Metalmaker's build thread begins

[wallace18]

Looking good.

[Frank818]

I guess I missed something, what are those fins doing exactly on the floor panel in front of the rad? Getting water out in the rain?

[AZPete]

Nice work. It's helpful to see the future since you are ahead of me. I've slowed down on the 818 build because my business is hoppin' now.
No sway bar? Coolant reservoir in the front?

[metalmaker12]

No sway bar just yet, want to see which mm I will use if need be.I put in two coolant overflow tanks, one in front an rear.

[metalmaker12]

I guess I missed something, what are those fins doing exactly on the floor panel in front of the rad? Getting water out in the rain?
Lol, yeah most likely, FFR cut them out on my aluminum so I went with it.

[RM1SepEx]

the manual says that they cut them in in case you needed to open them up to bring in more cooling air

I also put an overflow front and rear... :cool:

[Frank818]

Oh, so it comes pre-cut but not bent, ok, nice. They should do that on the rear belly panel too.

But are those fins really effective? I mean wouldn't they be more efficient if the bent would be upwards instead of downwards? The air would move upwards following the fins and into the rad. At least that's what I think, maybe I'm wrong. Just small details that may not do any difference on the road anyway.

[metalmaker12]

Oh, so it comes pre-cut but not bent, ok, nice. They should do that on the rear belly panel too.

But are those fins really effective? I mean wouldn't they be more efficient if the bent would be upwards instead of downwards? The air would move upwards following the fins and into the rad. At least that's what I think, maybe I'm wrong. Just small details that may not do any difference on the road anyway.

I am assuming it is to create airflow through the front cover to the ground to reduce turbulance in front of radiator

[Frank818]

Not a bad explanation, that might be true. Anyway I guess if FFR says to bend them downwards it's cuz there is a valid reason for that.

[Scargo]

It's going to suck... (air out). Seems it takes the air that feeds the radiator and deposits it under the car to disturb the flow and ruin any downforce under the car. I'd say it's wrong-headed.

[metalmaker12]

I just installed it the way I felt it was intended, and actually the front splitter is below this piece of aluminum so it does serve the purpose I mentioned. The splitter would create down force below itself and the aluminum duct would suck turbinate air in front of the radiator out above the splitter. Theirs a gap if you look at completed cars

[RM1SepEx]

I bought the front splitter fro FFR, when you use it, you don't use the aluminum panel...

[metalmaker12]

You don't need to, but the way it mounts would seem you could use both. When or if I get one I will see the setup, but to me at this point it is not important enough to keep talking about, since it is very easy to change out if need be etc.

[metalmaker12]

It sounds great, more too come low on memory, gotta delete a bunch of stuff, busy with getting my second child's room ready.


http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SmA73szHuNE&feature=c4-feed-u

[flynntuna]

Always leave them begging for more. More please!

[metalmaker12]

Lol, let the damn snow melt

[metalmaker12]

I have been snow/new baby bound this month, but there is some progress on my windshield surround (which i added about 1/4 inch to the edge that sits over the mirrors), center console re-fit (cut to fit better and epoxied) and door panels ( had to trim aluminum slightly and than carbon wrapped and put some finish stainless screws in. my door grab handle and door sill will be powered black if your wondering.

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I vented the section under the humps with FFR style mesh, will be powered black26287

[wallace18]

looking good. I like the scooby do mats. LOL.

[Greg G]

Love it, especially the door panels!

[metalmaker12]

Lol, yea they add a touch of class. I am priming some parts over the next couple days to get things going. My windshield surround is going satin black along with my mirrors. Body is prob going white, charcoal or pearl white, decisions decisions. I still gotta do some more body work, but the consistent snow lately is making moving the car around to my buddies shop a bit difficult.

The door panels are coming out nicely, I think I am one of the only guys to have plastic ones though. They look good as they come so it is much easier to use them compaired to the fiberglass ones. I guess I lucked out here. I am powdering the grab handles black and I will counter sink the holes an 1/8 like FFR did on the green car.

I also have some other goodies coming in to button up the engine area

[Greg G]

Body is prob going white, charcoal or pearl white, decisions decisions. I still gotta do some more body work, but the consistent snow lately is making moving the car around to my buddies shop a bit difficult.

The door panels are coming out nicely, I think I am one of the only guys to have plastic ones though.


Pearl White, hands down. Maybe add some charcoal stipes/accent? That would be mean looking!

I noticed that on the door panels and was wondering if they were factory or if you made them. Since you have the panel black, and the carbon insert, maybe a brushed or gunmetal finish on the door pull? Those pulls look awesome (in the pictures at least) and I think it would be a good place to compliment the carbon's lighter color.

Sorry, I am living vicariously through all of you guys. I need to buy a house before I can even order a kit of my own (no room to build in my current rental house) :(

[metalmaker12]

Yea, I do like the pearl white most, but I have to see if I can fit all the panels in my friends small spray booth. Pearls tend to need to be spray at one time to get them to match up nicely. I guess with all the break points if I am damn close on my mixing, coats temp and pressure I should be ok. Time will tell, but I do like lighter colors on the car so far, (Erik's is an exception, that was an option, but I don't copy)

I lived in a one room apartment, than a two room, than my first house, and finally my current house. I only have a decent one car (18x24). I want to expand and maybe get some land locally to have my own shop, but much more saving and increase in income needs to happen first. Plus my second child is due in May so things will be slowed some more, but it's all worth it.

[gwarden]

Are the plastic door panels what come with the kit now?

[Greg G]

I lived in a one room apartment, than a two room, than my first house, and finally my current house. I only have a decent one car (18x24). I want to expand and maybe get some land locally to have my own shop, but much more saving and increase in income needs to happen first. Plus my second child is due in May so things will be slowed some more, but it's all worth it.

Congrats on curtain-climber #2! I have a 10yr old girl and she is, ever-slowly, becoming more "daddy's lil girl". I still have a long way to go though.

I am in a nice home now with a decent sized 2-car garage...but just too much junk and other little projects. There is simply no way that I can do the quality job that I want on one of these cars in a 2 car. I want to be able to take my time and make cool stuff, especially seeing all the tinkering and "adjustments" that these cars take (not a complaint). I can have the car, or the tools/equipment that I want to build the car, but sadly not both. No, I will buy a "regular" car to tinker with until I buy the house.

[metalmaker12]

Are the plastic door panels what come with the kit now?

Not sure if there plastic or glass, I am chassis #13 and most guys near my number are glass.

[metros]

That herculiner really came out nicely. I'm sure that's much cheaper than powdercoating all of those pieces as well.

Your car looks like it's really coming along nicely.

[metalmaker12]

As much as I like my vinyl wrap on my dash, if it bubbles up it will be a pain to fix or replace with another option once in place. I might just paint it, torn

[longislandwrx]

What about clear coating it?

[Frank818]

As much as I like my vinyl wrap on my dash, if it bubbles up it will be a pain to fix or replace with another option once in place. I might just paint it, torn

If the quality is there and the installation is well done, it's supposed to last.
But worst case you remove the vinyl, isn't yours removable?

[metalmaker12]

It looks very nice and I did a good job, it's great quality but if it lifts it will be no fun. I have a few spots were when it's cold contracts the vinyl slightly and looks ahhhh. When I put it in garage with heat it goes back to normal.Yea it's removable, but the way the dash goes together you need to attach the dash to the windshield surround in an area where the windshield interferes with the bolts, screws etc that attach the two. This makes it tuff because the window almost needs to be out to accomplish this, unless I can come up with a better solution for joining the two, I am painting my dash and maybe vinyl fabric the top.

[Frank818]

The vinyl changes form (stretches, contracts, no matter) depending on the temp?
Oh, I thought it wouldn't do that. :(

[metalmaker12]

It seems to slightly, it has been cold here the last month 10-20 degree highs

[Frank818]

Nice fit for the front wheels, slightly in like you said, but I could only see that on one pic. But it looks pretty good.

Have you installed the inner wheel wells yet?

[metalmaker12]

Nice fit for the front wheels, slightly in like you said, but I could only see that on one pic. But it looks pretty good.

Have you installed the inner wheel wells yet?

I have installed the front wells but not the rear, there getting powdered.

[Frank818]

And no rubbing on the fronts yet?

[metalmaker12]

Only on the last inch of a turn on the left side, but a spacer out will prob bring it out just enough, I will keep you posted as I get studs and spscers. Prob should have just installed them awhile ago, but at that time there was less specs on exactly what we should do

[Frank818]

I'm impressed, I thought 215/40/17s wouldn't rub anywhere.
I'll keep that in mind in case it does the same for me, if yes I'll have to fix it, otherwise I will not be able to register the car.

[metalmaker12]

Bump stop my friend

[Frank818]

Something like that maybe http://www.7ent.com/pages/articles-tech-tips/kad-steering-rack-stop-installation.html

[metalmaker12]

Or on the actual suspension, like a longer balljoint bolt to accommodate these 26396, like I said it barely rubs at full left lock so its no biggy. My rack threads are actually the same thread count left and right and tires are straight, I am baffled lol.

[metalmaker12]

Re- covered my dash with "carbon fiber vinyl fabric" like wayne and I used SEM hot rod black (15-22psi misted on with 3M 1.5 tip HVLP. Any 1.3-1.6 should work good) on the bottom and window surround. Also redesigned center console and installed my G Meter, cigar lighter and obd2 port.
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Working on a behind column cover


Some engine shots, and front battery tray

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[C.Plavan]

Excellent finish work. Looking awesome.

[Rasmus]

Nice work.

[Greg G]

Clean, clean....CLEAN!

[wallace18]

Looks Great! Nice workmanship.

[Frank818]

This car is new from the dealer. The Metaldealer. :)

[metalmaker12]

It's still in gel coat lol, much work to still do, and many of my finish stuff is at powder ( rear wells, behind the seat vents, door sills, inner front door plates, door grab bars etc. my door panels are waiting for those plates.

I am getting plates in gel coat, for registration I need wipers. I am installing the windshield this weekend coming up and waiting for FFR to release the wiper kit. Than I can get it all together and get plates. Over the warmer months I will be painting

[Frank818]

I am getting plates in gel coat, for registration I need wipers. I am installing the windshield this weekend coming up and waiting for FFR to release the wiper kit.

You seem convinced they will get it out shortly, got insights we don't? :)

[metalmaker12]

It is all designed and there waiting on the parts to arrive so I should be one of the first to have it. I hope it's soon cause I really want to get this thing on the open road the end of March early April.;

[Bob_n_Cincy]

You seem convinced they will get it out shortly, got insights we don't? :)
here is a picture of the ffr wiper.
Bob

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26669&d=1393809208

[Frank818]

Does it re-use some of the Subaru's parts?
I am asking cuz someone wants to buy my OEM wipers and motor but so far I don't want to sell them in case some parts are re-used by FFR on their wiper kit.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Does it re-use some of the Subaru's parts?
I am asking cuz someone wants to buy my OEM wipers and motor but so far I don't want to sell them in case some parts are re-used by FFR on their wiper kit.
Based on the ffr one donor concept. Keep your oem wiper.
Bob

[metalmaker12]

Uses wiper motor and linkage but different arms from what they have told me. Just keep it all till I actually get it to be sure.

[metalmaker12]

here is a picture of the ffr wiper.
Bob

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=26669&d=1393809208

This pic is from awhile ago, I am pretty sure they re-designed it several times since then.

[Aloha818]

Looking really nice! Great attention to detail.

[longislandwrx]

Looks good, What's on your coolant cover/deadpedals? are you going to carpet?

Is that the FFR provided carpet?

[metalmaker12]

Skateboard gripper

[Rasmus]

Skateboard gripper

That was my plan for the pedal box floor and passenger foot rest. I like the brain on you, MetalMaker.

[metalmaker12]

Mad scientist think alike

[metalmaker12]

26814268132681526816

Punch list:
Wipers
Grates and associated trim
Rear wheel wells
Registration/Plates
Finish up door panels and other split ends
Bodywork
Paint

[Frank818]

Bodywork

What's left to do?

Oh, no rear spoiler yet?

[metalmaker12]

I can't let all my secrets out,,,, I will be making something unique

Body work, fill all gelcoat voids, cracks etc, block out/ fill some wavy sections, build up certain areas for better lines, prime/ seal paint

[Frank818]

Got it. Sorry I thought those little body work were completed already, I guess I want you to finish your build faster than you can. lolll

[metalmaker12]

Got it. Sorry I thought those little body work were completed already, I guess I want you to finish your build faster than you can. lolll

Trust me I want to, but busy at work, and my second child is due on two short months so I am not getting as much time as I had hoped. I am starting on the bodywork once I get some wipers running.

[longislandwrx]

Engine looks clean as ... are you using the jdm ecu?

[metalmaker12]

I am currently running the jdm ecu, but have a Usdm wrx if I ever need to pass emissions. Motor only has 27k

[metalmaker12]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=_H2tQeeSltY

Wipers are working and clear hood, I made them myself like Erik, should be getting plates this week. It's hitting my sticker, so gotta place that higher... Or just take the wiper off once I get plates.

[Rasmus]

Watched the video and thought, "That's great!". Then I thought, "Only a car-guy can get excited at someone else getting their wiper working."

[metalmaker12]

Lol, well I got excited when you used electrolysis (or whatever you used) to remove rust. Btw the wipers are good fun

[metalmaker12]

My exhaust sound again..
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=21mDbg64rXs

[metalmaker12]

Inside wiper design, much like Erik's

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VDyx5RCBJqY

[Frank818]

It keeps improving! :)

[metalmaker12]

I am working on getting plates, as you can see I got wipers to work pretty well, and I installed my rear wheel wells. I been driving it around, but want plates before I shake it down on the local autocross and or huge parking lots. I began to design some aero, but that's on hold till I get all my panels nice nice.

[Erik W. Treves]

Looks great!

[nkw8181]

Very nice indeed!

[wallace18]

Nice work. I like that exh. sound and look for sure.

[metalmaker12]

Thanks everyone, it's my labor of love

[RM1SepEx]

Chris, What did you end up with for an exhaust? I'm about to spring for a bellmouth 3 inch and am debating a cat and muffler or just the 3 inch high flow cat... Thoughts?

[metalmaker12]

I will send you pics Dan, but it a 2.5 inch pipe to a twin tip, no cat or exhaust, but I am putting in a v band to run an exhaust for inspection and different ideas. It's loud, but not terrible because it's a boxer engine and has more grunt than whin. My engine has much less rumble because of my equal length headers, and has a higher pitch at the high revs which sounds sweet. My video gives it no justice, it sounds wicked nasty

[Harley818]

Metalmaker12,
I'm trying to decide EL headers or use the stock exhaust manifold. Now that I've heard yours and Eriks, I'm thinking EL. Sounds great. Nice rumble.
I have to find someone who posted a video without the EL headers so I can compare to the boxer sound you guys are all talking about.
Harley

[RM1SepEx]

I'm going with a Cobb and Andrew at AJW felt that a 3 inch bellmouth with a cat and 3 inch with a basic cone intake would work well with a stage two Cobb tune...

I'm using a std ceramic coated tube header with a catless up pipe and stock 2005 WRX turbo. I want to stay legal and want to use a cat... the question is do I need a muffler too?

[metalmaker12]

Yea Dan that should work well, I am trying the 2.5 right now, but only time (dyno) will tell my results.

[Scargo]

I have to find someone who posted a video without the EL headers so I can compare to the boxer sound you guys are all talking about.
Harley
Here's one of mine. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBPs4E1Lf7Q&index=6&list=PLOnPA0eaDYVnIVotj336TGD_veYz3pSrq) I've got more...:p but about 5:30 into this video you can hear mine and my friends blue STi, both with Full Race headers and similar setups. Three inch non-catted exhaust all the way through. Only difference is his is a single pipe but is muffled enough to be under 89 dB. Mine's not quite that quiet. I have a mid-pipe resonator and it splits into two full-flow mufflers (essentially resonators). To pass 89dB restriction at Lime Rock I have to add down-turned tips. Sorry about all the wind noise.
There's lots of Subaru exhaust sound comparisons on YouTube.

[Santiago]

Did what Scargo recommended - first one that came up in a YouTube search is actually a pretty good comparison video between an inline-4 and a boxer-4. Here (http://youtu.be/aP0wzXlWkPA).

Best,
-j

[Scargo]

This one's good. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGykinGlPno) You get to hear it outside and then inside as it's being driven. I recently commented on "equal length headers" on NASIOC. (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41601693&postcount=151) The reply from Chris (KillerB) is interesting. I found Full Race's headers were from 22" in length to around 18" long. Not exactly equal length, but he suggested that the back-pressure from the three tight bends was the reason for the shorter length. Not something you might encounter with a straight four.

Edit: I think Metal said it eloquently. With balanced you get a higher frequency sound at high RPMs. Unbalanced, you get the burble at idle and a lower frequency sound up top.
If you do twin scroll you need equal length to maximize it's potential. I think for stock motors, or with just minor tuning, there's little point to having aftermarket headers. You want piping after the turbo to be as unrestricted as you and others can enjoy.

[Harley818]

Hey thanks for the sound clips. They both sound good. Never had a boxer before so I might stick with the stock set up and change it later if I don't like it.
Sorry for the temp hijack Metalmaker, its all your fault.....yours sounds great.

[ssssly]

You gain a lot of spool by going equal length. The out of phase exhaust pulses rob more than you would think. Is the difference between full boost at 3500 RPM or full boost at 5500 RPM in some cases. Most see at least a 700 RPM decree in spool. With a stockfish turbo that can't flow more air than 6500 RPM on a 2.0l, that's a lot of power under the curve.

Just food for thought when making the decision based on the boxer burble.

Metalmaker, you will be the envy of many if you post up a how to on those wipers. Great looking build BTW.

[metalmaker12]

You gain a lot of spool by going equal length. The out of phase exhaust pulses rob more than you would think. Is the difference between full boost at 3500 RPM or full boost at 5500 RPM in some cases. Most see at least a 700 RPM decree in spool. With a stockfish turbo that can't flow more air than 6500 RPM on a 2.0l, that's a lot of power under the curve.

Just food for thought when making the decision based on the boxer burble.

Metalmaker, you will be the envy of many if you post up a how to on those wipers. Great looking build BTW.

Thanks it's been very good fun. I will set up a separate thread next week, I am waiting for inspection to get plates so I don't wanna tear they off to show the setup close and measure out what I did.

[Xusia]

You gain a lot of spool by going equal length. The out of phase exhaust pulses rob more than you would think. Is the difference between full boost at 3500 RPM or full boost at 5500 RPM in some cases. Most see at least a 700 RPM decree in spool. With a stockfish turbo that can't flow more air than 6500 RPM on a 2.0l, that's a lot of power under the curve.

Just food for thought when making the decision based on the boxer burble.

Metalmaker, you will be the envy of many if you post up a how to on those wipers. Great looking build BTW.

I have been told exactly the opposite, which drove my decision to stick with the stock header. I'd really prefer the sound of the equal length headers, so I may just put this to the dyno test! Thanks for the info!! :)

[Stickshift84]

Well everybody I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with Chris for a little wile this morning. His car sounds incredible and very loud. He took me for a blast around the neighborhood and all I can say is the car feels amazing. Both he and I are now hoping this cold weather ends and the street sweepers come out. Sandy roads = very bad traction. Thank you for the fun time Chris. Looking forward to more fun in the future.

[metalmaker12]

Door panels
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtube_gdata_player&v=ghui_2fZuJE

[wallace18]

Your door panel looks much better than mine. For some reason my top fit was way off. The black looks good with the white. Nice job on the whole car IMO.

[metalmaker12]

Stop it yours look good too!

[Xusia]

Oh, you're both pretty! LOL

[flynntuna]

Lookin real nice.
Ps. Funny how your posts don't have a RI accent. Lol

[metalmaker12]

I am so used to the way we talk that I am unsure who has a ri accent. I am very happy with the plastic door liners.

[Kalstar]

I got the privilege of going on an extended ride in Chris's 818. First impression was this thing is quick. I rode down to his house (about 70 miles each way) in the Vette. It feels very much the same pick-up wise and can smoke the tires in the higher gears much easier then my Corvette. Much like the GTM it was very evident that this was a light car with tight steering and very good brakes. The car tracked straight even at near or slightly over triple digit speeds. One thing I didn't like, the roadrunner Beep-Beep horn. This car might be small but it drives and accelerates with authority. Sorry Chris, please put a "get out of my way" horn in that beast.

All and all Chris did an outstanding build and Factory Five has really produce a winner. I can't wait to drive mine. One more note, the 818 in many ways is better then the GTM and that is really saying something.

[metalmaker12]

Beep ah beep ah lol, or meep meep lol, I need a roarrrrrrrgettttout myfQyfvhhfxvwayhorn!!!!

We had a fun cruise, so 80-90 cruising and just did some straight speed burst, some launches and even stopped by another 818 builders house( stickshift84). It is driving pretty well with minor tweaks needed to alignment. It takes some seat time like anything, but like I noted before, it is a blastttt to drive. I kinda wanna just keep driving and driving it more than taking it apart to paint,,,, hmmm

[longislandwrx]

wait don't you have hellas already?

[metalmaker12]

Yeah but they sound beep beep

[wleehendrick]

One thing I didn't like, the roadrunner Beep-Beep horn. This car might be small but it drives and accelerates with authority. Sorry Chris, please put a "get out of my way" horn in that beast.

I just installed a Wolo 370 horn (roadrunner 'meep-meep') in mine... kinda as a gag; is that what you have? I'll probably get sick of it, but I like the incongruity: 'cute' little car, 'cute' little horn, but open it up and all hell breaks loose!

[metalmaker12]

Yea meep meep like road runner exactly!! I might keep it and learn to drive this thing so maybe I can come close to Jim's GTM with my meep meep car.

[VD2021]

One more note, the 818 in many ways is better then the GTM and that is really saying something.


.......you can't make a statement like this and not expound on it...:confused:

[Santiago]

Ditto. Exactly what I was thinking. So many variables that "in many ways" can contain. Care to elaborate?

This might be fit for its own thread, but we're likely to invite an internet feud once the GTM guys got wiff of it. =)

[Kalstar]

Your a big dude so don't kick my ***.

Santiago...I am also a GTM guy. I have one of each.

OK, so how it is better..... 1). Visibility out the front is fantastic. The mail slot of the GTM is nowhere found. 2). Blind spots, what blind spots. 3). Sound reflection is lessened considerably. 4). The engine "waterfall" on the GTM is made of thin fiberglass and fabric, if a belt comes off at high speed or the engine gives up its ghost, well the injuries would be ugly. 5). The seats sit higher and you do not feel so low to the ground, gives a more secure feeling. 6). The ground clearance of the 818 is better. 7). The panels come off in pieces so incase of damage there is no need to repaint a whole shell or front clam 8). It is much simpler to build yet still looks the part of something special with a 1/3 the time invested. 9). Cost 1/2 to 2/3 less to build then the GTM. 10). The 818 not only has storage, but a trunk too.

All this said, I still like my GTM better, biased I know! Love your car Chris but when you get a chance to drive my GTM you will see what I am talking about. Not taking anything away from your car, you did an outstanding job! I would liken it to the Shelby 500 or the Ford GT. The Shelby with 650hp is nearly as fast at the GT, but at the end of the day, if given the choice between the 2 the more complicated, finicky and overly sexy GT would be a 10-1 favorite. Don't get me wrong, the 818 garners much kudos from the general public and it is definitely no slouch in the performance category. It truly earns the right to wear a Factory Five badge. On the other hand, the GTM is the flagship and has earned it's right at the top of the F5R heap, (I know, bad pun) but it is clearly evident that Factory Five's evolution and forward thinking of their newest offering (the 818) will make the manufacturing and large panel styling of the GTM very obsolete. If only one of the two cars were an option and I could only chose one, I would day dream about the GTM while I was rocketing down the road in my 818 (after I changed the horn of course).

[Santiago]

Thanks Kalstar, that was some interesting commentary. I'll be building an R-car so #5 & #6 won't apply, but the rest is good to hear.

Shelby 500 vs Ford GT...well, I come from pretty humble roots anyway, so I'm ok with thinking of the 818 as only a Shelby 500. =)

Best,
-j

[Kalstar]

Correction on my last post.... Forgot a few words.

If only one of the two cars were an option and I could only choose one ** I would be just as happy** day dreaming about the GTM while I rocketed down the road in my 818.

Case and point, I also have a C6 Corvette and an SS Camaro, though the C6 is superior in many ways, if it came down to it, the more utility use of the Camaro would win the "which do I keep" battle. Maybe that is why I feel the way I do about the GTM/818. Both are awesome and the owners should be very proudly to have the privilege of owning any Factory Five.

Sorry Chris for the Hyjack.

[metalmaker12]

It's ok I will just snatch your GTM, C6, SS or AMG to sell so I can build a meep meep horn company!! lol haas devious laugh

[Kalstar]

It's ok I will just snatch your GTM, C6, SS or AMG to sell so I can build a meep meep horn company!! lol haas devious laugh

After an "out of warranty" $3600.00 fuel pump, the AMG needs to go away anyway.

This pic seems to fit the discussion.

[metalmaker12]

Here's Justin's 818 and my 818 startup and fly by

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gnwusq0eld1i8i9/wjNOahEtK5#f:VID_20140408_185819_282.mp4

[Frank818]

I only see one 818.
Is that loud sound legal?
Did you change the horn?

[metalmaker12]

The first two of the 4 are Justin's, Legal at idle, and yea that's the meep meep still

[Xusia]

Car sounds awesome in the fly by!

[shinn497]

do you have equal or unequal length headers. My frothing desire for this car increases! I can't get enough.

also do you plan to paint it? I feel like this car would look great in blue.

[Santiago]

Maybe it's just me, but I kind of like that meep-meep horn...just for the humor factor. She growls menacingly enough at idle...then the *meep-meep* just takes you off guard.

So picture the scene:
- You roll off of grid with a growl...
- You destroy some high-dollar Porsche's and Vettes on track, forcing them to point you by, then...
- You pull back into the pits after the session, wave hi to those same "macho-dollar" guys, and *meep-meep* them :o
I love it.

Best,
-j

[metalmaker12]

Maybe it's just me, but I kind of like that meep-meep horn...just for the humor factor. She growls menacingly enough at idle...then the *meep-meep* just takes you off guard.

So picture the scene:
- You roll off of grid with a growl...
- You destroy some high-dollar Porsche's and Vettes on track, forcing them to point you by, then...
- You pull back into the pits after the session, wave hi to those same "macho-dollar" guys, and *meep-meep* them :o
I love it.

Best,
-j

Lol, exactly what I am thinking


Equal length, It's getting painted, prob is I love driving it too much to stop and prep

[shinn497]

So did you replace the headers?

I'm going to search for your modlist nowz.

[metalmaker12]

No, had them, came with 2005 ej207

[Kalstar]

Maybe it's just me, but I kind of like that meep-meep horn...just for the humor factor. She growls menacingly enough at idle...then the *meep-meep* just takes you off guard.

So picture the scene:
- You roll off of grid with a growl...
- You destroy some high-dollar Porsche's and Vettes on track, forcing them to point you by, then...
- You pull back into the pits after the session, wave hi to those same "macho-dollar" guys, and *meep-meep* them :o
I love it.

Best,
-j

So basically the car equivalent of Mike Tyson.

I have a lifted Silverado, menacing exhaust, Big V8, little horn, I get teased even by my 10 year old son. Meep meep is cute.....for a Girly car, even if it can punch like Mike.

BTW, Mary Kay pink will be a good paint scheme
.

[longislandwrx]

Mary Kay pink will be a good paint scheme

dibs.

[metalmaker12]

Started priming some parts, here's the hood 27866

[Mechie3]

I have that same lamp! I got it to help stay warm in the winter.

[Aloha818]

Started priming some parts, here's the hood 27866

Looks good, what product are you using?

[metalmaker12]

5 star , it drys fast, and mixes 4:1,4:1:1,4:1:2.27900

My other favorite is spices heckers highbuild

[alpine227]

looking good, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[metalmaker12]

A little photoshop

28172

[lsxsean]

Nice build!

[Kurk818]

Looks killer. Is that a paint you were teying to imitate or juat shading?

A little photoshop

28172

[metalmaker12]

Just gel, I was just playing around, 818 on hold, babies around the corner. Maybe an autocross this weekend though.

[longislandwrx]

you better step up your lawn game, neighbor looks like she doesn't mess around.

[metalmaker12]

She try's, I don't, but my lawn always looks better cause I have a good science behind it. This year she might one up me. My wife is two weeks till be have our second and I am family family family and like a little 818. My wife actually really likes the 818 and told me once things calm down to finish it right and make it look killer. She has been by my side with all my cars and always gave me good advice. I am actually going to autocross next Sunday and than get in full dad mode. I will post video if I can get it to load on my computer. If you subie guys are on nasico, I am in contact with Dave Hersey ( who tested our 818 in Quansett point R.I during development). He has a wicked nasty sti etc etc and is a driving instructor, who loves the 818.

[Scargo]

What's Dave Hershey's handle on NASIOC? Don't know if I've met him. Will be at WGI this week for open track with Trackmasters and then NASA.
Nevermind, I found him. "hershey"

[longislandwrx]

pretty sure his handle is HERSHEY I thought he sold that black Sti...

edit DOH.

[metalmaker12]

Yeah Hershey, he did sell it, so had the most bad *** Sti. He has a Silvia and some others 28203, guess what's above it??? Anyway he's a cool guy and a local resource for me and others.

[longislandwrx]

his supercharged 383 FD is also pretty damn cool.

[metalmaker12]

Yea all his cars are unique, just like our 818's

[metalmaker12]

818 is down, took to autocross and was doing great, but hit a piece of road chunk that got on coarse and blew out my right rear and I have an oil leak going on. I think it's a cam seal, so motors coming out. Not a good day

[RM1SepEx]

Bummer Chris! I've had to stop on course in my shifter kart for big chunks of asphault before... brutal to hit one a damage a tire!

[Aloha818]

818 is down, took to autocross and was doing great, but hit a piece of road chunk that got on coarse and blew out my right rear and I have an oil leak going on. I think it's a cam seal, so motors coming out. Not a good day

That really sucks! Car was looking great. Any body damage?

[metalmaker12]

The side I hit the chunk, on the lower quarter is a deep scratch, but other than that it's ok. My oil leak issue is what I have to diagnose so I can sleep. Hopefully just labor intensive, like a cam seal or something along those lines. Needless to say I am feeling bummed out, but I still did have a great time.

[Erik W. Treves]

Take a REAL good look at the valve cover...I had two leaks that I thought were the same thing as you...both ended up being valve cover.

[metalmaker12]

Take a REAL good look at the valve cover...I had two leaks that I thought were the same thing as you...both ended up being valve cover.

Did you spray oil on your headers and on you gas tank?

When I get a second I will jack it up and get plenty of lighting and timing cover off on that side. Part of me want to just take the whole motor out and replace every seal for piece of mind, but I might get lucky. Thanks for the tip, it could be this.

[Stickshift84]

I was with Chris at this autocross event running my mustang. His car looked great going through the turns. I followed him through 3 lead follow laps. Watching the car try to launch is a bit funny though, rear body and tires seem to shake a lot. Looks fast out there and would be a lot faster is Chris could keep himself from spinning... All in all the car looked great, it was just really unfortunate what happened. Get her fixed up quick if you can but take enough time to make sure it is right. Looking forward to getting mine done and getting some track time in.

[metalmaker12]

Lol, I like spins!!

[metalmaker12]

Oil in the inlet and came out filter. Turbos toasted, well it's oil seal is and it's fan blade, plugs had gas on em, but as I can tell not oil. So I gotta take a closer look and do a compression test/leak down test.

[Erik W. Treves]

I had oil on the header

[Frank818]

Sorry to read about that bad luck, but I'm sure you can fix it all without too much problems!

[metalmaker12]

Sorry to read about that bad luck, but I'm sure you can fix it all without too much problems!

Turbo line must have clogged up, or during my long drifting sessions oil got starved, IDK. Time and Money, hopefully all my test come back good so I can move on to think of turbos.
my setup is limited with my headers. So far: another VF37, or VF36 twinscrolls, or have Six Star rebuild mine, or The DOM 1.5 twinscroll. any way I cut it, I gotta spend $500-$2000. I could change manifolds etc etc $$$ but I think I am stay equal.

BTW, I only completed the coarse correctly two of my 7 laps lol, I was busy trying to figure out the cars limits and missed cones, had to turn around and still got a 1:42, Nick managed a 1:36 but he new the track by then and did not do a five point turn or let off at finish line like me. ( there was a huge bump 200 ft past the line. So when I doing like 100mph, I slowed). Moral is a 1:28 is the best there, and the 818 with me as a driver could come close or best it once I get it it back up and learn to drive. offcoarse this could take a long time, but I am hopeful lol.

[longislandwrx]

6 star all the way. The only downside is the turnaround time.

[Brando]

I'm sorry about your rough track day...i'm frustrated for you.
I'm sure answering these questions isn't at the top of your list given your current situation but I have to ask if you could post some details on the handling characteristics when pushing the car.
How do you anticipate getting the over-steer out of the car without a spoiler?

[metalmaker12]

I felt the 818 is very balanced in street form. I did not get tail happy because it's not balanced , rather I was spinning the tires through the turns and needed less throttle input. The car rights itself very quickly with slight inputs. I only went maybe 70-80 and braked hard for tight corners so a spoiler was not going to do anything at this cone derby. The track is ruff and kinda bumpy so it was hard on the 818. Also I have no sway bar and with just me was ok, but with a passenger I do recommend for hard corning.

[wallace18]

I ended up removing my front sway bar. I may try to find a thinner one. The donor one I had was too thick and had a strange bend in it. The car seems to handle fine without it so far.

[RM1SepEx]

Remember Wayne's traction problems on track with the R (spinning tires out of the corner in 2nd)? Chris has approx 300 whp IIRC and street tires, not R compounds. He could punch it and smoke the street tires all day! Right foot control is paramount... add a rough surface, his 818S will be a handful.

[metalmaker12]

From my investigation, my turbo oil seal is very much blown. I checked the banjo bolts and feed line and all seems clear and clean. So I investigated further and noticed a good gouge in my cross brace were my turbo outlet flange had hit. My conclusion is that the turbo hit the brace multiple times during hard driving and put pressure on internal seal. It's all I got so far.

[Frank818]

The brace between both suspension towers, you are talking about?

You were not using solid mounts?

[metalmaker12]

I am using Sti gruppe n engine mounts( there a lot stiffer than wrx ones) if that's what your talking about. I am talking about the cross brace. My turbo just cleared it, but under heavy loads hit it and prob put pressure on the compressor.

[Canadian818]

Any feedback from using stiff mounts? Do you think solid mounts would be an option?

[metalmaker12]

I think the mounts I have are fine, that's not the issue, clearance is. But I also think it could have been from the extreme movement and the pcv sucked up oil into the inlet onward.

[flynntuna]

Hope the damage is minimal, have you finalized your plans for your splitter and diffuser?

[metalmaker12]

Hope the damage is minimal, have you finalized your plans for your splitter and diffuser?

I am pretty sure turbo is close to toasted, how or why ??? I got some test to run to double check engine and than I am sending my turbo to six star to take a look. And yeah me and nick got a plan for the aero.

Here's its last voyage:2858728588

[Mechie3]

Boo front plates !

[Brando]

Rough surface indeed. Your car looks sweet, I get a rush out of looking at those pics

[metalmaker12]

Rough surface indeed. Your car looks sweet, I get a rush out of looking at those pics

It was a a huge rush man, just unfortunate that something odd happened to the turbo and offcoarse my right rear tire that got sliced. Did I mention all on the same run.

[metalmaker12]

Well motors got some low compression readings on one side. It's got oil in the intake manifold, so time to tear it down and find the issue firsthand. It could be a a head gasket (never-overheated though), maybe oil section of the gasket went on that side, a cracked piston or maybe burt exhaust valve, but with the white smoke it was shooting out prob a headgasket. I will know the truth once I tear it down. I did notice that I had a very slow coolant leak on the lower hose near the rack that hit under heavy turning. Coolant in overflow did get drained but engibe temp stayed normal. It's possable I lost pressure idk. It was a very small amount of coolant though. I could do a leak down, but a teardown is needed.

[RM1SepEx]

Chris, how many miles are on the motor and what HP est were you operating at? Perhaps you were asking a bit much out of a tired motor? It's hard when we have no information on our donors! While I'm hoping that my 70K donor will be in good condition and support my "slight" Cobb Stage 2 tune and mods I wouldn't be that surprised if it went boom as well since it might have been 70K hard and poorly maintained miles... My trans was pulled apart and was in excellent condition but I did no such inspection of my motor!

It would be sooo nice to be in Craig's position, using a donor that he bought back from the insurance company that he purchased new!

[Scargo]

Friend's motor with stock internals just went boom. 2008 STi with Stage 2 tune at 19 psi. About a 50K miles on it. Crawford oil separator, Cobb downpipe. His street car; he was driving it to the tracks. Blew hole in case.
With the Crawford unit he should not have been getting oil into the intake tract. Mine had that happen and ring-lands on stock, cast pistons went. Fully coated CP forged are about $850 delivered.

[metalmaker12]

Yeah, I won't know for a couple weeks when I get time to take apart. I have owned about 5 subies, here's my list of engine and tranny issues :

I had an 03 wrx stock blow a turbo and it had a cracked piston with only 65k, I drove wit hard and it held up decently, tranny was junk and blew apart also.

I had an 04 Sti 80k stage 2 blow a head gasket and one piston ring was in pieces, that had oil in the intake, cooler, turbo, kind of like what I have now.

I had an 06 Sti 14k no issues with stage 2 mods

I briefly had a jdm swapped Gc with a 30k ej207 and it lasted my abuse until I sold it

With the Crawford unit hooked up the way they recommend it should get zero oil up there unless it got in from some other area that blew apart. If he blew a hole in crank case, something got loose, or was not torqued correctly and went boom. No matter what it sucks and cost money. Good luck to him and all of us. These motors are great when there running good, but when they blow it's 9 out of 10 a major issue that is not a cheap fix.

[metalmaker12]

So this motor had like 40k on it, passed a leak down and compression test once I got it. I cleaned it up, and did a timing belt and water pump. It ran great until that day when I pushed it. My current assumption is that the drivers side head gasket went. We will see, but I am guessing with my luck more is toasted.

[metalmaker12]

Coolant system has traces of co2 and coolant overflow is empty and white smoke as mentioned before. So before my tear down my guess is head gasket. There's a nice tester to see if any of you have co2 in your system which could be since these engines are prone to head gasket issues. Here's the link
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sRdTGBlFFCI

[metalmaker12]

Chris, how many miles are on the motor and what HP est were you operating at? Perhaps you were asking a bit much out of a tired motor? It's hard when we have no information on our donors! While I'm hoping that my 70K donor will be in good condition and support my "slight" Cobb Stage 2 tune and mods I wouldn't be that surprised if it went boom as well since it might have been 70K hard and poorly maintained miles... My trans was pulled apart and was in excellent condition but I did no such inspection of my motor!

It would be sooo nice to be in Craig's position, using a donor that he bought back from the insurance company that he purchased new!

Engine was making around 275whp and like 260wheel torque at 16 psi. Basically a base map with some extra grunt. It was acting a bit funny and had some hesitation issues but seemed ok and I disregard it. I think with the car being so lite and loud I did not notice head-gasket issues, if there were any. I would say it does not matter if you think it's running great, cause I have owned several and they can be great or they can break and ruin your day. It is just a matter of time and I am sure others will have similar issues.

Put it this way, now I get the potential to build a sick ej207 stroker with a better turbo and 450-500whp potential, not that I need it. Btw I got a six speed on deck, hopefully FFR has a kit for it.

[RM1SepEx]

I'm a wee bit apprehensive, glad I don't plan on pushing my stock motor very hard...

[metalmaker12]

Btw my cars for sale for the right price, or I keep it and enjoy it. Just so busy with life that all this car stuff is going to take a long time.

[Frank818]

Metal, off topic for your very sad engine issues, but still on topic for your thread: may I ask what made you decide to cut those side vents on the front bumper the way you did (thin vertical line) instead of the big mouth openings FFR has? Any particular reason (aero, less air in, better oriented, etc.) or just cuz you preferred that look?

[metalmaker12]

It was FFR first design of the front cover and I liked it more than the newer style. To me it matches the quarter vents more and I like the look.

[Frank818]

Yeah that's true, I admit.

[wleehendrick]

It was FFR first design of the front cover and I liked it more than the newer style. To me it matches the quarter vents more and I like the look.

I agree... and just cut mine the same way!

[metalmaker12]

New addition came last night28911, 28913 818 on hold until further notice

Landon Christopher Marciano 7-12, 20" on May 7th @ 11:59

[Brando]

AWESOME BRO! Congrats Congrats Congrats!

[wleehendrick]

Congratulations!

Wow, lots of births... something to do with building an 818?

[Kurk818]

Congrats! Father of 3 with the oldest being 4 years old and a kit car, you've got your hands full!

[AZPete]

Congratulations! This new arrival certainly puts the engine troubles in your toy in perspective, doesn't it?

[Frank818]

818 on hold? The picture tells me you got a nannie to take care of everything and free you some time up for your 818. lolll

On the other hand, congrats for the delivery! :)

[RM1SepEx]

Congrats Chris, I'm sure that your hands are full! I'm so thankful that mine are now at the other end of the childhood spectrum (22 and 17)

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Congratulations Chris,
This is my son Michael (age 16 owner of chassis #22) building a 150 Hp EV motor controller. Start them young.
28923
Bob

[Xusia]

Congrats Chris. :)

[longislandwrx]

Wow, lots of births... something to do with building an 818?

Yeah all the guys building 818s are studs!


Congrats!

[Mechie3]

Congrats!

[Wayne Presley]

New addition came last night28911, 28913 818 on hold until further notice

Landon Christopher Marciano 7-12, 20" on May 7th @ 11:59


Congrats Chris!!!!

[metalmaker12]

Thanks everyone, now I have two pit crew members and future 818 enthusiast!!!

[Mike de Angeli]

Thanks everyone, now I have two pit crew members and future 818 enthusiast!!!

Congrats! Guess you won't be offering any garage tours for a few days!

[FFR-ADV]

Congratulations!

[ehansen007]

Well done!!!

[metalmaker12]

So I got a little time while my kids/ wife are sleeping and I have 4 weeks off of work.

Getting my lines to match up.Much like Hana, I had to fill the edges of the rear bonnets and the rear cover top edge. I had to make a bracket to pull the center of the rear cover to achieve a nice line. Metal reinforcement would work as well, these brackets will also work for my trunk idea.You can also notice my rear hood pin setup.291942919629197291982919929200

You can also see my clearance of my windshield frame-hood-fender, I am happy how it's coming out. A little tweak here and there and it's all coming together. Makes me forget my motor issues.
29201

[RM1SepEx]

Looks like some of your panels have unfinished/unfilled mold areas too.

I've been playing with mine and found I get better fit in the trunk if it arcs up more, then it matches the rear clip with much better gaps. I may need to glass in some support, the hood also fits better in the front if it arcs up more in the center, when it does it fits between the two vertical openings for the air intake

Chris, what did you have to do to get the front tips of the fenders to reach the front fascia? Mine is about 1/4 too short right now, I'm thinking that I need to lower the light bucket, it is holding the front edge of the fenders up over the lights and you can only grind so much material...

Working on getting karts ready to autox this weekend... :-( delay the 818 yet again!

The 2 strokes hate 10% ethanol gas... I went to AV gas this season but the white sugar residue was all through them. Does everyone cycle their carbs through the ultrasonic cleaner in the bathroom?

29205

[Mechie3]

You don't have an ugly gap between you door and windshield under the mirror. What did you do for that?

[metalmaker12]

Looks like some of your panels have unfinished/unfilled mold areas too.

I've been playing with mine and found I get better fit in the trunk if it arcs up more, then it matches the rear clip with much better gaps. I may need to glass in some support, the hood also fits better in the front if it arcs up more in the center, when it does it fits between the two vertical openings for the air intake

Chris, what did you have to do to get the front tips of the fenders to reach the front fascia? Mine is about 1/4 too short right now, I'm thinking that I need to lower the light bucket, it is holding the front edge of the fenders up over the lights and you can only grind so much material...

Working on getting karts ready to autox this weekend... :-( delay the 818 yet again!

The 2 strokes hate 10% ethanol gas... I went to AV gas this season but the white sugar residue was all through them. Does everyone cycle their carbs through the ultrasonic cleaner in the bathroom?

29205


For the rear bonnets I have a brace that makes the large bonnet sit just over the intercooler and also give the hatch the curve it needs to fit between the quarters nicely
29207

For the front I built a brace ( which is in early post) to clear the wiper arm and give the hood a curve to help with fitment.

For the fenders to reach the front cover, first the buckets need to be set 1/8 below the covers edge to recess the headlights enough to get proper fitment. Also make sure the fenders are trimmed just right to get the fender to wrap around the headlight. 2920829209

Lol....I used my old dishwasher to clean heads etc. Contact me if you need a suggestion

[metalmaker12]

Here's a few of the boy's ( pit crew member) pics

2921229213,2921429215
29216
to bad the bruins blew it.

[Brando]

29217Blind date?

[metalmaker12]

Lol.... He approves!!

[Doowop]

congrats on your new pit crew member and congrats to your wife!

[metalmaker12]

Any the priming continues, 29597[/ATTACH]29594

I just finished the doors, quarters are close than the fenders and front facia and it's primed. Got a booth lined up at my old job. Not sold on my color, narrowed to three colors. White, gunmetal, or wrc blue.. I like them all lol

Here's my other side project, tunnel ram installed on Rod.
2959529596

[wallace18]

Looks good. It is all in the prep, work. It looks like you are doing it the right way for sure. I like the rod.

[metalmaker12]

Yeah panels are coming out good, lines are good and it should be a overall good quality job. I did not go crazy with filler on the edges, just enough to make the lines look even. I am going to hammer this car so I don't want edges to crack etc.

The Rod is a ford 1940 truck cab on a custom chassis with a Chevy stroker 363 with a twin 4 barrel webber tunnel ram. It makes good power and the Rod is only 2,300lbs. It does not handle great but hoes nice in a straight line.

[metalmaker12]

Doors were pretty straight aside from some slight waves. I blocked it and filled minimally

29624
2962529623

[metalmaker12]

29686Wet sanded one door with 400, then 600 and it looks pretty damn straight.

Note: To prep sand for high build primer I blocked the doors with 150, icing filled lightly on a few small spots and 320 blocked, and red scuffed.

[Frank818]

You are doing all that yourself?

[metalmaker12]

A yeah sir

[metalmaker12]

First batch is all wet sanded 400,600. Hood, bonnets, doors and rear facia. Hood and large bonnet not pictured29705

[longislandwrx]

Nice work ... panels look great and your son is very handsome!



Here's a few of the boy's ( pit crew member) pics
29706

[metalmaker12]

Nice work ... panels look great and your son is very handsome!

Lol!!! I am a big fan of hockey in general, and Martin St. Louis and Hendrik Lundqvist are two of my fav's so go Rangers!!!!

[Frank818]

Metal, I am missing something. Your front tires look like Hankook Ventus R-S3 and in another thread you mentioned you have 215/40/17. I can't find these tires in that size. I am trying to know the exact diameter.

tnx

[metalmaker12]

Metal, I am missing something. Your front tires look like Hankook Ventus R-S3 and in another thread you mentioned you have 215/40/17. I can't find these tires in that size. I am trying to know the exact diameter.

tnx

I had rs3's but they were too big up front at 235/45r17. I have Yokohama s drives, 215/40/r17F, 255/35/R18R.

[Frank818]

23.8" diameter. I'm amazed they rub. What do we need so they won't.
8" wide ET35 front rims, right?

[metalmaker12]

The RS3 rubbed it was 25.4" (235/45/17)
The S drive does not and is 23.8"(215/40/17)

[metalmaker12]

305703057130572Continuing on body work, adding some more air ducting to areas, and going to R windscreen since I have plates already. I feel the 818S either needs an awic or more direct flow to IC to fight heat soaking and further motor issues due to this. I might still go awic after my motor build, but I feel the IC will get plenty of direct airflow with this venting and the R windscreen. This is just a quick prefit, a little trim and sand and than glass all together and fill, than re-prime area. Other than this I just have the quarters to finish up and prime, half my parts are already at a paint shop where I was previously employed and I occasionally rent to spray.

305673056830569

Also nicks 818 is getting there and I welded his self designed splitter frame 3057730573
His trunk idea
30574

[Frank818]

Metal, do you know if there is air flow in the area where you created that duct? I don't know if that portion is part of a depression where not much air flows.

I also wonder if I will have enough flow and I am already thinking of ideas to flow more air. Ducts, extraction fans, etc. Heatsoaking is a pain.

[metalmaker12]

With the R windscreen yes, the S windshield no, and yes it is a pain and will be problematic with this car if not addressed with direct airflow to IC or an awic .

[RM1SepEx]

Chris, can you show us your wiper soln?

[metalmaker12]

I gotta have a friend send them to me , I deleted the pics and not sure were or if I saved. Wipers are being used by others to get plates. I will come ip with something for ya soon

[metalmaker12]

306213062230623 Found them in an email to you Dan, lol guess I sent to many

[RM1SepEx]

how good did you get the coverage with a single arm?

I just went through my archive of emails from you, can't find these photos, tons of others tho!

[Frank818]

These pix of the wiper solution don't seem to interfere with Mike Everson's brake reservoir relocation kit, which is a good thing.

[metalmaker12]

how good did you get the coverage with a single arm?

I just went through my archive of emails from you, can't find these photos, tons of others tho!

Page 15 post #567 is a video, plus I just emailed two to you from my youtube archive. Happy building man!

I am glad FFR came up with a solution, but to me a single wiper is the way to go if your state allows it. I just don't really like the fact of having to cut into the hood and change the look of the car so much. I don't think it looks clean, rather an afterthought that took way to long to create. This is along with the fact at the open house the 818's looked in need of proper body aligning and kinda showed me the car has taken a back seat to the 289 respectively. The 818 to me is there coolest car because it truly has the potential of being there best competitor, at the lowest cost.

[Frank818]

Maybe you don't know, but is the 1 wiper solution covering substantially less than 2 wipers? I mean is the 1 wiper covering about 80% of the view angle on the windshield? Of course you can't easily calculate, but as a guesstimate what's it like?

[Jaime]

I'm more concerned about the park position. From the video, it looks like the wiper is visible when it's off.

[metalmaker12]

If your going to drive in the rain wear wipers would be needed ( I would never drive a FFR in the rain unless caught) than the one wiper is not going to cut it as far as full coverage. Also with more modification I could have had the wiper tuck under the hood, but in my case it was purely to get plates and than I took it off. I am installing the R windscreen on my registered S to get proper airflow to engine and IC.

[Frank818]

Ok tnx for the info. I guess I'll have to look around or design something, as I don't want to cut the hood either but I need at least 80% of view angle coverage + all the washing fluid system in order to get my stupid plates and in order for a cop to not fine me or get me towed. It needs to be complete, working and permanent, so I think I'll have some thinking there.

[metalmaker12]

Ok tnx for the info. I guess I'll have to look around or design something, as I don't want to cut the hood either but I need at least 80% of view angle coverage + all the washing fluid system in order to get my stupid plates and in order for a cop to not fine me or get me towed. It needs to be complete, working and permanent, so I think I'll have some thinking there.

Really crazy, down here, it is just to get plates, after they I am pretty sure it won't be to big a deal with the law unless I get caught being a race car driver on the street.

[metalmaker12]

Voids voids and more voids on my driver quarter3076030761. 30763

I have been using an epoxy filler known as six ten for the heavy filling and then rage gold and evercoat fiber fill, evercoat lite weight filler and USC iceing for the voids. The combo has work on fiberglass show cars in the past and is working this time as well. These voids just have some epoxy filler to get the party started and than I will use some fiber filler etc etc

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[Aloha818]

Voids voids and more voids on my driver quarter3076030761. 30763

I have been using an epoxy filler known as six ten for the heavy filling and then rage gold and evercoat fiber fill, evercoat lite weight filler and USC iceing for the voids. The combo has work on fiberglass show cars in the past and is working this time as well. These voids just have some epoxy filler to get the party started and than I will use some fiber filler etc etc

307593076230763

It seems like once you think you have found them all another one pops up! Looking good! You are finding some in places I didn't have and I have some that you didn't apparently, must be random issues?

Keep at it, so satisfying to see paint on the panels!

[Boog]

Seems crazy that there are so many voids. What process are you doing to find them? or are they just popping up/breaking free as you sand and prep?

[metalmaker12]

I used a motion light bulb which is super bright, behind the panels. Also there will be a small voids ( air pockets between cloth and gelcoat)that become larger as you try to break it down to the cloth. It is not too uncommon in fiberglass work, but I bet as time goes on that FFR and it's sub contractor will improve this if they have not already.

[metalmaker12]

It seems like once you think you have found them all another one pops up! Looking good! You are finding some in places I didn't have and I have some that you didn't apparently, must be random issues?

Keep at it, so satisfying to see paint on the panels!

I know it's crazy at times. It is mostly on the sharpe edges, where the cloth did not seem to meet the gelcoat and created an air pocket. What bothers me, is we both found a lot, but did we find them all??? The booth is busy to the week of July 7, so I gotta wait

[metalmaker12]

Mixed a couple tints I kinda like and did base clear sprayouts, (I might go darker)I might paint my dash this color and use for ascents on the white, no sure yet.

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I also got a set of spal fans, very well made in Italy for 60 bucks on amazon
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[wallace18]

Looking good Man!

[metalmaker12]

Looking good Man!

Thanks, I am painting some of it this week the base white/ clear and than trying to get all the body work done on the rest of the panels. I think I am going to tint it darker like the FFR cobra charcoal with the yellow strips. I am picky with colors and I change my mind till the last second, good thing I have a paint system to use when I need to. I like custom made colors more cause than I can say it's my own batch. On this car I really like the bright white with darker accents.

[waruaki]

I also got a set of spal fans, very well made in Italy for 60 bucks on amazon
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Glad you like them. This is where I purchased mine http://www.ultrarev.com/30100403-spal.html $48 dropped shipped directly from SPAL's
US location in Iowa if someone wants to save a few bucks.

[C.Plavan]

Glad you like them. This is where I purchased mine http://www.ultrarev.com/30100403-spal.html $48 dropped shipped directly from SPAL's
US location in Iowa if someone wants to save a few bucks.

Just picked up 2- thanks to both of you for heads up.

[metalmaker12]

Thanks War ,Welcome man, happy fourth to you all

[metalmaker12]

Two coats of Base on first batch of panels. About to go add more base and than clear em, post more pics lata or in morning. All my filling and blocking have paid off cause panels look straight and smooth. I am very happy with there outcome. I am just adding my base color and than I might work in some other effects, with color and some vinyls.
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[RM1SepEx]

How many layers of matt (I assume) did you add where the hood pins are? It looks really beefy! Did you do the edges of the hood, engine cover, trunk too?

[metalmaker12]

Three extra layers of mat and west system epoxy. I have vinyl ester resin also, but I like the epoxy better because it seems to bond the same or better while flexing better and is much more durable. Some might not agree, but the chemical makeup of epoxy adheres to the vinyl ester very well and has much stronger properties. I wish FFR could have given us an option to use epoxy resin instead of the vinyl ester as an upgrade. It would make these panels ten times stronger and flex better without potential cracking etc. I would have paid more for it. I added mat and even tape in other areas to strengthen up these panels. I also am using a high build primer that seems to add some more rigidity to the panels. It's all been on the car and driven and no new stress cracks etc have shown up...yet.

[metalmaker12]

Parts came out great, I am loving the white even more now that it is much brighter and full gloss. They have zero dust and very little peel. It it really bright in the sun and with my projected carbon fiber, gunmetal and gloss black accents this theme will really work for me. The straightness of these panels, I could have gone black, but I love my white.

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Just phone pics, so it's not capturing how it looks in person, but I love white so I am happy with the perfect lay down of the paint. Hugo I copied your GTM!!

[Aloha818]

Parts came out great, I am loving the white even more now that it is much brighter and full gloss. They have zero dust and very little peel. It it really bright in the sun and with my projected carbon fiber, gunmetal and gloss black accents this theme will really work for me. The straightness of these panels, I could have gone black, but I love my white.

3124431245312463124731248

Just phone pics, so it's not capturing how it looks in person, but I love white so I am happy with the perfect lay down of the paint. Hugo I copied your GTM!!

Fantastic!!! Looks great. There is nothing like seeing all your weeks of hard work all come together in the booth!

[wallace18]

Beautiful work! you should be proud!:cool:

[Frank818]

There is absolutely no defect on these panels. I wonder how many hours you spent to get them perfect.

[metalmaker12]

Some panels were harder than others in this batch. I charcoal guide coated and blocked each panel with 150 dry to find all the uneven spots to feather in icing filler. In the filling areas I blocked it with 80 to make filler grab hard.used a fog light on the backside to find all the voids and fiber filled all these voids and feathered out with bodyfiller/icing. I also V'd out any stress cracks and filled etc. Any large buildup/ crack was done with fiber filler and than skimmed with iceing. Once all the panels were blocked,void's filled,built up in areas, I sanded the panels with 320da, 400da with a soft pad to not effect my lines.i than red scuffed, blew off, washed with dawn, than pre cleaner tacked and primed.

I found west system six ten filler worked best for miss placed holes.

Second batch is one panel to still be primed, mostly all wetsanded and ready for paint.

For paint prep sanding, I wet blocked (hard block for flat areas, softer block for curves etc) with 400, 600, and than dry with 600

1 1/2 hours to paint half

I have about 80-100 hours in and I am 75% done. I have made some mods which take time for glass etc.

Once all painted I am going to mask off panels and use a brush/roll bedliner to cover under sides, install lights, grills etc and store away and onto motor teardown and rebuild.

[wleehendrick]

with my projected carbon fiber, gunmetal and gloss black accents this theme will really work for me.

Looks great! I like the 'stormtrooper' theme; now you just need to drive around in this:

http://www.501st.com/crl/TK_CRL/124_Stormtrooper_S_ANH/124_23.jpg

[metalmaker12]

Lol, too funny!!!thanks but I am going for this 31348

I tried some roll on bed liner on the bottom of the trunk 31349

[metalmaker12]

Put vent mesh in , looks pretty killa 3136231363