Request To Those Going To The Open House

[Xusia]

I don't think I've seen this answered, and I'm curious: On the 818S, how is air being directed to the TMIC? Since there will be a production 818S there, I figured it would be an easy question to answer.

Oh, and if there is a specific recommendation for TMIC (i.e. "just go stock" or "use this one") I'd love to know that before spending any money!

Thanks! :)

[Xusia]

Originally posted in another thread:

Somebody PLEASE take/release photos from this open house event of taller drivers sitting in the 818! Pictures of the seating position and pedal orientation are critical!

[PhyrraM]

More of a request for FFR at Open House.

A set of pictures with the 818S sitting on a set of 205/55R16 tires on OEM WRX wheels. A pics on 215/45R17 on OEM '06 WRX wheels would be a second choice.

A set of pictures w/driver in an 818S w/OEM subaru seats installed.

A set of pictures w/OEM Subaru steering wheel installed.

Official confirmation that both types of throttles (cable for 2.0s and fly-by-wire on 2.5s) are supported in the basic kit.

Official confirmation that the car can be properly built and aligned with both narrow and wide control arm sets. Same for the rear driveshafts lengths working for both widths.

Statement on status of normally aspirated parts compatibility - mostly a proper exhaust.

[Silvertop]

More of a request for FFR at Open House.

A set of pictures with the 818S sitting on a set of 205/55R16 tires on OEM WRX wheels. A pics on 215/45R17 on OEM '06 WRX wheels would be a second choice.

A set of pictures w/driver in an 818S w/OEM subaru seats installed.

A set of pictures w/OEM Subaru steering wheel installed.

Official confirmation that both types of throttles (cable for 2.0s and fly-by-wire on 2.5s) are supported in the basic kit.

Official confirmation that the car can be properly built and aligned with both narrow and wide control arm sets. Same for the rear driveshafts lengths working for both widths.

Statement on status of normally aspirated parts compatibility - mostly a proper exhaust.

Nice set of requests. Based on the "Build-it-for-15k" concept, they should present their 818S in just that way. Although it seems to me that Dave Smith said in a recent post that they had found a nice set of wheels for the new white production car -- which would suggest that it probably WON'T be shod in OEM wheels. I very much hope that they will present it with OEM seats -- because that is what the lion's share of builders will probably use, at least if they are trying to stay on budget. Your other questions are equally valid, and of concern to all budget oriented builders.

[wleehendrick]

Official confirmation that the car can be properly built and aligned with both narrow and wide control arm sets.

The Road and Track article stated that there are separate mounting points for wagon suspension pieces.

[PhyrraM]

The Road and Track article stated that there are separate mounting points for wagon suspension pieces.

Which is opposite of what 'those that say they know' here on the forums have said. They have said the dual locations were for ride height differences between 818S and 818R.

I, personally, think it's not going to be an issue. However, it would be nice for Dave or Jim to come out and say "Hey, we thought about that. And we've got you covered."

[wleehendrick]

Which is opposite of what 'those that say they know' here on the forums have said. They have said the dual locations were for ride height differences between 818S and 818R.

The article, although not gospel, stated multiple mounting points for street vs race and sedan vs wagon donor.


I, personally, think it's not going to be an issue. However, it would be nice for Dave or Jim to come out and say "Hey, we thought about that. And we've got you covered."

Agreed, since my donor was an 06 wagon, worst case, I shell out for some control arms. But I'm too concerned. In just over two weeks we should have all (most) of our questions answered!

[Silvertop]

Will an '04 Outback Sport have Sedan or Wagon control arms?

[PhyrraM]

Will an '04 Outback Sport have Sedan or Wagon control arms?

Outback Sports are essentially Impreza wagons with 2-tone paint. So.... wagon width control arms.

[PhyrraM]

The article, although not gospel, stated multiple mounting points for street vs race and sedan vs wagon donor.


In a quick re-look at the production sneak peek pictures it looks like there are 3 holes for the forward bushing of the front control arm and the inner lateral links in the rear. The 3 positions seem to be for short or long arm 818S and only long arms for the 818R. I'm sure any 818R track heads won't mind being tied to the longer arms. :p

The rear bushing on the font control arm seems to be located the same regardless of front location. This would cause the arm to 'skew' a bit differently for each location, but that's likely inconsequential because of the distance it is from the wheel centerline.

[Silvertop]

Outback Sports are essentially Impreza wagons with 2-tone paint. So.... wagon width control arms.

Thanks. Now I don't need to wonder. Just need to make the proper adjustment when I assemble the thing.

[longislandwrx]

I will find out how air is getting there, and let you know.

For your current build you need a TMIC, at minimum the STI. The wrx cooler will not keep up with a vf39.

As far as which TMIC... I just bought a Grimmspeed. Great flow/core size/ minimal pressure drop. Tons of research went into it unlike many others that are just giant cores. If I was you I would get one as well.

Process west is also top notch.

Any of the big brands should be fine if you you get a good deal.

[apexanimal]

ets' tmic is good as well from what i've seen...

[305mouse]

I have a Perrin TMIC sitting in my shed I won't be using. If someone was interested I would sell it.

[Niburu]

I request that people find the suggestion box and leave a note saying "need 818 coupe".

[Flamshackle]

I made my own top mount for my 05LGT. It flows better and transfers heat the same as the best aftermarket size comparable units available.

As for how air is getting in there at present? I am pretty sure from all the snaps I have seen that they have not ducted it at this stage. I think we will have to organize some air direction ourselves. I will be going water/air.

[Kalstar]

I request that people find the suggestion box and leave a note saying "need 818 coupe".

I don't think you will have to wait too long.

[dbjr63]

I request that people find the suggestion box and leave a note saying "need 818 coupe".

agreed, i am waiting for a legit coupe body style. convertable does not work for me in the North East.

[rjh2pd]

I request that people find the suggestion box and leave a note saying "need 818 coupe".

+ 1

[wallace18]

Could someone ask FFR what are the dimensions for the 818s kit so I can know what size trailer I can use. Thanks.

[mn_vette]

I request that people find the suggestion box and leave a note saying "need 818 coupe".

I would be cool if someone asked for a few more details on what they are planning on doing for a "hard top" for the 818. Or even if we could see a soft top plan. Hopefully it will be something that can handle a few drops of rain.

[metalmaker12]

Their will be a soft and hard top. Hod rod tops is making the soft top, and it is very possible FFR will be producing a hardtop

[metalmaker12]

+ 1

It will be a removable hardtop from existing body when and if they produce it. It might be a whole new trunk section design to replace the current trunk, but it will not be a completely different car .

[Xusia]

It will be a removable hardtop from existing body when and if they produce it. It might be a whole new trunk section design to replace the current trunk, but it will not be a completely different car .

Now THAT is AWESOME news indeed!! :D

[metalmaker12]

It is good, because it fills peoples need to have a coupe but gives the roadster guys an option to put one on. From a business stand point it makes perfect sense. Btw vmans design

[rjh2pd]

Awesome! I would be perfectly fine with having to buy another trunk section to make the hardtop flow with the rest of the car.

[flynntuna]

Talk about a kid in a candy store! I'll have one of each!

[metalmaker12]

I will be taking many many photos this sat and I am making great progress on the dieting of the harness, I am making some custom metalmaker touches as well. I am going to have a wire diet and custom down pipe service to start off.

[07FIREBLADE]

Looking forward to your services. Need a custom dp.

[flynntuna]

Could someone ask FFR what are the dimensions for the 818s kit so I can know what size trailer I can use. Thanks.

This and if the body panels are to be boxed separately to protect the finish from scratches.

[07FIREBLADE]

Also can someone ask about any STI part compatibility in the near future.

[metalmaker12]

If you have questions on Sti parts pm me

[07FIREBLADE]

Will do metal

[Silvertop]

FFR Team -- Any chance of doing a live web-cam event for the 10AM 818S Reveal at the Open House? Pretty Please? :rolleyes:

[joshuo]

Will the 818S sit on the stock WRX wheels? If so I'd like to find out if they are using spacers to make them flush.

[Silvertop]

Will the 818S sit on the stock WRX wheels? If so I'd like to find out if they are using spacers to make them flush.

We don't really know, but my bet is that the 818S will be shod in aftermarket wheels. Even if they do use stock wheels, I doubt they will use spacers.

[Xusia]

...Btw vmans design

Seriously. I thought the day could bring no better news. OBVIOUSLY, I was SO WRONG! WAAAAAAAAAAAAY excited... :D

[DodgyTim]

Could I ask for some photos, dimensions, for the chassis trolley if it is there?

[FFR-ADV]

It is good, because it fills peoples need to have a coupe but gives the roadster guys an option to put one on. From a business stand point it makes perfect sense. Btw vmans design

That is VERY good news! Do you know which version of Vman's design is being developed? This one?

18317

This would be SO MUCH HOTTER than an Exige S and would look OUTSTANDING in White

Thank you Vman, Factory Five and metalmaker!

[Kalstar]

Could someone ask FFR what are the dimensions for the 818s kit so I can know what size trailer I can use. Thanks.

I have an enclosed 8.5x16 for my GTM and there is enough room to walk all the way around the car when loaded. I made some Shelves at 4 feet off the floor that fold down when needed for more storage space. The 818 will have even more room to spare.

I purchased the trailer used off Craigslist for a song, don't remember what I paid, but it was high 2k for a 2011 due most in part because the 16' is less desirable. For me it works great, I even used it to pick up the donor WRX.

[D2W]

Btw vmans design

Was this from FFR, or your hope/suspicion?

[Silvertop]

Was this from FFR, or your hope/suspicion?

Actually, I was wondering that too. IIRC, there was a post from Dave Smith a few weeks back that indicated he was strongly interested in V-Mans design as something they might want to produce, though I'm not sure it rose to the level of a firm commitment. Metalmaker, do you know something we don't?

[AZPete]

Kalstar, the specs listed in the R&T article showed length 155", width 69.5", height 52.5". You might want to confirm these since, to me, the length seems short because this is 7 inches shorter than the roadster yet the 818 wheelbase is 6" longer.
Pete

[joshuo]

Can someone ask about wheel sizes and offsets?

[metalmaker12]

Lol we have covered them, what you want to know

[joshuo]

I've been trying to find the sizes and offset on the silver forgestar rims that are on the red prototype car. Not successfully that is.

[Dave Smith]

Re: the hard top. I love Vmans resolution and lines for the hard top design. Truthfully, Ive not seen better lines on many cars than the coupe version of the 818. Still I need to be crystal clear and say that we've not made a full commitment to a hardtop but it sure makes a ton of sense and it also changes the look of the car DRAMATICALLY. To be honest, there are so many paths with this platform that we have to spend some time and look at them all. Thru this development of 2 years we have done almost exactly what we said we would do. The only thing right now that is for sure is that we are doing a soft top with the boys at Rod Tops in Michigan. Vmans hard top and/or any hard top will have to satisfy cosmetic, safety, performance, be retrofitable to cars being built now, it has to be affordable, it has to work, seal weather, windows !@#* and a whole bunch more stuff that isnt seen in a simple CAD rendering. We'll have more to talk about at Open House, and I feel that we are simply at the headwaters of this great design.

[Flying Low]

Dave,

This is wonderful news and certainly a well balanced response to the question. Thank you for your continued transparency in this whole process! I for one am extremely excited about the coupe and am unfortunately going to have to wait for more clarity for the production of this version prior to ordering a kit. I expect that you will open a significant amount of additional demand by releasing the coupe version.

Awesome work you guys are doing...
Richard

[Samiam1017]

Well work has made Saturdays mandatory so I'm out on the open house. My biggest question was gonna be if there working on door roll up windows. If some body could look into if there presently working on figuring that out thx

[JAubin]

Dave,

As an engineer, it makes me really happy to hear your feedback...you're not saying "Oh yeah we will have a hard top in X months for $X." It's definitely a big challenge and I'm happy to know it's a priority for FFR, but you're looking at it realistically. Under commit and Over deliver seems like it must be a mantra around there or something :) And the 818 was no small commitment! Can't wait for Saturday. I will take a few gigs of photos for sure. Who do I need to talk to about a hot lap in #001? ;)

[RM1SepEx]

Dave, Thanks for your ongoing open attitude towards us regarding the project. Can you update us on the soft top's status?

[Nuul]

Truthfully, I've not seen better lines on many cars than the coupe version of the 818.

Has there been a pic of this released? As one of the guys waiting for the 818C I've really been looking forward to any non-speculation information about it. I'm willing to be one of the beta testers (hint hint) for it when it's nearing production too.

[SkiRideDrive]

Open House Request:
If they have the 818R at the open house, would someone mind measuring the height of the chassis member which you would have to step over to get into the car? I'm curious how difficult it will be to hop in and out of the full R chassis vs the S. Thanks!

I am looking forward to all the pictures from this weekend.

[Dave Smith]

Has there been a pic of this released? As one of the guys waiting for the 818C I've really been looking forward to any non-speculation information about it. I'm willing to be one of the beta testers (hint hint) for it when it's nearing production too.

I think Vmans hard top image has been posted several times, maybe one of you guys know how to re-post it. I do believe that a functional side window and a well designed hard top will open up the market for alot more people. I have really tried to strike a balance and involve everyone as much as possible, but with the priority being o focus on what is best for the design and car. At $10K for the car this has been exceedignly challenging, but the ways in which the team have accomplished the design goals have been remarkable, creative, argued-over-immensely and with great passion, a lot of hard work and a ton of fun. One thing I want to accomplish is to show the actual driving street car vehicle weight atthe Open House... I'd hate to have to change the name of the car to the 918!

[FFR-ADV]

18360

See you Saturday!

Cheers!

[07FIREBLADE]

Can someone ask about the shifter. Can we use the stock shifter or maybe a short shifter like the Cobb unit?

[PhyrraM]

Can someone ask about the shifter. Can we use the stock shifter or maybe a short shifter like the Cobb unit?

IIRC, it's a Porsche Boxster shifter.

[07FIREBLADE]

Darn wish the stock one would work. The Cobb one I have is a pretty nice piece of aluminum.

[flytosail]

Anyone going, could you look to see where a front license plate could be mounted? Thanks.

[metalmaker12]

The shifter fort is the Subaru, just the base is not

[PhyrraM]

The shifter fort is the Subaru, just the base is not

What is a shifter fort?

The stock Subaru shifter is painfully simple, with just a shift rod and forward linkage to the transmission and a pivot with a stay rod to the transmission and bodyshell.

[Nuul]

I do believe that a functional side window and a well designed hard top will open up the market for a lot more people. I have really tried to strike a balance and involve everyone as much as possible, but with the priority being o focus on what is best for the design and car. At $10K for the car this has been exceedingly challenging, but the ways in which the team have accomplished the design goals have been remarkable, creative, argued-over-immensely and with great passion, a lot of hard work and a ton of fun. One thing I want to accomplish is to show the actual driving street car vehicle weight at the Open House... I'd hate to have to change the name of the car to the 918!

I understand. I fully expected the high mileage/818C or whatever it gets called would cost more than the $10,000 base price because of all the extras you're getting. To me it's worth it because I'm wanting to use it as a daily during all but the winter months; power windows and a hard top make that much more viable. Since I'm not going to be doing much if any track time the weight isn't a huge concern either - if anything I'd be adding more weight on top of that for sound deadening and maybe some safety features. Even at 2024 lbs (918Kg), it's still going to be stupidly fast when powered by a modified EJ255/257.

You guys are doing a great job, I can't wait to see the finished products rolling out the doors at FFR.

[Xusia]

What?!? No EJ205 love???

[Nuul]

Nein, I'm not a fan. I don't like the idea of revving to high RPMs for passing. It works great for a track car but for a daily the 255/257 seems like a better choice to me.

[Xusia]

I can understand the thinking; I agree having to rev the engine for power is a pain. I personally don't think that will be an issue on this car, though. Even not revved up, there should be more than ample passing power. I guess we shall see soon enough! Woo hoo! :)