My 818R Project has arrived

[Rob T]

I am with Chad on this one. I am amazed at the amount of rubber I find, all over the car, even with the inner fenders he describes above.

I also had an issue with the AWIC radiator getting pelted. Before I bought the car, Chad had installed some expanded metal in the openings on the front of the car. I added some nomex honeycomb right on the face of the radiator. Even the nomex has taken a few "hits" through the expanded metal. The nomex had no measureable impact on cooling efficiency either. I did a day at 104 ambient with +10 on the AWIC and 195 on the engine coolant. I'd rather have that than bent fins. I also get a fair bit of rubber in the pan behind the radiator - likely from a round the front wheel. No biggie. Just a little shop vac work.

The rear inners seem to work well.

[RetroRacing]

Odd. We have no inner fender wells, and found little if any build up in the pan, BUT, we are full flat/tunnel underbody with very little space between the tires and tray.

[FFRSpec72]

Odd. We have no inner fender wells, and found little if any build up in the pan, BUT, we are full flat/tunnel underbody with very little space between the tires and tray.

You are also running your designed splitter ! The FFR one has a lip and it attracts all the rocks and tire crap.

[Aero STI]

The rears are a must. Without them rocks and other road debris will get thrown all over the engine bay. I've wanted to find some cheap plastic liners (probably from a high production volume car) that would fit. The aluminum tubs in the rear don't seem to fit properly as designed.

[Frank818]

I am going back and forth on the pros and cons of installing inner fenders. I have a set of Kevlar/carbon inner fenders from a GTD car or Install a plastic inner fender. Not in a big hurry right now as it is much easier to make changes as I am sorting the car.
The RS vent is the cold air intake 6260962610 62612the LS is just open.


Interesting, you blocked off the area between the side sail and frame at the elbow joint on the coolant line. Does it prevent any air flow or it's actually beneficial for something?
Maybe cuz you had no inner fenders so you wanted to prevent rocks from going in there?

[Mitch Wright]

Those panels are to prevent debris out of the rockers. Don't see a need for air flow through the rocker, I am running a OEM radiator so far the hottest the car has gotten on track is 185 on a 90* day. I am also just running the OEM oil-water heat exchanger.

[Mitch Wright]

Too cold to get out on track so took my 818 to the Louisville Auto Show in the NCM Motorsports Park and National Corvette Museum display.
6319063191
Jimi Day's really well prepared and really cool USCC LS Powered 69 AMX "What is That"63192
All 4 generations of ZO6 Corvettes C2 (1 of 6 factory race cars) C5, C6 and C7 63193
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As others have experienced got a ton of questions "What is that??" which was fun. What was interesting a fair number of under 35 guys had read about the 818 and knew what it was.

[Wayne Presley]

That is cool Mitch!

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Hey Mitch,
Looks great.
Did you spend time at the show explaining to everyone what it was?
Bob

[Hindsight]

Awesome pics!!! Looks great with the aero bits and decals and polish job you did on the gel-coat. Shame to get it all dirty on the track now haha.

[Mitch Wright]

Bob, yes I was there all 3 days and we made up reader boards for all the cars with details.

Thanks Hindsight, the cars looks fantastic from 10', its far from perfect but a 90 point car for a race car.

[Frank818]

Yes, really great pix. It also makes the car look so small besides those big American cars.

[Mitch Wright]

Been a while since I have posted, my R is running great. Next project on the car is making a front sway bar which I hope to get started on soon now that we are 60% moved in to our new home/shop.
Anyway I have been thinking about my next project which I have been thinking about for years actually. Well this just landed on my door step 671416714267143 64 Falcon that is in really good shape. The plan is a Pro Touring car build using a 3.5L Ecoboost, T56 trans. It runs and drives with its current 200ci 6 for now while I gather parts for a winter(s) project start.

[FFRSpec72]

Been a while since I have posted, my R is running great. Next project on the car is making a front sway bar which I hope to get started on soon now that we are 60% moved in to our new home/shop.
Anyway I have been thinking about my next project which I have been thinking about for years actually. Well this just landed on my door step 671416714267143 64 Falcon that is in really good shape. The plan is a Pro Touring car build using a 3.5L Ecoboost, T56 trans. It runs and drives with its current 200ci 6 for now while I gather parts for a winter(s) project start.

Very nice, we have a 64 Falcon here in SOVREN Racing league that has a 302 that runs about 600HP and spools to 8500 RPM its a screamer

[Mitch Wright]

Thats cool, I have gone back and forth between old school 302, LS and 5.0 Coyote which would be fun, then I drove a buddies F150 with a 3.5 Ecoboost. I was impressed plus its lighter and different. Got a ton of planning to do but looking forward getting in to it.

[Mitch Wright]

Had the 818R out Saturday for our Trackcross event, 1) This car is fun to drive and responds well to chassis changes. 2) No I have gotten my front sway bar built yet, I have the shop sorta sorted out at the house so I will take the car home this week. 3) I have moved to the IAT sensor close to the throttle body on the bottom tank of the TMIC, happy to report the highest intake temp I saw while on track was 94* the ambient temp was 88* 3) Sorry no video, I promise I will get the camera put on the car next time out.

[Mitch Wright]

Finally got around to finishing mocking up my front sway bar today. Need to find the front links now, they have gone missing in the move. But it fits, time to make the real thing.6852368524

[Hindsight]

Nice! Can't wait to see this working. I'm curious as to how well those welds hold up. That has been my biggest concern.

[Mitch Wright]

I have never had an issue and have made bars from 3/4-2" from solid to .065 wall.

[Hindsight]

Mitch, have you finalized the front bar setup yet? If so, would love to see pics of the finished product.

Are you planning on having the whole bar heat-treated after you've welded it up? Did you use 4130, 4140, or something else for the bar?

I'm getting ready to start on mine. I'd really like to have it ready before my next track day in September.

[Wayne Presley]

Jeff, don't bug him on his birthday!!!

[Hindsight]

Ahhh, happy belated birthday Mitch!!

[Mitch Wright]

Thanks for the birthday wishes.
Yes I have one bar done, only have 6 laps on it. Pleased with the change so far but really need more time to evaluate A/B testing. I have been crazy busy at work but did get a chance to take 4 days off to run up to Indy to run the Global MX5 races.
As soon as a have time I will get some pictures and A/B report.

[Mitch Wright]

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Since I have the fenders off while preping the car thought I would show off the front sway bar I installed last fall.

[bbjones121]

Nice! That is almost exactly what I want to do. What are the parts?

[Scargo]

Since I have the fenders off while preping the car thought I would show off the front sway bar I installed last fall.
Such nice stuff all around and that ugly adapter to the UCA and that gawd-awful heavy spindle.:(

[Mitch Wright]

BBJones,
The sliders and pillow blocks can from Merlin Racing In the UK, they are pretty inexpensive. I am traveling back on Wednesday night, when home I will get you the web address and part numbers. The links are the units supplied with the kit that I shorten up with a 3/8 to 5/16 rod end for the slider.

Scargo,
Up but the good news is with fenders and wheels on you can’t see them. Maybe I should paint them aluminum ��

[longislandwrx]

Scargo,
Up but the good news is with fenders and wheels on you can’t see them. Maybe I should paint them aluminum ��

Eh, Just get the Mooresport billet uprights all around what's another 12k at this point? :rolleyes:

you'd still need the steel adapters... best just to have them made custom... What's another 20k at this point? :cool:

[Mitch Wright]

Here is the link to Merlin Motorsports as a source for sway bar parts that I used.
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/s/suspension-steering/associated-suspension-parts/anti-roll-bar-components

[C.Plavan]

Eh, Just get the Mooresport billet uprights all around what's another 12k at this point? :rolleyes:

you'd still need the steel adapters... best just to have them made custom... What's another 20k at this point? :cool:

I bought Billet Uprights upgrade for the NP01- it was $2500 total for 4. These things house Cadillac CTS hubs and are big. $12k for Mooresport Billet uprights is crazy talk.
https://i.imgur.com/FcsAbrll.jpg?1
https://i.imgur.com/OVIMpkSl.jpg?1

[DanielsDM]

Those are nice looking uprights.

[Mitch Wright]

Come on spring82277

[Mitch Wright]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hv4euqO90I&feature=youtu.be
In car video from this last weekends event we hosted. Just not from my car but you will see my 818 in action at 9:16 lol
One of these days I will get the camera in the car��

[Wayne Presley]

Ya kinda left that Miata in the dust...

[wirenut]

Haha! That was awesome!

[flynntuna]

Yeah, and looked like he was hunting down the corvette that passed earlier.

[Mitch Wright]

I am pleased with how quick the car is and the progress that Has been made chassis tuning. It make you feel like a hero driver. Saturday I was a few seconds a lap slower due to traffic than I was on Thursday when it was just a few of us out.
When I get back in town later this week I will post a data screen shot.
PS I actually passed 2 Corvettes and a Porsche on the next lap, the car is working

[DanielsDM]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hv4euqO90I&feature=youtu.be
In car video from this last weekends event we hosted. Just not from my car but you will see my 818 in action at 9:16 lol
One of these days I will get the camera in the car��

Looks like fun! I just need to get mine on track.
If you want video, there are some really good track day phone apps that will do video overlaid with GPS and accelerometer data. I use Harry's Lap Timer ($10-$30).

[Mitch Wright]

Thanks, the issue is not having a camera we have plenty. The problem is the owner driver making the few minutes to mount the camera. At NCM I get caught up in making sure the client is happy and the day is running smoothly. Once that is the case I sneak out for a session or two.
Running off to another track, Putnum, Mid Ohio, Barber or Atlanta allows me to just play.

[Mitch Wright]

Had to post the nice 818R beauty shot Zach at API Motorsports Art shot.
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[Scargo]

Very nice looking car. Makes me want to finish mine. Sadly, too many other car projects have jumped ahead of it.

[Rob T]

The picture is awesome. Great car and some great photography.

[Wayne Presley]

That's a great pic!

[Sgt.Gator]

Nice Pic!

[aquillen]

Black and white photos will always be a joy. They create a study and perspective of the subject that color overwhelms. Thanks for sharing - looks super.

[Sgt.Gator]

MITCH, What the heck!?

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?30172-818R-Track-Race-car

I didn't see this coming!

[Mitch Wright]

LOL it is one of those deals if it sells ok if the doesn't sell I will have a great car to drive. I have another project I am working on plus my wife is remodeling our kitchen. if the car happens to sell my EcoBoost Falcon project will speed up due to the extra cash that won't go to the kitchen ;-)
Along with all that I keep looking at the 33 Hot Rod or 35 Pickup. Bottomline is I am not going away.

[Sgt.Gator]

I think you're prepping to build a FF GTF....you need a little space and $$. Admit it! :cool:

[Hobby Racer]

I think you're prepping to build a FF GTF....you need a little space and $$. Admit it! :cool:

I have to admit I'm very curious about that new car. Maybe another FFR in my future!

[Mitch Wright]

LOL Maybe!!! And we all know the build is as satisfying at playing with it, at least for me.

[Mitch Wright]

I have to say I am relieved, had my car on BAT and the reserve wasn't met. If sold I know I would have separation anxiety. So now I will move forward on work I want to do over the winter for next season.
So my Falcon project will just continue to slowly progress, I have gotten the rear suspension in and back out but getting ready to go back in.988439884498845

[Hindsight]

Congrats? Haha, at least you have a nice project for the winter.

I'm likely going to be putting mine up for sale as well, within the next month.

[Sgt.Gator]

It's a good thing I didn't see your car on BaT or I'd probably have another "accidental" 818 ownership! :cool:

In the BaT posting you mentioned you were at PRI, I wish we had hooked up....did you see these there? If not I'll post more about them soon.

https://8j8ssw.by.files.1drv.com/y4m13ga0q2dq9Ze5WOt--jQkeanp7z0c5gXpwX6b93xvkho9XnZsL9xSdWyaXvZk7X-XIh7HsroOOngb5baZnmozvOZSSVl16PQFQj1XcCyOZTYbqejl8 3p_SChQQribc0fIbg-mwMOvuf8-Ji9ZDZXoy5CIofrrKeWMZ20SmeqWKgYL0ynm3QTFB-DFLhLHJcvGR4BRb7aWIkrrQJSA9nUvg?width=1024&height=595&cropmode=none

[Mitch Wright]

Sorry I missed you at PRI, it was a busy show. Race Track Business Conference Wednesday, meetings all day Thursday and Friday morning so didn't really get a chance walk the show until Friday afternoon. The last few years the show has been so busy/crowded that we head home Friday night or Saturday morning. I did see Wayne for about 2 minutes at the GRM booth Thursday morning, he was waring the NCM Tee that he won correctly guessing the weight of your 818R.

I did not see the Subie oil pump, who has them?

[Brd.Prey]

I have tapped the holes on either end and installed bolds sealed with Lock Tight, welded up the internal shaft holes. Once that was done I got the porting tools out.

Why not weld the outside holes?

[Mitch Wright]

No reason you can't, I had the plugs and tap handy I guess.

[Mitch Wright]

Finally had to make new rub blocks for the front splitter, the last set lasted 2 seasons. They were both paper thin and over due.
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[Bob_n_Cincy]

Finally had to make new rub blocks for the front splitter, the last set lasted 2 seasons. They were both paper thin and over due.
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What material are thy made from?
Bob

[Hobby Racer]

Looks like plywood to me. ;)

[Mitch Wright]

Well sorta plywood, Jabrock really tough hard wood product. I have been using it for years. The front splitter touches the ground at NCM in a couple of places, bottom of T7 as you head up to T8 and the bottom of the Sinkhole (T20) https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productselection.asp?Product=6180

[Mitch Wright]

My car has sold and will be delivered tomorrow to the new owner. I guess I knew in the back of my mind that once I had the car ready for the season it would sell. I have a bad case of separation anxiety but it will pass. Now I won't have any excuses not to finish my EcoBoosed Falcon and started thinking about my next FFR project. I have had too much fun building and driving this car and being a small part of this community.

[Hobby Racer]

Mitch, sorry to see it go. Hope the new owner is active in the forums.

Hope you continue to be part of the community as well!

[Wayne Presley]

I have a 818R kit with your name on it or a 80% 818S...
Congrats on the sale

[Rob T]

Mitch. I am glad you were able to sell your car as you wanted. I am a bit sad though as I never got out on the track with you. I count myself lucky to have a new friend.

[Mitch Wright]

Rob, I expect you to be visiting me and doing some lapping next year. I am a bit sad ( a lot sad) too but I won't be getting the hairy eyeball for having too many projects I am spending money on. I do want to at least make the Falcon run this year.