turbo LS7 Ultima in person. That car gives me the stiffest of stiffies.

You gotta see Jon Olson's Ultima GTR, err Rebellion R1K:

It's a custom body kit he had a maker build that still has the molds for and can build you a set

motomoron wrote: If I sold the M3, Sprite and Radical, I'd be about there to build a really nice one. That's all I'm saying.

I'd rather have those 3 cars.

Would the Ultima provide the same raw, visceral thrill that you (presumably) get from the Radical?