Different direction anyone had experience with kit cars?

[gtrjerry73]

So I have had alot of time to think at work lately (have been sitting in the truck for 2 weeks) and was looking at videos on you tube and came across the ultima gtr. I knew this car existed already but never even considered it as an option (listed as the fastest street car on the planet I assumed price would hold me back)

So what I'm thinking of is instead of trying to get 700 horse out of my skyline in a back and forth battle of parts breaking and endless money and downtime I would just rebuild my skyline to around 400 whp, and just focus on reliability and keep it sexy and stock ish looking. The ultima is around 40-50 grand all said and done and would be alot more reliable and way way way faster around a track (which is what I want it for and to drive on the street occasionally)

So basically I just want to know if anyone has had experience with a kit car and if it's a good idea or not worth the hassle. I was even thinking of putting an rb26 in it but might cost a little more if I do.

[r33_gtst]

Have a buddy who built a kit car, it's pretty bad ass but he is extremely talented, does all his own fab work and has got some $$$
Your idea of a 400 HP track car is the way to go. Racers driving Tomei built cars back in the day couldn't believe the low power numbers on them because the cars were fast at every rpm, response was unreal everywhere on the band....
800hp is fun, waiting til 7400rpm isn't. I see a small twin turbo set up in my future

[gtrjerry73]

Sorry guess I don't explain very well but I meant that I wanted to just build my skyline to about 400 horse just so I don't need to rebuild it and worry about things breaking and just use it as a reliable daily in the summer to keep it from being a huge money pit. And then have the ultima gtr as a track day and Sunday cruiser car. And let that be my money pit toy I'll never sell the skyline just have both. (I need a bigger garage)

[bobbo]

From what I understand there can be some importation/border issues with kit cars. I'm only basing that on talking to a guy who built a Cobra replica.
If you're considering that route what about an Ariel Atom?

[gtrjerry73]

Aerial atom would be pretty cool thats what i was looking at first. but the ultima is faster. Handles a lot better is around the same price, and I hear the atom is more of a hassle to get into this country than a said kit car. Plus I can drive the ultima in the rain and not get wet but ya I may still look at an atom. It's right up there for me with the ultima. And the atom would be far better on fuel the Inclosed car part is a bonus for me for if I wanted to drive it very far. Or get caught in the rain.

[bobbo]

Agreed. Have you considered ease of towing? Or would you always drive to the track? I always pray my drives to the track equal my drives home

[JZ]

I'd go with the tried and true: do a Lotus 7 kit. These cars are as simple as you can get, will easily swallow up any cheap engine choice and still perform like a rock star (SR, KA, 4AG, F20C, Hayabusa). I had a Lotus 7 replica for a summer and it was a blast. Not the most practical car in the world but so much fun and got thumbs up from everyone who saw it. It had an old 3TC engine and was registered as a 1980 Toyota. Insurance was $200/yr lol.

[chuckycheese]

Yes, beware of border rules on kits to canada. There is a rule that states no chassis can be imported unless by manufacturer directly.
If in doubt , before sinking the cash into it, do your customs work, otherwise you might not be able to get it into alberta. I cranked up the sr20 in my s13.5 for my fun car and built a good sturdy ground up rb26 in my R32 for my daily. It works out well.

[CanadianGTR]

Factory Five GTM, hands down one of the best bang for the buck, legal kit cars in Canada.
Failing that, they have some other offerings that are just as nice - I personally like the Daytona Coupe, looks better than the original IMO.

$40-50k if your time is worth nothing and you want to end up with a base Ultima GTR, Not accounting for any taxes or duties you're going to get dinged for. Not to mention that it may not be legal in Canada... since we suck. Basing my numbers off of kit cars in general (easier ones to build than the GTR) there are two things I can tell you up front:
i) plan on spending at least 25-30% more than you've budgeted for (Ohhhh you want a WATER TIGHT Ultima? $$ For weatherstripping, etc etc... this kind of stuff adds up)
ii) keep in mind that there are FAR more incomplete projects for sale than complete cars... this should tell you something.

My honest opinion... buy a <$5,000 Miata, spend $5,000 on it and it will be the most fun you've ever had dollar for dollar. You won't be afraid to break it, parts are readily available/cheap, they are stupid easy to work on, there is a massive wealth of knowledge on the internet.

Just my .02