Hi,
As you can glean from my Avatar,etc., I have an SL-C in progress currently. I would wager that the final costs will come out about the same for the SL-C, GTM or Ultima for that matter. So, your decision will come down to both styling and technology.
What made me decide on the SL-C was the monocoque aluminum chassis rather than tubular, bespoke suspension parts rather than decade-old donor parts designed for a front engine vehicle, some flexibility in engine and transaxle choice, overall design similar to Daytona Protoypes and styling, fit and finish of the fiberglass body as it comes from Fran. The PDG guys at FFR.com have put a lot of work into their car and comparing it with the standard GTM.....well no comparison. Jay Salmon has test driven the SL-c "mule" I believe at VIR and did a pretty good write-up on this site.
I am confident that the SL-C track performance should equal or better the PDG performance although I am, as others, not at a completed state. Bear in mind that the SL-C is a newer design, fewer out there yet!
I agree with Doc - GTM, SLC, Ultima, final build costs will be within 5% of eachother more-than-likely in a quality build.
However, imho, SLC has a better foundation to work with - better frame, better body, better parts, better everything, and more modern. Plus there's just some scary stuff with the GTM. Like take the fuel tank, punch holes in it, slather in aircraft sealing epoxy and hope it doesn't leak gas.
How much do you estimate the final cost for your LS7 SL-C to be?
In terms of styling, I agree, the SL-C looks like a bona fide race car that's way above any production car in status.
That's what I was thinking. My friend saw an Ultima on Top Gear and jizzed his pants taking about how it's the fastest car in the world, but these other kits have just as much an opportunity to reach that performance. I have encountered many GTM people having trouble with their builds. Is the SL-C as difficult to put together? Also, does RCR build SL-C turnkeys?
for sure, bodywork is an issue on the GTMs. Everybody who has built one has to monkey with the wheels wells to get the wheels centered in the opening. Don't know about you, but I find that fiberglass work is really messy and not tremendously rewarding.
I'd rather do mechanical work any day.
Ryeno,
My engine build is for normally-aspirated track use. So, although it started with a "cheap" LS7 new-in-crate for $10,000.....it now has upgraded internals, head-work, Ported FAST 102mm intake, Williams DBW 105mm TB, ARE dry sump pan, 3 gal Peterson oil tank, oil cooler, Aviad scavenger pump, custom cam, upgraded internal oil pump, Jesel roller rockers and roller lifters. I have the receipts but I'm afraid to add them up! I started with a G50.50 but found a Ricardo for $5200 and shipped the G50.50 to Australia. In terms of "bang-for-buck", go with Jack's recommendation.
I almost bought a GTM myself. I went and saw a 90% completed build and was impressed with what I saw. The car was beautiful and the builder did a fantastic job with many custom details. He did however disclose many issues that he had with the build, many of them mentioned in this thread and along with others, well documented over on the FFR forum. I'd own the GTM had it not been for getting ripped off with my engagement ring and the ensuing financial battle I had that delayed my decision to buy a car. In that time, more details of the SL-C were coming out and I liked what I saw better, especially after I saw one in person before I decided to buy.
I also considered the Ultima and we all know they are bad-ass, no argument about it. The car is a proven, well developed platform but in the end, is 15+ years old, and the bodywork, especially the front end, show its age. In the end, I think the Ultima would have been the most expensive build of the three (all else equal). I also was more keen to support a US based company and not have to worry about international this and that.
I think your choice should depend on what you are looking for. A nice street car that is fun on the track or a track car that is fun on the street. Keep in mind that although the SL-C suspension is specifically desigend for the car and beautifully made, it uses spherical bearings in place of rubber/eurathane bushings such as the Corvette donor suspension used for the GTM. Whereas the ride quality (this being relative of course) will suffer in the SL-C vs. the GTM, the SL-C's suspension is far more adjustable and the end result should enable a skilled driver to drive circles around the GTM on the track.
The design of the chassis in the GTM, particularly of the halo bars close proximity to the head, and lack of side impact/intrusion protection were of great concern to me. You sit at the outer edge of the GTM due to the massive central tunnel. With the SL-C, you sit as far inboard as possible while still maintaining a passenger seat. That combined with the door bars I and a few others opted for, I will feel real safe at speed in the car. There is also plenty of headroom between you and the rollover protection and there is even a sunken floorpan option for the giraffes out there.
The entrance fee of the GTM is certainly cheaper than any other comparable options, but after you factor in donor costs and the additional costs to complete the bodywork, that becomes a moot point. Don't forget about your time either.
Fran's (factory) support has been stellar too.
Ryeno,
The Ricrdo gearbox will handle almost any horsepower and torque that you can throw at it. Favorable ratio's, great prices right now (better than most other P choices).