Is the 818 Easy to Build Compared to a Roadster Build?

[skullandbones]

This question has been in the back of my mind ever since the production schedule and other preparations by FFR have been discussed on this forum. I am interested in another project but know I don't have a big project in my future. The GTM is probably so far off my radar, it's not even funny (partly expense and also energy to finish such a project). So now that some have observed the initial building process (I know it's still early) can some opinions be expressed on how they gauge the difficulty of this 818 project? Personally, I think the way FFR has designed it with multiple panels and complete computer design, it has got some advantages over the other FFR cars right out of the box.

My observations so far tell me that FFR has taken all their prior knowledge to streamline the process not only for them but the customer. No paint panels will be huge. It also seems like there is less variation in the possible components (that may change over time). Maybe builds like GRM will be the best indicator to see if it is more like a plug and play sort of project. It also appears like the initial vendor support is better organized from the very beginning (eg Wilwood brakes).

I would feel more confident building an 818 since many of the skills I used on the roadster are still needed such as panel installation (for me the most laborious and unhappy of the tasks). Since I didn't have any Ford component knowledge before my roadster build, I guess the 818 would not be a big difference. But I have been following the Subie threads for many months so I know that can't hurt. I don't expect the builders to drop their tools and get into a discussion on this but if they are taking a break and cruising the forum, they might have a little time to comment since this is a subject that will be contemplated by a lot of people who might otherwise not build an FFR at all. IMO, Thank you in advance, WEK.:cool::cool:

[skullandbones]

Just to clarify so I don't get "blasted" for choice of words: I didn't mean easy as in trivial or anything like that. We all know how hard it is to build a car from chassis up (at least for most). I'm needing a guide to relative ease of build for the 818. The roadster is the best indicator as more people have build them. That's all!

[Mechie3]

I've never done a roadster, but everything seems pretty straight forward and not terribly complicated.

[Wayne Presley]

I'd say it's a little easier than a roadster, but different. I can build a roadster with my eyes closed so the 818 is more work than the roadster for me but the GRM car was much easier than doing mine.

[skullandbones]

I know what you mean about building the roadster. If I was doing another, it would be at least twice as easy for me maybe more! But I was thinking that when FFR was designing the 818, I can see a group of them looking at a certain view on the computer and then someone saying, no that won't work. Do it this way to give better access to that panel or something to that effect. So they are not having to retro-engineer a foot box or some other aspect of the roadster that was already conceptually decided for them which had to be worked around. The GTM design experience didn't hurt either.

Sometimes no news is good news. So, I don't hear stuff like this was a real PITA, so far.

Thanks for the insight, WEK.

[Mechie3]

Nothing was a PITA, but I would do it slightly differently a second time (see the tips and tricks thread Wayne started). I'm also meticulous/OCD/analretentive (choose your adjective to be positive or negative here ;) ) so I've been spending lots of time getting things to line up with even rivet spacing.

I did talk to FFR this morning, and they've already engineered in a couple of changes in the one area that I noticed some difficulty. They're certainly on the ball about it.

[skullandbones]

I've been a beta user for computer software but building a car as a beta builder must be pretty challenging. Working with a partial manual or "writing" the manual as you go is also not so easy. So hats off to all you pioneers who are going to make it a lot easier for the people down line from you. I am likely to be one of those. Looking on with great interest. Thank you for taking time off to comment. WEK.

Note: It's good to hear that FFR is acting so interactively and quickly. We sort of expected that!

[metalmaker12]

I have helped build race cars, other FFR kits, resto rods, hod rods, and tuner cars from the ground up. Out of a 1-10 this car is about a 3-4in build difficulty for a skilled guy and like a 6-7 for a novice.

[skullandbones]

I have helped build race cars, other FFR kits, resto rods, hod rods, and tuner cars from the ground up. Out of a 1-10 this car is about a 3-4in build difficulty for a skilled guy and like a 6-7 for a novice.

I like the comparison. It helps put it in perspective since there are people from so many different experience backgrounds. The only areas that give me some concern are the engine plumbing (IC and such) and the prospects of "tuning" a turbo setup. Never done that. The wiring could be a little more complicated especially with a lot of mods. Other than those, I think this would be a blast to build. Looking forward to see what other people think. Thanks, WEK.

[longislandwrx]

Wiring is one thing that can be easier on the Roadster. Using a painless wiring kit and a Carburetor is a piece of cake compared to chopping the Subaru harness.

[Goldwing]

Lol, the wiring totally intimidates me! One wire doesn't look much different from another. I think you'll find the intake plumbing will make sense when you start working on it. At least the parts are easily identified, and after the air filter box (assuming TMIC) everything should be in pretty much the same place relative to the engine, thus even the tubing will be shaped to help you figure it out. It looks like a mess of tubes, and it is, but you're really just adding a turbo and an air cooler between the MAF sensor and the throttle plate.

[tirod]

I think the wiring harness is where the difficulty is going to exist. Given the marketplace, I suspect a substitute will show up in about 18 months to simplify things.

Then the 818 will be a known quantity in the building cycle, the early questions, tips, and kinks will be worked out. Don't forget to thank the pioneers who are assembling them in their garage as we speak. They are paying in blood, sweat, and tears to figure it out, and they will likely just give the answers away free, too.