Kit choice spitballin'

[Maximus]

Well, I've been hanging out on the 818 forums basically from when they were formed and have been watching factory five for almost a decade. I intend on placed a deposit on a kit in the next 12 months and am having some difficutly choosing between these two kits. I've read a few arguments about this from the 818 side and am hoping ya'll weigh in a bit. Goal budget of sub-$35,000 over about two years. This would be a weekend fun/racer (AutoX and VIR). My current thoughts are this:

Pro-818:

I am familiar with turbo-engined cars (DSM/Evo and now GTI background)
Somewhat cheaper
Better handling (debatable?)


Pro-Roadster:

Wife likes the look better (I'm torn aesthetically)
Complete kit available
A 2.3L Ecoboost engine could be a neat route (from 2015 mustang)
Much more extensive experience/support in the community

Thank you for your thoughts in advance. I'm sure I'll be happy either way, but just looking for a fresh perspective. One thing I do need to do is try and get behind the wheel of each despite how different every kit will be....

[68GT500MAN]

This choice would be depend more upon what you want to do and spend. With $35k you could make a running vehicle either way, probably a little more exotic 818 than roadster. Using the 2.3L Ecoboost in a roadster would be something new, but in my mind you would be saying "I could have had a V-8" down the road. Keep planning and something will fall into place for you.
Doug

[CraigS]

I absolutely love autocrossing my roadster but I think the 818 will perform better for any given level of prep. I just converted the 818 kg to pounds and was blown away. that's 1803 pounds. WOW, if it can get anywhere near that. Most roadsters are approx. 2300#. OTOH, that big honking V8, cranking up out of a turn is dang big fun. One question to get answered-is there a an SCCA Solo class for the 818 or are you going to be running in a Mod class.

[Jeff Kleiner]

... One question to get answered-is there a an SCCA Solo class for the 818 or are you going to be running in a Mod class.

It has been answered, at least for now, although I doubt it will be the final answer and expect that after a season or two they'll be reclassed. The SCCA has put the 818 into A Mod. For those who aren't aware most A Mod cars run 300+ horsepower, are allowed a featherweight minimum of 900 pounds including the driver and are can run tons of aero. Here are a couple of examples:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_aQZJZohXcL4/TIwf7IZsZyI/AAAAAAAAATU/onjOwOzg43s/s400/DSC_0983.JPG

http://www.gotcone.com/pgallery/images/2010_scca_tirerack_solo_nationals/am/img_0209.jpg

Eventually after enough 818s are built and start showing up on the SCCA radar they'll shake it out to a proper category (my money is on E Mod, possibly X Prepared) but it will take a couple of seasons. Until then anyone competing with an 818 can expect to have their hiney handed to them. Can you say "Overclassed"

Jeff

[CraigS]

Exactly what I was afraid of.

[Maximus]

Thank you for the input. I am not terribly worried about the classing, but down the line I might not be thinking the same way. Honestly, you're probably right about the engine choice. I'm sure over the next two years the Coyote engine should come down in price to make it more a palatable option. As to the weight, 1800lbs is nice, but most people look to be ending up around 2000lbs on the early builds. Should a complete kit be offered in the 818 in the next year it will be an easy decision.

[Maximus]

Well, I'm going to revive this since I am within 2 months of placing my order. I am still torn between these two options and have done a full spec of each in excel. With a $15k price difference it will probably be the 818. Now that the 818C is showing its face I'll probably go that way and do a targa top since that is what I have been wanting all along and the budget will allow for it. I came up with a bill for $34,000 for the 818, not including the paint and any custom interior work I do or have done for me. Completion date would be set as 18-20 months since I won't be moving into the new 3-bay garage for two weeks. At this point I am just rambling, so I'll sign off. I'm looking forward to starting a build thread soon!