Introduction

[Hindsight]

Hi all, just a quick introduction.

Ordered my 818 a while ago and have been lurking around here since. The build threads you guys are updating here are amazing. So many tips and great information.... the only down side is that one could spend a year researching all the build threads before they really know how to "do it right" before actually getting started on their own car!

I'd been planning on a Roadster build for several years and even went to the FF build-school last year when 2-Guys Garage was there filming. But in the end, even though the AC Cobra has been a dream car of mine since childhood, I decided that a roadster build would just be too costly (to do one to the level I'd be happy with). All my wrenching experience has been with imports, so I'm very comfortable with them and really looking forward to getting started on my own 818.

My kit arrives in mid July of this year. I'm still searching for a donor car and am holding tight for an 06-07. I have a couple leads and options and am hoping to have one by the time the kit arrives but time is ticking. Looking forward to starting my own build thread and continuing to learn from all of yours.

[Mechie3]

Welcome.

Are you 20/20? ;) I'm a fan of the 06 donors myself.

[Hindsight]

I'll be 20/20 when I'm done with the build and say, "I should have done _______" after continuing to read everyone's build threads here ;)

[68GT500MAN]

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay.
Doug

[skullandbones]

I'll be 20/20 when I'm done with the build and say, "I should have done _______" after continuing to read everyone's build threads here ;)

Welcome to the newest madness. Don't feel bad about that. I think everybody has said, "I should of" whether they're honest enough to say it or not! It doesn't matter what project you are on. BTW: even though you changed your mind about building a roadster, the 818 is still a roadster. Ha!!!!! Gotcha! Good luck, WEK.

[R.Spec]

Welcome! Can't wait to see what you have in store. I chose to go 02/03 because I like the simplicity of the 16bit ecu's on them. Easier to tune and that was a big concern for me.

[AZPete]

Welcome to the lunacy. Having just installed my e-brake for the third time, I understand, "I should have done _____".
My middle name is Re-Pete.
Pete

[fireman2343]

Hello and Welcome

[Hindsight]

Thanks all for the welcomes.

So far my build is going to start pretty plain. My main goal is getting the car on the road. I'll start the upgrades after that is done.

About the only non-standard things I am looking to do are to do whatever it takes (seat, gas tank?) to ensure I pass the broomstick test so I can run the car on the occasional track days, to add an LSD to the transmission, and to add body support brackets to make the body gaps look right. I may sell the 5 speed that comes with my donor in favor of the STI 6-speed, but that would be more for durability than my desire for the extra gear. I keep reading about the 5 speeds failing when you run more than stock HP through them. Since I will not drive the car without an LSD, my options are two probably have to buy 2 (one for the 5 speed and then another for the 6 speed I have to get when the 5 speed fails), or just go with the 6 speed right out of the gate. From whave I've learned, it seems FF will supply the block-off plate for the 6-speed, and I'd just have to fab up the shifter linkage mounts. Driveshafts from the non STI will fit fine.

Thanks in advance for any tips or thoughts on these few items I mention, or some other things that I should strongly consider doing before the car is on the road.

Oh yeah, it'll be painted black :)