I have my pickup date

[michael everson]

Sept 7th.

I ordered a couple of options too.
Front splitter
side splitters
powder coated frame
steering wheel.

I did not order the rear splitter because I want to see it first. No pictures on the web site yet.
Mike

[David Hodgkins]

Congrats Mike!

What are your donor specs?

:)

[Xusia]

Congrats Michael! Did you read the post from Jim on the aero stuff? I ask because he specifically states running the front splitter alone (that is without rear aero add-ons) is not recommended.

[Silvertop]

Congrats Michael! Did you read the post from Jim on the aero stuff? I ask because he specifically states running the front splitter without the rear diffuser is not recommended.

Actually, my interpretation of what Jim said in his wind tunnel notes was that the front splitter should not be used alone without any rear aero support. My impression is that the rear lip spoiler (or a wing) may be the more important piece as opposed to the diffuser. But it really isn't all that clear, at that. But here's what Jim said, below:

The only part we will need to modify is the rear lip spoiler which needs to be slightly larger to balance out the effects of the front splitter. We did this with a section of an old splitter for testing purposes. Also the results show that using the splitter only with no rear add-ons would result in a very tail happy car at speed and is something we do not recommend. Overall the car showed good balance with close to neutral lift in its base configuration and even better balance and significant downforce when optimized with the optional aero parts.

[Xusia]

Yes. The spoiler slipped my mind. Post edited.

[NISMO_RB25]

Sweet. I just talked to them today and mine will also be ready on Sept 7th. Other than the powder coated frame I am skipping the add on parts until the build is complete.

[michael everson]

My donor is a stock 02 WRX I have aluminum lower control arms and huge STI brakes that I am going to use.
Mike

[metalmaker12]

Great Mike!!! Just got my kit, it is a very nice unit for the money. Here's a pic of the rear diffuser in my photobucket
http://m1319.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/metalmaker12/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0398_zpsb654e4bc.jpg.html?o=0&newest=1

[michael everson]

Thanks. I will probably order it soon.
Mike

[Silvertop]

I converted my 818S Pre-order to a standard order this morning, and ponied up the additional $901 for the deposit. Production date is September 28.

I ordered these options:

Powder Coat
Street Splitter
Lip Spoiler
Steering Wheel
Crating
"Pre-ordered" a soft top, which are supposed to become available in September.

I have also ordered a Quaife LSD from Wayne at Very Cool Parts, and a tuned NA EL Header system from a very reputable maker in Calgary, Alberta (along with a set of cams from the same vendor, which are already installed, courtesy of AJW performance).

It looks like white is likely to still be the only color available this fall. Other colors are not likely to become available until FFR is ready to convert to thermoplastic body panels, and they are not there yet. I'm OK with that. My first choice is for a blue one, but white is a close second. I'll take it! Next step is to decide whether to make the pilgrimage to Wareham for pickup, or have it shipped. Cost crunch time. It's starting to feel real!!! :)

[michael everson]

Im surprised FFR isnt offering different color Gel Coats. I dont know anything about forming fiberglass, but seems like it would be easy to do. Anyone else know better?
Mike

[ehansen007]

Well, being this is the first run, white really is the best option. While the quality of the gelcoat coming out is very good, white will show the least flaws. Not sure if that is the motivation but it's not a bad way to go. Also, to produce different colors would require different color molds so you can judge depth via the contrast as you start to lay the glass in. I think different colors are not that far off and wouldn't be hard but I'm sure their trying to get production up to meet all the orders sooner and get more cars on the street for real world building, testing, and feedback.

[flynntuna]

I think it's been said in a previous thread that for multiple gel coat colors would require separate molds for each color. And since FFR is committed to thermoforming multiple forms isn't going to happen.

[Silvertop]

I think it's been said in a previous thread that for multiple gel coat colors would require separate molds for each color. And since FFR is committed to thermoforming multiple forms isn't going to happen.

That's pretty much it. FFR doesn't want to invest the time, money, and energy in developing multiple sets of molds for different colors that will be obsolete within a very short period of time. When I spoke with FFR's rep this morning when firming up my order, he confirmed that situation. For the time being, we can have any color we want as long as it is white. :)