Turbo and NA kits

[chucky797]

Hello, I am looking at buying a 818s kit but have a question about it. Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the kits when it comes to the drive train you have to select? it asks "B. Select the model year and induction type (turbocharged or naturally aspirated) that match your donor vehicle:". What is the difference between the kits you can select? If I order it for a earlier year and decide to use a different motor what will have to be changed?

[xxguitarist]

I believe the major year differences that FFR cares about are the cable vs wire (mech vs electrical) throttle, and maybe something about the stock seats, if you're using those.

[billjr212]

Fairly certain the axles provided in the kit are also different, but maybe it's just the donor ends that are different.

[wleehendrick]

Yes, throttle (cable vs DBW) and seat mounts vary by year, as well as exhaust I believe (NA is different). However, these are just a small handful of the parts (the majority are the same, as well as the frame). You should be able to put your money down to get a production slot and change donor configuration up to final confirmation. At least that's the way it was with pre-orders when I ordered mine; call FFR to confirm, but if you're undecided on donor, it shouldn't be a problem.

[flynntuna]

There's also the exhaust pieces to choose from going NA or Turbo

You can make changes to your order as far as which engine you use right up to the time complete your payment, at least that's my understanding.

[chucky797]

Well i guess i worded that wrong now that I am looking at it again. I know i want to have a turbo set up so as far as the kit is there major differences between the years for turbo charged kits? Or are they the same you mentioned and just the drive by wire being different?

You guys are awesome about answering the questions.

[Goldwing]

Throttle, axles, and seat mounts (which I didn't use anyway) mentioned. Other than that, nothing major I can think of. Perhaps a steering rack spacer difference between older and newer years. There are more differences between the years, but I'm running out of those that affect the kit itself.

Other differences not affecting FFR's end can go on.
Brakes, LCAs (steel vs aluminum), engine size (2.0 vs 2.5l), wiring changes, gearing changes, gearbox strength changes, fuel delivery differences (more of an upgrade path consideration), and others that escape me right now. If you get to cherry pick between a few donors, you can mull over more of the smaller details to help you choose. Most won't affect FFR's end though, and those that do are changeable up until they start putting your kit together at final payment.

[CanadianYank]

I have my donor but havent ordered the kit...

So my question is what if you buy for you donor spec, my case a 2002 TS NA 2.5 5 speed and then decide to change to something else after the build? Say NA to turbo. The frames not different is it? Any swap incompatible to the other?

Frank

[Goldwing]

I have my donor but havent ordered the kit...

So my question is what if you buy for you donor spec, my case a 2002 TS NA 2.5 5 speed and then decide to change to something else after the build? Say NA to turbo. The frames not different is it? Any swap incompatible to the other?

Frank

No frame issues, just a different box of parts tailored to your donor. The final selections only involve seat brackets, throttle bracketry, exhaust, etc. if you switch things after you get your kit, you'll manage. Really the things that are affected by those selections, are often not used anyway. I didn't use my seat brackets (except as an exhaust hanger) or the exhaust adapter ( other than go karting). The axles will be affected by transmission year, the main difference being male or female adapters at the transmission. You would just have to check if the axles they gave you work, or if you'd have to buy different ones. They have the differences all packed in one of the boxes. The option you choose determines which box of that number to grab when preparing your kit for delivery. Most of us have changed something or other along the build.

[Goldwing]

The bigger issue going from NA to turbo is the wire harness. You would have to source a compatible turbo harness as well or go aftermarket on the harness.

[CanadianYank]

Thx Rich that sounds better. I was worried there would be an incompatibility. Not to sure on the turbo yet as I want to use the car in autocross and I feel an NA build will deliver better even torque through a small course. So many ways you can go...

Frank