The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Started following this thread about 2 months ago and quickly realized I needed to have one of these rigs. Wasn't long and my shopping cart had an Ultra in it and in a few days it was on my bench, staring at me and begging to be built.

I was intrigued by the precision and quality that everyone raves about, and all I can say is I should have ordered one sooner! I have built quite a few kits (2WD buggy and crawlers) and this one impressed me like no other.

This is not intended to be a build thread, just sharing my experience.

Had zero problems with the build and intended to take my time. Accelerated my build and spent a few hours on a Friday night trying to polish it off in an attempt to get her out on the rocks, but then COVID surged and changed my mind. Still waiting to get out, but have driven around the backyard some to scratch the itch. :)

Chosen electronics are as follows:

HH TorqueMaster Pro 27T
HW 1080 ESC
ProTek 370TBL

Using a 15T pinion to start, but may adjust after the maiden voyage, depending on performance.

Decided to keep things all Vanquish out the gate as well. Upgrades that went into the build were:

21% overdrive kit
Aluminum motor plate
Machined gears
Aluminum standoffs

Also bought a Molotow liquid chrome pen so I had a little fun with that as well 8)

Really itching to get her out on the rocks, can tell this is going to be one fun rig to drive.

Pics to follow.

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

These axles are a work of art. If I had more budget in my hobby fund I would put these on all my rigs.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...439fd701de.jpg


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

The transmission is another work of art. Each piece assists the other as far as holding it all together. Very solid once fully assembled.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...523e0a25b5.jpg


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Chassis went together super smooth.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...8f704eb4d8.jpg


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Was all downhill from there. Axles and suspension fell quickly into place.

Little disappointed with the shocks. 2/4 are leakers. Probably replace these down the road.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...9d3588b816.jpg


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Build complete! Went with a 70s mustard yellow paint scheme. Reminds me of the fridge we had growing up.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2cd2932305.jpg

Hope to get out on the rocks soon.


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Congrats on getting the Ultra!"thumbsup"

Your Ultra looks great! These VP kits are works of art and are a blast to put together! VP went above and beyond on the craftsmanship and design. I agree on the shocks. I really wanted to like them, but I just could not get them to stop leaking. I'm hoping someday I can figure out how to stop the leaks and get them back in use.

I currently own the Origin and PRO and they perform very well! The Ultra is on my list of must have's!

Looking forward to hearing how it does once you get it out on the rocks!

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Sweet action bro!

Lou

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Thanks! "thumbsup"

Me too! Possibly next weekend....depends on the COVID honey do list :lmao:

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

It looks great!! I agree that the shocks are the let down of the entire kit.

As a random side note, I was born at Torrance Memorial and lived there until I was 10. I still have family that live off Western near an ice skating rink!

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Looks really Good.

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Only been in Torrance for about 4 years now. I can walk to that ice skating rink from my house! Small world!


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Thanks!

Taking it out for its maiden voyage either Friday or Saturday [emoji1303]


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Its in my List of future rigs. I am now officially on the hunt for getting some rigs. I initially got here because an axial exo. That lead to a Yeti which i currently still have.
Now i live in Florida and they have an amazing course in a park near by so I need at least 3 rigs for my 2 sons and I.

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Congrats! This is a fun build. Mine is also sitting built and waiting for COVID to allow me to run it on the rocks.

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Work got in the way and I won’t be able to get her out this weekend. Next Friday. I promise. I always say that. Lol

Had a tight drivetrain issue. Figured out the problem. Mesh on the pinion/spur was too tight. Probably meshed up a million gears. Dang it, bonehead mistake there.

Starting with the 15t pinion. Main driving will be done on rocks at CDM. Installed the 21% overdrive as well.

Anyone with gearing suggestions from their experiences?


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Finally got out with this rig today @ CDM. Was very impressed with how it handled and was able to take quite a few lines with ease that my other trucks struggle with.

This thing has a ton of power and is very capable right out of the box.

I did manage to “stretch out” a rod end which caused a ton of slop in the rear axle with side to side play. I blame driver error on this but I may upgrade to the machined rod ends to avoid this in the future.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ea1f88bfd9.jpg


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Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Had the chance to run this truck a few more times since my last post. Definitely my go to rig, ahead of my Enduro, Capra and 10.3. Nothing against those rigs, just liking the feel of the Ultra more.

As others have commented, my only complaint is the leaky shocks. It will be a few more weeks yet before I can get back out so I am probably going to use this time to rebuild them and hope to stop the leakage.

Also, trying to figure out a low cost, minimally invasive replacement for these shocks. Originals are 80MM and most quality aftermarket shocks are measuring out at 90MM (ie, Dravtech, TRX, Element).

I did a rough test fit of some Element shocks I have laying around and they fit, probably just need some limiters to try to maintain the original suspension geometry.

Anyone else replace the Incision shocks on their Ultra, and if so, what did you end up with?

Thanks! "thumbsup"

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

I put a set of Dravtechs on mine, limited to around 84mm but still seem to allow the chassis to ride too high. I might try to rebuild the stock ones once more they fit the chassis pretty well. I wonder if there is a way to use the "tall shock towers" but I think someone else tried them but you have to cut the bed to keep the body low on the chassis.

Re: The ULTRA-mate Experience
 

Appreciate the info! I had heard the same about the tall shock towers and am not sure I want to punch holes in the body at this point. Also, they are an expensive investment for a "let's see what I can do" experiment. :lmao:

Looks like I may try the Element shocks with some limiters as a starting point.