size - legroom, width, etc.

[iconicflux]

I haven't really seen a discussion on the 818 with regards to it's interior size. I've seen some mention that tall people may have a problem with the pedal box being too close but what about width & shoulder room? I'm a pretty big guy (about 285lbs) and I'd love to build an 818 but it doesn't make sense if the car is going to end up being too small for me. (My wife, however, thinks that sounds pretty terrific.. much like when we went to try a Lotus Elise.)

[68GT500MAN]

David Hodgkin (who is a very big guy) covered this in a post from the open house. From what I can tell sitting in one there is a lot of shoulder room in the 818. I am sure that others will be along soon saying the same thing.
Doug

[Stickshift84]

Leg room side to side is more than ample. Leg room for enough length is plenty depending on what tank is used, how the rear firewall is positioned, and the type of seat mounted. Leg room is easy.

There is a lot more shoulder/arm room than in the other kits in my experience. Once again depends on your seat choice. If you tell me your width across your shoulders and waist when seated I can tell you how much room there will be.

[iconicflux]

My shoulders are 49".. not sure what my waist is sitting.. I wear a size 42 or 44 waist on my pants though.

[Goldwing]

I made a point to sit in one before buying. Look over FFR's schedule and see if anything is close to you. Call to see if an 818 will be at the event near you. I caught them in Carlisle, PA.

To be sure, I think above they were asking for just width across the shoulders, not circumference. It might be easier to eyeball width than to try and guess from circumference since barrel chestedness can vary. The seat area width is just under 21" with room at the shoulders to spill into the center console area, which is 5-1/2" wide. Since I don't have my doors on yet, I'm not sure how the shoulder area will be on the outside, but the body allows for another 1-1/2". I'm just not sure if the final trim takes from that 1-1/2". I put my seats as low as possible to be well below the roll bar so I can meet HPDE rules. If you aren't planning that, a higher seat position will help if you feel tight. You'll likely be fine, but if you invite another big guy to ride with you, I'm betting things will feel snug.

[Stickshift84]

I just measured mine. I would say that 20" width at hips and 24" at shoulders would be the maximum for a comfortable fit without squishing in. That could be stretched slightly. Have someone measure a linear width across your shoulders and waist when seated, should give you an answer.

Note that this will only work with a seat that does not have high side bolsters, a normal type of seat (not fixed back racing seat like I have) would be best for this situation.

[Blitzkrieg]

The sholder width shouldn't be a problem, most of that is what seats you go with. The leg room is another thing. My brother is 6'5" and his legs are fine but he doesn't fit under the roll bar. I'm about 6'1" and I great it is not something I would take long trips in but its not bad.

[Hindsight]

Does the support cross-bar on the floor that runs left to right block the seat bottom from being moved forward past that cross-bar?

[wallace18]

Does the support cross-bar on the floor that runs left to right block the seat bottom from being moved forward past that cross-bar?

Yes, but IMO it is not a concern unless you are less that 5' tall. Look at my post on the wallace18 818 build. See how a guy 6'5" fit in my 818 with Kirkey seats for all those who wonder if they will fit.

[Hindsight]

Thanks for the reply. I'm 6'0 but have short legs and a long torso. Inseam is only 30. That usually causes me to need to adjust the seat forward in most cars I drive. I'm hoping that I can move the seat forward past the bar and lean it back a ways in hopes of also getting my head as low as possible so I can pass the broomstick test.

[Goldwing]

I was hesitant to remove the bar wondering just what it might do to frame integrity in a crash. Some seats have shorter seat bottoms than others allowing more movement forward. Perhaps seat selection can help prevent the necessity of cutting the bar? Mounted to the frame floor with the seat's leading edge raised and slid all the way to the bar would allow for a good amount of recline, and might already make your 30" legs feeling a bit cramped for space?

[Hindsight]

Yeah I was going to wait until I got the steering wheel and pedal cluster mounted before figuring out how far forward the seats need to be since I won't be able to tell without sitting in it and feeling it. I don't plan on cutting the bar unless it's really bad.

[Goldwing]

In the stock setup, I was desperate to move backwards with my 32" legs prompting me to get the Boyd tank and move the firewall back. That is the beauty of the blank slate we have in building our custom car. We can move things around until it is just right for us. A custom fit. I'm a similar height. Your thought of moving forward and leaning back is on the right track for your dimensions. I doubt you'll need or want the bar out just thinking through what would have to change from my setup to yours. Do look for seats that put you low, watch the length of the seat bottom and I'll bet your approach will have you pretty comfortable and low enough to pass the broomstick. If you do need to slide further forward than the bar to get your head down far enough, you might be wanting the footbox moved as well if you plan any long drives.

[Hindsight]

Cool thanks for the tips Rich! I hope I'm at that point in the build soon!