Andrew & Tamra's 818SR EM Autox Hybrid Destroked Long-Rod Build

[xxguitarist]

Thanks Bob!
That make sense, but I'm not sure I would have thought of it!
I'll have a look at our hub and see how it looks.

[Tamra]

Some photos from earlier this week..

This shows the size of our new midget welder:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/84E26372-ECD6-4BE8-BD36-E14158073637_zpshivmwyav.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/84E26372-ECD6-4BE8-BD36-E14158073637_zpshivmwyav.jpg.html)

Tig welds with it:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/A0B2BA66-2C7C-4F67-B9CD-72DB6400F6CC_zps7m9h6bmn.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/A0B2BA66-2C7C-4F67-B9CD-72DB6400F6CC_zps7m9h6bmn.jpg.html)

We also picked up a welding magnet. Made welding this much easier!
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/59CAB600-1823-4EED-A73D-601AB292C6D2_zpszk4yoytm.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/59CAB600-1823-4EED-A73D-601AB292C6D2_zpszk4yoytm.jpg.html)

To get the idea of what we are going for:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/121FD252-A56F-4A55-86E4-61A71674C3CA_zpszdn7ykaa.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/121FD252-A56F-4A55-86E4-61A71674C3CA_zpszdn7ykaa.jpg.html)

Final product, not painted yet:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/6A4486C2-E785-48D2-A70F-B6E12C20E7CC_zpso4lx2cpe.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/6A4486C2-E785-48D2-A70F-B6E12C20E7CC_zpso4lx2cpe.jpg.html)

[Scargo]

Excellent work, kids! Oh, BTW, congrats Tamra!
That is a midget welder! Wow!
Next time you do square tubes consider leaving a flap to bend over and close off tube.
I'm looking forward to seeing the end result. Want to see those small OD fatty tires on the car!

[Frank818]

That's pretty nice! As always. :)

[ben1272]

Excellent work, kids! Oh, BTW, congrats Tamra!
That is a midget welder! Wow!
Next time you do square tubes consider leaving a flap to bend over and close off tube.
I'm looking forward to seeing the end result. Want to see those small OD fatty tires on the car!

I like this shifter recess mod....I also like the 'leave a flap to close of the tube' suggestion. Gonna file that one away. (I hope!!)

[ben1272]

I notice in this picture that the aluminum floor under the tunnel is cut away. What prompted you to do this? (sorry if I missed it earlier in your thread). I am about to rivet my aluminum floor in and now am wondering if I shouldn't make it segmented into three pieces to allow access later.

Forgot to mention, congrats on your award Tamra!

[Tamra]

Excellent work, kids! Oh, BTW, congrats Tamra!
That is a midget welder! Wow!
Next time you do square tubes consider leaving a flap to bend over and close off tube.
I'm looking forward to seeing the end result. Want to see those small OD fatty tires on the car!

Funny story... Right after we welded it in, Andrew said "darn, I should have left a flap to bend over and close off the tube." LOL

Thanks Glyn!


That's pretty nice! As always. :)

Thanks!


I like this shifter recess mod....I also like the 'leave a flap to close of the tube' suggestion. Gonna file that one away. (I hope!!)

It was a pain to get the shifter under mounted... especially now that we are running tubes in the center console. This makes it top mounted, but lower. Seemed like a good solution to us!


I notice in this picture that the aluminum floor under the tunnel is cut away. What prompted you to do this? (sorry if I missed it earlier in your thread). I am about to rivet my aluminum floor in and now am wondering if I shouldn't make it segmented into three pieces to allow access later.

Forgot to mention, congrats on your award Tamra!

Thanks Ben!

We cut out the aluminum floor when we *thought* we had a wiring problem in the center console at one point (ended up being the crimp on the battery terminal for the ground being loose). We kind of like the additional access it gives us, so we are going to keep it. We will cut a piece that is slightly oversized and rivet it closed, that way it should be fully sealed.

[Pearldrummer7]

What's your incentive to lowering the shifter assembly? It's definitely good, clean work! Nice little welder.

I like mine nice and high. Feels very "race car" that you don't have to move off of the steering wheel very much

[Tamra]

What's your incentive to lowering the shifter assembly? It's definitely good, clean work! Nice little welder.

I like mine nice and high. Feels very "race car" that you don't have to move off of the steering wheel very much

We are used to a Miata, so we wanted the ergonomics to be closer to what we are used to. The original setup on the 818 felt like a truck to us, and it was too close to the steering wheel before. Plus, in autocross we only have to get to 2nd, so there's no real benefit to having the shifter close at hand.

[brian b 36]

tamra if you are interested in a ffr alu shifter cheap call me brian

[Pearldrummer7]

tamra if you are interested in a ffr alu shifter cheap call me brian

Can I be a backup for this in case they don't want it? :)

[brian b 36]

yes

[Tamra]

Thanks Brian! Now that we've custom made everything for using the supplied shifter, I think we will stick with it. Thanks for thinking of us.

Update from today.

Mocked everything up and welded brackets onto the e-brake for attachment.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/2553F721-429F-4C12-A1BE-1F1B82A553D2_zpsqkd5yzpv.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/2553F721-429F-4C12-A1BE-1F1B82A553D2_zpsqkd5yzpv.jpg.html)

Re-routed the AWIC hoses. They now run through the center console:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/C2764B50-E02D-4C78-A873-56B890DC38F5_zpsapoe9m2l.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/C2764B50-E02D-4C78-A873-56B890DC38F5_zpsapoe9m2l.jpg.html)

Re-routed the fuel lines to go to the driver side before dropping down and through the center console. Our goal was to keep them further from the headers, which worked. They are in an aluminum tube going through the center console in order to be in compliance with SCCA rules.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/537A2444-2396-48FB-8937-52B9A3D65F42_zpsvhiqwn7o.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/537A2444-2396-48FB-8937-52B9A3D65F42_zpsvhiqwn7o.jpg.html)

Not pictured is the routing of the AWIC lines in the front of the car. STIPWRD is sending us the gas tank connectors we need (thank you!!!) so we should be able to complete the install later this week.

[chedda]

Congrats Tamra!

http://www.scca.com/articles/1999404-tamra-hunt-named-2015-scca-solo-rookie-of-the-year

[Frank818]

Hunt finished more than three seconds ahead of a pack that included three previous National Champions.

Holy crap!!! Looks who's driving! :D

[AZPete]

Holy crap . . . again!
Hey, Tamra, I hope you're going to Vegas to pick up your award.

[Tamra]

Congrats Tamra!

http://www.scca.com/articles/1999404-tamra-hunt-named-2015-scca-solo-rookie-of-the-year


Holy crap!!! Looks who's driving! :D


Holy crap . . . again!
Hey, Tamra, I hope you're going to Vegas to pick up your award.

Thanks everyone :)

I'm in the middle of my busy season at work right now (accounting)... but I got permission to "work remotely" next weekend... we're going to Vegas!!!

[Tamra]

This week Andrew practiced his stick weld skills. Here's an example of some tack welds he did between two axles:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/30FC9D0B-70EA-4C13-8ED2-57E12076BE30_zps7alyufnp.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/30FC9D0B-70EA-4C13-8ED2-57E12076BE30_zps7alyufnp.jpg.html)

We used the axles welded together to ensure that the lower control arm didn't change shape:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/AB1321ED-CF79-4E2A-8373-8E1C6BD54CC9_zpszhbjtk48.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/AB1321ED-CF79-4E2A-8373-8E1C6BD54CC9_zpszhbjtk48.jpg.html)

Andrew welded on a bolt so we could bolt the arm on:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/A84FD24A-D414-4862-AAF4-41A46890C6B4_zpsplpicaad.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/A84FD24A-D414-4862-AAF4-41A46890C6B4_zpsplpicaad.jpg.html)


The 315/30/18 on 18x11 et 20 wheels now bolt on. The wheel bolted on originally, but then with the tire added we could not get it on fully. We have clearance now! We will also being moving in the upper link for additional clearance, and the shock as well. Pictured is a 12mm socket to show the space between the tire and the lower arm.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/72A5F0BB-F7F8-4084-8F7B-86D7B95D5E1D_zpsfgd9kgve.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/72A5F0BB-F7F8-4084-8F7B-86D7B95D5E1D_zpsfgd9kgve.jpg.html)


Here's a pic of it cut out. Andrew is going to box in the front and weld in material on the back to reinforce it.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/52DF3C4F-BF00-448B-99BD-CE5C06F3D66F_zpsynklx1nb.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/52DF3C4F-BF00-448B-99BD-CE5C06F3D66F_zpsynklx1nb.jpg.html)

[Hindsight]

Cool - will the tires fit inside the fenders still or are you going to have to add flares?

[Tamra]

Cool - will the tires fit inside the fenders still or are you going to have to add flares?


Definitely will need flares. The wheel/tire hasn't moved in from the previous photos, we are just making more room on the inside so we don't need spacers.

[Frank818]

but I got permission to "work remotely" next weekend...

How can you work remotely on the car? lolll

[Tamra]

As promised, a few photos from snorkeling in Belize!

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/C386C240-32A0-43A2-83E3-74313286009A_zpska8rtcko.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/C386C240-32A0-43A2-83E3-74313286009A_zpska8rtcko.jpg.html)

Even got to see some nurse sharks!
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/57D030E2-BEB2-41F2-B4C2-31ADF1808F53_zps2a5kdziy.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/57D030E2-BEB2-41F2-B4C2-31ADF1808F53_zps2a5kdziy.jpg.html)

and back to the car... the projects right now don't look big, but they all need to get finished and take time.

I mounted the front fuse box and finished wrapping up the wires:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/3A681C1D-6C47-4DA4-B72D-A3856CF64212_zpsxlz0dasy.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/3A681C1D-6C47-4DA4-B72D-A3856CF64212_zpsxlz0dasy.jpg.html)

Andrew finished making the e-brake brackets, but still need to make a new shifter cable bracket.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/1D96C98C-11E0-4BAA-95AC-B8436D2F33D9_zpsha33jgky.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/1D96C98C-11E0-4BAA-95AC-B8436D2F33D9_zpsha33jgky.jpg.html)

Other things wrapped up today included repairing the welder (new board arrived), wiring up the gas tank (can't install yet because we need fuel resistant heat shrink to do the internal wiring), finished half of the AWIC ducting, and cleaned up some more wiring in the engine bay. We also worked on figuring out where to position the Accusump that just arrived and measured for hoses and fittings, which we can now order.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/E038BAA1-BFCE-4549-B95F-533F3E2B2CC0_zps84suw3iq.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/E038BAA1-BFCE-4549-B95F-533F3E2B2CC0_zps84suw3iq.jpg.html)

[Pearldrummer7]

Shifter mount looks awesome. I was poking around the garage today and I found the shifter-relocator from Craig:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?9077-Mechie3-s-818S&p=132190&viewfull=1#post132190

He sent it to me when he decided not to use it. It's technically on my list this winter. Less cutting and welding (and less permanent of a decision), but it's probably too late to offer up something like this as a suggestion.

[xxguitarist]

We used spacers to lower the shifter below the rails previously, but that meant it was stuck there once we added the rigid tubes for AWIC coolant & the fuel hose protector.

This way we can install & remove it from the top, no tetris games required.

[xxguitarist]

I've been feeling like my main goal most evenings is to turn these into those..
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/BD333D54-2CFF-4001-8D71-81AED1F6DA1D_zpsgblxuirm.jpg
We are watching our tool budget this winter, so no plasma cutter right now. Tight on space too.

The actual goal though, is stuff like this... New shifter cable bracket. Feeling seems improved from the old shifter setup, partially through lengthening the throw of 1-2 direction a little. More clear CLICK into gear.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/40714CC4-54BF-4799-9EDD-778460FB9A18_zpsltavhshb.jpg
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/CB578D2D-E740-49C4-949C-3F413515A6C0_zpscpgep8ec.jpg

The AHP welder is back up and operational with a new boost board, I was glad to have the pedal control available again.
Size comparison:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/3A0CC635-BC28-420C-B616-6B10E60874BC_zpsoedtt1nm.jpg

[Hindsight]

I bet having no pedal has made you better at TIG welding though, now that you are back to the full deal.

[Scargo]

I gots me a finger controller for welding upside down or wrongside out. :cool:

[xxguitarist]

I have a finger control for the AHP, I haven't looked into if it's proportional or on/off though. Probably would have been handy for some of the out of position tacks for the exhaust etc.

[RM1SepEx]

I bet that bracket gets rid of the mush of the plastic cable holders on that stock FFR shifter too

[xxguitarist]

Dan,
Probably does a bit. Cutting the cable length in half doesn't hurt either ;)

I trimmed it down with the air body saw, then flattened it all out with a surform tool. Worked great to get rid of the angled bosses from the FFR/toyota supplied part.

The steel bracket is held down by 1x its own bolt & 2x shared bolts with the FFR/toyota part

[RM1SepEx]

Andrew, the original shifter and location has multiple areas of slop, the free play where the cable flops from inside to outside of the cable sheathing and then the slight flexing of the plastic molded cable attachment points. My thrid problem with it was the long throw due to the length of the shaft but you took care of it by relocating the attachment point.

It's funny how four of us communicated offline to find a better shifter and we each used a different soln to get the same results yet were all aided a boatload by the discussions. AND it was so damn fast too!

[xxguitarist]

Our biggest remaining slop is the ball socket being a bit loose. Oh well, looking forward to see how this feels in real use. Trying it out so far seems to be an improvement.

Agree, lots of good ideas, even if we all kinda went with our own in the end!

[RM1SepEx]

many eyes were used to ID and understand all of the issues. Research on alternatives was shared saving time.

[Loring]

Very convenient, and you can use it as a scratch start TIG also, which isn't as bad as I expected, except for breaking the arc- you have to just pull the torch away, which seems non-ideal.

Next time you end up stuck with your scratch starter, place a piece of wood at the end of your weld, and just move the torch over the wood. You can keep the end of the weld shielded while the arc stops and everything is happy.

[xxguitarist]

Thanks, that seems like it could work well for in-position welds. I figured out that I can twist the torch quickly, then quickly back over the work and shield it with gas for most of the cooling time. Always new tricks to learn!

Last night I got a few hours to work on the rear lower forward links (name?) for tire clearance. I'd already cut them to clear & cut out the piece to box them in.
I shaped, tacked, stitched, and finished welding them last night.
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12472673_10101737217618904_968115656907395470_n.jp g?oh=025c9f5aed98651ad51aa086c1441a39&oe=56FB6C5B

Next up is adding a crescent shape to the back (open) side of the arm so there is a consistent cross section along the arms length.

[129st]

Next up is adding a crescent shape to the back (open) side of the arm so there is a consistent cross section along the arms length.[/QUOTE]

Just an idea to simplify... you could add a bar of existing width and whatever thickness needed to recover the strength. Maybe have it be 6 inches long. You would have the issue of welding different thickness of material, but you would not have the complexity of building another crescent box. I will admit, it wouldn't look as neat as what you propose.

[Pearldrummer7]

rear lower forward links

What a weird name.

This is a really cool way to clearance tires

[RM1SepEx]

andrew, re-use the crescents that you removed from the other side... I would box them as well.

[Loring]

Leading links. Some call them trailing links. I always referred to the ones in front of a given axle as leading, and behind; trailing.

[Mechie3]

Subaru folks call them trailing arms.

[RM1SepEx]

Trailing arms is the correct technical term

[xxguitarist]

andrew, re-use the crescents that you removed from the other side... I would box them as well.

The cutout is a bit mangled, also boxed on wrong side, and doesn't match the curve of the back side of the trailing arms.

I'll probably template it up then use the vertical bandsaw at work to cut them out.

[Loring]

It seems to be a matter of style, but curiosity begs:

If the arms in front of the axle are trailing arms, what does one call the arms behind the axle, when they exist? :p

[Mechie3]

Part of it could just be the nomenclature used by various groups. I've noticed that the domestic crowd tends to call the matching lower arms that go side to side "toe links" while the import crowd tends to call them "lateral links". Some say spindle, some say knuckle. Sometimes the naming convention just comes from the manufacturer and so the enthusiasts pick up on that.

As for why it's trailing? Could just be frame of reference. The arm trails behind the body/point of attachment or the knuckle trails behind the body on that arm vs the arm trailing behind the knuckle. Who knows.

[brian b 36]

tamra you said you needed some spear axles I got a 03 sdn for a new body harness for the one the burnt to send to iwire and the car had all the axles in it if you want to take a ride to n windham there yours ,they are oem brian

[RM1SepEx]

Craig, the common English language term is lateral links. They are only toe links if they are adjustable. Stock Subaru rear lower design: fronts are lateral links, rears are toe links which are lateral links used to adjust toe. I'm pretty sure that adjustable upper rear lateral links could also be called camber links.

Spindles are the part that goes through the bearings, the term refers to the spinning of the bearing. Knuckles are the entire upright including the ball joints and before that even a trunion joint. Many early designs used two separate parts... knuckle and spindle. Many call them uprights in the front and in the rear..

God only know what terms are used in different languages :rolleyes:

[Scargo]

Oh, the humanity. Good luck Dan. I've never heard of "spear axles". I gave up on the spindle/knuckle/upright naming. Some of it is difficult when you have Japan, Europe, UK and the US using different terms and then there's the outright slang, like "bugeye" (Subaru).

[RM1SepEx]

spare axles, typo ;-)

Scargo, it depends on your background and exposure, I'm just referencing engineering handbooks. Some people like to know the hows and whys...

[Scargo]

spare axles, typo ;-)

Scargo, it depends on your background and exposure, I'm just referencing engineering handbooks. Some people like to know the hows and whys...
I'm all for what you are sharing and trying to explain. I meant nothing disparaging. I guess I was thick-headed for not realizing brian b 36 (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/member.php?16310-brian-b-36) meant spare.

[Tamra]

Thanks Brian! We will try to get up there in the next couple of weeks. That's really nice of you!


We are finally back from Vegas (went for the SCCA Convention), and mostly recovered from both getting sick. I can't believe they still allow smoking in hotels/casinos there! It was really great to be able to accept my award in person, and the convention was also great. We took a course design seminar which was eye opening, and getting to see some big names in person there to accept awards (Roger Penske, Randy Pobst, Jonathan Goring) was incredible.

We were delayed 3 days getting back due to the snow storm that hit the East Coast, so we rented a car (somehow a bright orange, convertible Mustang was cheaper than an econobox??? We didn't complain!). We took the opportunity to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/5C9F6E44-1A42-45D9-892C-B66559E35F63_zps9r6rw3sq.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/5C9F6E44-1A42-45D9-892C-B66559E35F63_zps9r6rw3sq.jpg.html)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/8CA93668-A912-4567-8888-A5E4227211DF_zpsndaq4oyf.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/8CA93668-A912-4567-8888-A5E4227211DF_zpsndaq4oyf.jpg.html)

Unfortunately we came home to this. Thanks JFK airport. We thought ahead enough to pack a tiny shovel at least.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/8B12880C-51AC-49F9-AA07-23E13765827C_zpsgbcmyfdf.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/8B12880C-51AC-49F9-AA07-23E13765827C_zpsgbcmyfdf.jpg.html)

So, back at it on the car. Spent around an hour today and mocked up the foam for our flare mold.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/D4CA679A-A1E2-43DC-BDD2-F4365F2F4075_zpsoetz2dlw.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/D4CA679A-A1E2-43DC-BDD2-F4365F2F4075_zpsoetz2dlw.jpg.html)

Lots of expanding foam:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/B1652D8D-1AD4-4328-B54A-A09E5CFDBBDB_zpsgwqyvmbc.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/B1652D8D-1AD4-4328-B54A-A09E5CFDBBDB_zpsgwqyvmbc.jpg.html)

Just some tiny flares...
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/A4BB6B85-8FCA-4B81-AC00-E224C7D82F4E_zpsuoi4knhf.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/A4BB6B85-8FCA-4B81-AC00-E224C7D82F4E_zpsuoi4knhf.jpg.html)

For our tiny tires...

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/0C6A4384-3844-47A4-9157-628F86B328C6_zpstb669taq.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/0C6A4384-3844-47A4-9157-628F86B328C6_zpstb669taq.jpg.html)

Going to finish up work on the foam tomorrow and start looking at the next step of developing a mold.

[Hindsight]

Wow, great idea on the flare molds! Looking forward to see how you continue the process.

I hear you about the smoking in Vegas. Was just there in November. You can't escape it.

[Pearldrummer7]

Wow, great idea on the flare molds! Looking forward to see how you continue the process.

I hear you about the smoking in Vegas. Was just there in November. You can't escape it.

This is what I was going to post! Flare molds look awesome and that's a great idea.

I used to live in Nevada. It's a weird state. I can never tell what was the law, what was just convention, and what was wildly out of place. Smoking inside grosses me out, so I always avoided casinos (I also don't like gambling much). Hoover dam looks sweet though. Probably nice and warm in Vegas compared to CT

[Scargo]

Great pics and great start on the flares. It's going to be bad-asp. You know there is a guy near you that has some experience.
Brake duct scoops added, closing in FMIC hole and restyling of a cheap GRP part.
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3cf33b3127ccef4cc598fb5ef00000030O01AZsmLRm0Ysw e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00301043412320131112161146969.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[RM1SepEx]

Did you course design slideshow get done by Roger "the real" Johnson? I've seen it a couple times and used the handouts with our club before. I should have been there for the Street Survival summit the next day... too busy with my Mom-in_law tho to attend.

[brian b 36]

no problem just give me a call first to make sure we are home brian

[Tamra]

Great pics and great start on the flares. It's going to be bad-asp. You know there is a guy near you that has some experience.
Brake duct scoops added, closing in FMIC hole and restyling of a cheap GRP part.
https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3cf33b3127ccef4cc598fb5ef00000030O01AZsmLRm0Ysw e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00301043412320131112161146969.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Wow, that's awesome!!


Did you course design slideshow get done by Roger "the real" Johnson? I've seen it a couple times and used the handouts with our club before. I should have been there for the Street Survival summit the next day... too busy with my Mom-in_law tho to attend.

Yep, the real deal! I need to download the the powerpoint.

[Tamra]

We finally managed to finish assembling and installing our new fuel cell, which we had custom made to our design by Boyd Welding.

Important things to note are that any time you work inside of the fuel tank, you need specific heat shrink, wiring, and fuel hose designed for being submersed in fuel. Even regular fuel hose won't cut it.

We picked up some Raychen heat shrink.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/41D126D6-1D91-4E41-A373-4FD2B281BEB0_zpshyyswbos.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/41D126D6-1D91-4E41-A373-4FD2B281BEB0_zpshyyswbos.jpg.html)

Fuel pump assembled using the OEM flange.
-We used the FFR provided sender (since it is 100 ohm) and re-wired it to work.
-We also had to bend the the metal that the pump secures to slightly back so as to fit everything inside of our fuel tank.
-The hose then couldn't reach the original fuel feed without being kinked, so you'll notice that our hose routes to one of the other ports and we shortened the original fuel feed piece to get it out of the way.
-Thanks to STIPWRD we got the OEM wiring for inside the fuel tank!
-Only other thing to note is that we safety wired the pump to the bracket this time. Considering our steel zip ties that we used originally failed during an autocross which caused the pump to flop around inside the tank and eventually caused the hoses to disconnect, leaving us stranded (and thankful to Scargo for loaning us a trailer). We wanted to make sure that our pump is secure this time!
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/12280896-6A41-424D-82DE-ADAA69276A82_zpsetsg3xhk.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/12280896-6A41-424D-82DE-ADAA69276A82_zpsetsg3xhk.jpg.html)

OEM temp sensor installed inside the tank this time:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/1201FBD9-D20A-47C9-95F8-EEC3B8DE0866_zpstg8hg5az.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/1201FBD9-D20A-47C9-95F8-EEC3B8DE0866_zpstg8hg5az.jpg.html)

We positioned the fuel pickup to be in the center, back of the tank. This should reduce risk of fuel starve under boost since the fuel will slosh to the back of the tank, and should cover the pickup. Ideally we won't have a problem with fuel starve due to the narrow design of the tank, but this should help in case we ever run really low. The tank is 6 gallons in total.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/2A733CF2-D64A-4989-815C-6B45645B87D3_zpsy1j7ll5e.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/2A733CF2-D64A-4989-815C-6B45645B87D3_zpsy1j7ll5e.jpg.html)

Set in the car, prior to securing hoses. Fits without any cutting of the chassis.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/727E07D5-E079-404C-8DFF-C69A7C3B1DF6_zpsyzur5her.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/727E07D5-E079-404C-8DFF-C69A7C3B1DF6_zpsyzur5her.jpg.html)


Hoses secured. The fuel lines are one continuous piece from the fuel filter in the engine bay, through the center console, all the way to the tank (with the one damper in the return line that you can see on the left side of the photo). We wanted to reduce any risk of leaking. The AWIC lines are also running through the center console now and exiting just to the drivers side of the fuel cell. The fuel cell is positioned to the passenger side slightly to improve weight balance.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/7F409E02-FC4F-4BEC-9991-71C262639473_zps6ecesv5i.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/7F409E02-FC4F-4BEC-9991-71C262639473_zps6ecesv5i.jpg.html)

[Tamra]

Next up... fender flare work.

This is a tiring, time consuming, messy process. I'm definitely having my doubts about why we didn't just go with rivet on flares... but I know these will look great when we are done. We should also be able to offer them to others, hopefully. We are making molds so we can reproduce them easily.

Andrew picked up a full body suit to help.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/83EDF81E-F161-4809-9B1A-CA8FCE810A9E_zpsw6sxhoif.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/83EDF81E-F161-4809-9B1A-CA8FCE810A9E_zpsw6sxhoif.jpg.html)

Coming together:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/3A704BB4-6561-43E8-9F12-E9FE09A8FF31_zpsitsf6p1t.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/3A704BB4-6561-43E8-9F12-E9FE09A8FF31_zpsitsf6p1t.jpg.html)


Unfortunately when we went to make the plug today, the the fiberglass mat didn't want to conform, so we will have to buy some thinner mat and try again next weekend.

Started mocking up the design for the new center console.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/ABA9AA73-E139-4D66-A13C-DB335453BDE5_zpsakoyacci.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/ABA9AA73-E139-4D66-A13C-DB335453BDE5_zpsakoyacci.jpg.html)

Finished remaking the front air ducting for the AWIC radiator. The coroplast is super lightweight and works well.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/D3712526-41CE-4D65-A13A-3A81A8D42838_zpsrju38dll.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/D3712526-41CE-4D65-A13A-3A81A8D42838_zpsrju38dll.jpg.html)

And long overdue, we bought a car cover and a welding blanket to protect the car cover for our Miata in the other garage, which is very close to the grinding sparks.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/37DD81B1-1974-4FAD-9ED7-D4324620DB02_zpsr8pjawyt.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/37DD81B1-1974-4FAD-9ED7-D4324620DB02_zpsr8pjawyt.jpg.html)

[metros]

The flares look good! Keep up the good work on refining your 818.

[Hindsight]

Nice progress. Can't wait to see how those flares turn out! Are you just sanding spray foam with plastic? if so, nice job because that sharp arch line (where it transitions to vertical) is very hard to maintain!

[xxguitarist]

Using 2# pour foam (2 part) and a shurform tool for the most part. Air saw/ razor blades some. Surforms work great on foam.

[Tamra]

We've both been working long hours, so only getting in around 6-8 hours on weekends lately.

Today was a frustrating day on the car... lots of things started but nothing completed, along with a few steps backwards.

We made the AN hoses for the Accusump, welded tabs on the chassis to mount it to... then realized that our suspension pieces (which were off the car) would interfere at full compression. Whoops. We will have to remove and re-weld.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/74358A25-AC4C-49E0-9FC4-A74E6DE65DEE_zpswx3crame.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/74358A25-AC4C-49E0-9FC4-A74E6DE65DEE_zpswx3crame.jpg.html)

We also moved our oil pressure gauge to the other port near the alternator, and connected the AN fitting for the Accusump to the one on the rear of the block. We could not get this AN fitting tight for anything. We probably spent an hour with three of us trying from all different angles... even removed the intercooler and other surrounding hoses to try to get more access. After we were sure it was tight... grabbing the hose immediately loosened it. Frustrating! We are going to buy a new crows foot tool and try it. If anyone has any ideas, please tell us!
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/07F4E2FE-8A9B-431B-B4ED-47E5BFD99F87_zpsu17gtelv.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/07F4E2FE-8A9B-431B-B4ED-47E5BFD99F87_zpsu17gtelv.jpg.html)

Andrew started making a bracket for our pull handle, which will stick out of the console. This pull handle will connect to the FFR shifter cable and run to the back of the car to the Accusump. It will be connected to the manual valve, and will let us operate the manual valve from the passenger compartment. Andrew also machined the pull tab.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/59A92AAF-4E64-461D-AAA2-4070C06A7157_zpst29bqwut.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/59A92AAF-4E64-461D-AAA2-4070C06A7157_zpst29bqwut.jpg.html)

Andrew also bent some aluminum for our new dash block off plate. There are side plates too - hopefully will get them all finished up and attached this week. Also, we can now access the clutch and brake fluid reservoirs!!

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/ECE405FE-CD4F-4317-AA99-C340E592E1A3_zpsayslcoyg.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/ECE405FE-CD4F-4317-AA99-C340E592E1A3_zpsayslcoyg.jpg.html)

It was a high of 9 degrees today... so no work on the fender flares! The resin doesn't do well in the cold, plus we didn't want to be stuck inside with the door closed (it stinks!). Hopefully it will warm up soon and we can get started back on them.

[ssssly]

I have always used M18 sensor adapters for oil temp and pressure gauges for EJ engines. Screw into the oil galley plugs on the top of the block and then the sensors screw directly into them.

[Tamra]

Our oil pressure gauge was easy - we do have the adaptor. Our current issue is the big accusump hose that gets in the way of us tightening the AN fitting.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Tamra'
Is this the fitting you were using in the block?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EAR-9919FFKERL

I wonder if we can find one a little taller.
Bob

[Tamra]

Tamra'
Is this the fitting you were using in the block?

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/EAR-9919FFKERL

I wonder if we can find one a little taller.
Bob

Yes, that's the one. How did you tighten yours? We are hoping the crows foot tool will fix it.

[Mechie3]

The fitting going into the block won't tighten?

I've been there before with a brass fitting in that same location. Wouldn't tighten because it galled and pulled all the threads out. Ended up having to tap and helicoil it. I'd take a closer look at it and make sure you didn't strip it. Very common on that port. It's worth noting that the block is a straight metric thread and needs some additional sealing member to seal in that area.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Yes, that's the one. How did you tighten yours? We are hoping the crows foot tool will fix it.

I used the port circled in this diagram. I used a metal sealing ring like the next picture.

50657

50658

I tightened in the adapter first with a socket.
Then tightened on the elbow hose end using 2 open end wrenches.

I am only using a turn buckle on that side of my alternator as the original bracket was in the way.

Are you have trouble tightening the adapter into the block or tightening the hose end to the adapter?
Bob

[ssssly]

Our oil pressure gauge was easy - we do have the adaptor. Our current issue is the big accusump hose that gets in the way of us tightening the AN fitting.

Ah, got you now.

Looking closer at that picture, it looks like the fitting is bottoming out on the block. Could just be the angle, but I have gotten AN adapters before that were too short to use with some fittings (The male end of the adapter was shorter than the internal length of the female fitting). This resulted in the same scenario you described. Would tighten it as tight as I could get it, and then as soon as I touched the hose it would crack loose again.

Alternately, the easiest way to get to that galley plug location to tighten anything, is to pull the water crossover off the top of the block.

[Scargo]

I think I would be welding an extension onto the fitting. If you don't have the material at hand, I do, or McMaster Carr has aluminum tubing by the foot.

[Tamra]

Sorry guys - I should have clarified. The fitting going into the block is tight. We put it on first and got a socket on it with an extension. It was easy (just like when we had the oil pressure gauge there). The problem is the 30 degree fitting with the hose attached that needs to fit into the one going into the block. Since the hose is on one end, we can't get a socket on it, so we have to use a wrench. Our crows foot tool should be here tomorrow, so we will try it and report back.

[Mechie3]

One of my fuel lines used to be like that. The hose would tilt it at an angle and make it really difficult to get the fine thread started in the area I had to work with.

[Scargo]

May I interject that I have wanted to replace the 20MM nipple that's the PCV mounting spot. I don't like having to use multiple clamps and adapters to get to a 3/4" or 5/8" hose. I tried to pull one of these nipples out of a case and it wouldn't budge without my destroying it in the process.
Looks like the 20mm hole would have to be drilled/reamed and tapped for a 3/4 NPT or a fitting welded to the existing steel nipple and that pressed back in. Another option would be something custom turned to fit. If you wanted a hex on the piece it would have to be 1" to start with. It would also have to be high enough to clear the rib on the case so a socket or wrench could fit on it.
If it could be screwed out then you have more options for accessing the oil galley hole next to it. I have a lathe and TIG so I am really tempted to do something...

[Tamra]

May I interject that I have wanted to replace the 20MM nipple that's the PCV mounting spot. I don't like having to use multiple clamps and adapters to get to a 3/4" or 5/8" hose. I tried to pull one of these nipples out of a case and it wouldn't budge without my destroying it in the process.
Looks like the 20mm hole would have to be drilled/reamed and tapped for a 3/4 NPT or a fitting welded to the existing steel nipple and that pressed back in. Another option would be something custom turned to fit. If you wanted a hex on the piece it would have to be 1" to start with. It would also have to be high enough to clear the rib on the case so a socket or wrench could fit on it.
If it could be screwed out then you have more options for accessing the oil galley hole next to it. I have a lathe and TIG so I am really tempted to do something...

Seems like a lot of work to fix something that isn't broken :p

Also, if you could screw out the pcv nipple, then you'd be in the same predicament trying to tighten it back down once you accessed the oil galley hole. To be honest, the oil galley hole is easy to access with a socket + extension, just not a wrench, and in our case with the Accusump lines we have to get a wrench there.

Our tools arrived, so we will see if we can tighten down that fitting tonight.

[Tamra]

Forgot to post an update - the Crows Foot did work with some effort. Biggest PITA ever. I think the AN fittings really need to have room to twist in order to get them completely tight, and in that space, we needed to be able to tighten it without letting the AN hose twist around (on the 30 degree fitting). What a pain but hopefully it's tight enough!

[Tamra]

Lots of progress today!

New Amsoil intake arrived. This should help flow some more air! We are waiting on some hoses to get it installed.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/B393027A-1494-4ED5-BBF2-5940E26178D7_zpsa2ehc9sr.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/B393027A-1494-4ED5-BBF2-5940E26178D7_zpsa2ehc9sr.jpg.html)

New dash blockoff installed:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/B6AAFC3F-94AE-4B57-9D21-0703FAEE4BF7_zps4pxoyzul.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/B6AAFC3F-94AE-4B57-9D21-0703FAEE4BF7_zps4pxoyzul.jpg.html)

Meets pretty close to the hood:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/C6CEC627-C645-42C5-B735-3EEEAC35FBD5_zpsrl4ctskz.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/C6CEC627-C645-42C5-B735-3EEEAC35FBD5_zpsrl4ctskz.jpg.html)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/19DE7BA9-CF77-4914-8781-415EB6A3BC13_zpshphkvywv.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/19DE7BA9-CF77-4914-8781-415EB6A3BC13_zpshphkvywv.jpg.html)

Accusump 90% installed, including pull handle in the interior to operate the manual valve! We re-used an FFR shifter cable for this purpose.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/701E5B8F-151C-4586-9327-7808B3CAC29B_zps6zgvb0ko.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/701E5B8F-151C-4586-9327-7808B3CAC29B_zps6zgvb0ko.jpg.html)


Andrew got most of this done on his own today... I stayed out of his hair while I installed a new sway bar on my RX8. Yesterday we went to the rules meeting for our local autocross club and also went go-karting. Great weekend overall.

[Mechie3]

That old filter cone looks tiny!

[Tamra]

That old filter cone looks tiny!


That's a Cobb short ram lol

Here's another shot of the new one:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/EBB22A76-FC78-4B62-96A6-0D8C638620AC_zpsmacpuszj.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/EBB22A76-FC78-4B62-96A6-0D8C638620AC_zpsmacpuszj.jpg.html)

[Scargo]

That's a good-sized filter, but Andrew needs a bigger clock! Great how you repurposed the cable. I may use one of mine to do that for my STi. As it is, I can barely reach the valve handle.
I might even find use for one of them to actuate the fire extinguishing system on my 818.

[Tamra]

We will probably be a bit MIA the next few weeks as we prep the RX8 for autocross. Three big projects - custom exhaust, full suspension, and rebuild the engine. We will be using this car for some national events this year while we continue to develop the 818 at regional events.

This weekend we custom made a single exit exhaust - saved 19lbs over the OEM system.

The giant can is the old muffler:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/47684540-0B38-4AA6-9D6F-503EE711261F_zpszfnui4zv.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/47684540-0B38-4AA6-9D6F-503EE711261F_zpszfnui4zv.jpg.html)

New:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/110138AA-D7EE-4BC0-84BB-096D769894C2_zpsrttcdiax.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/110138AA-D7EE-4BC0-84BB-096D769894C2_zpsrttcdiax.jpg.html)


We had the RX8 dyno'd at EFI Logics and it's only making 149whp. We knew the engine was getting low on compression, and the dyno results confirmed that! So, out comes the engine for a rebuild. Last night we got it about 80% of the way to pulling - should be out tonight. Will be our first rotary rebuild.

Don't see many graphs like this one on these forums! :)
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/D6C34E76-92BE-4DEA-B46E-A0CE60002B93_zpse7qpdbqa.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/D6C34E76-92BE-4DEA-B46E-A0CE60002B93_zpse7qpdbqa.jpg.html)

Here's where the list sits for the 818. We will resume work in a couple of weeks - we promise!

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/A4557107-6FDA-4AEC-B78E-BB748306B383_zpswtzr84h8.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/A4557107-6FDA-4AEC-B78E-BB748306B383_zpswtzr84h8.jpg.html)

[the_tool_man]

I'm looking forward to seeing the flare making process.....in a few weeks. :(

[Hindsight]

Torque peak at 5200 RPM, yup, not like what I'm used to seeing.

You two aren't afraid to tackle anything!

[samuel]

Hi Tamera and Andrew, I've read through your build and many modifications a few times and really admire your ingenuity. I'm working on the shifter in my 818S and I love your idea of setting it low and facing the other way! You mentioned early in your thread that you would make your designs; brackets and cables and such available. I am really interested.
Sam

[Rasmus]

Pulled out the little sleeve to find two shims, added one more, and closed it back up.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/7C44CFEB-51F7-45FD-9947-113DA0D9EB92_zpsk5u0jpbl.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/7C44CFEB-51F7-45FD-9947-113DA0D9EB92_zpsk5u0jpbl.jpg.html)
Tamra, Andrew:

You two finding any issue with the 3 shim - 10mm oil pump on this build? Oil pressures good? What RPM do you guys spin up to?

I'll be running the same as you 2.33 destroker with Intake Cam Only - AVCS heads.

[Tamra]

Tamra, Andrew:

You two finding any issue with the 3 shim - 10mm oil pump on this build? Oil pressures good? What RPM do you guys spin up to?

I'll be running the same as you 2.33 destroker with Intake Cam Only - AVCS heads.

Hey Rasmus, we ended up with the 11mm pump. On afterthought, probably should have stuck with the 10mm (a new one), but we were worried our pressure issue was relating to the pump size (we think our pump was just worn out). We ended up with 4 shims in the 11mm pump. It still bypasses lower than we would like - I want to say 80psi? Will need to check when the car is back up and running again. Here's the post to when we did the swap. (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?16067-Andrew-amp-Tamra-s-818SR-EM-Autox-Hybrid-Destroked-Long-Rod-Build&p=188007&viewfull=1#post188007)

We should be back in a couple of weeks to work on the 818. The RX8 engine rebuild went well, and the car is now making approx 25whp more than previously (and this is a fully stock rebuild - car is running CS so no mods permitted relating to engine/power). We are going to our first national events in Ohio this coming weekend and Wash DC the following, and then we will have a few week break and hope to get the 818 back to racing status!

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/60BE0909-FE5A-4870-9E50-8B56296EC94A_zpswzypm8pg.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/60BE0909-FE5A-4870-9E50-8B56296EC94A_zpswzypm8pg.jpg.html)

[Rasmus]

Thanks Tamra.

[Tamra]

We are back!

Those OEM control arms look a wee bit different....
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/0C07D9ED-7EE2-4134-A565-CF276943D5C0_zpsad6123o3.jpg

Finished installing the Accusump and the associated brackets. We repurposed the FFR shifter cable to use with our manual valve. This is the pull tab on the interior of the car (will be sticking out of the console):
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/9DA8894E-ACD0-4734-B419-9CC76733904E_zpsaaqbhem7.jpg

Andrew machined the tab:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/B10962CB-0C3B-41FB-B3F0-2523D158F2D3_zpsub3uprth.jpg

Here is the end in the engine bay where it attaches to the Accusump:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/6BA19CE7-3F97-45AC-9F10-1BD1C8CA3CC2_zpsfha53lff.jpg

Another view from the wheel well:
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/5A600FEF-9152-453E-9DDE-F7B2107861F2_zpszl83ycbh.jpg

Also worked on our custom firewall. We added an engine bay side wall near the headers: http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/920F6007-1E02-4796-993A-C94BF0A7EAC8_zps4banzoko.jpg

And then a full, flat wall on the inside (our gas tank is now in the front of the car): http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/C011203A-7B16-41E9-8E65-041093F77B46_zpstlkcdabt.jpg



Not sure yet if we will make it to the FFR open house... but our goal is to have the car up and running soon with 275/35/15 and 315/30/18 Hoosiers fitted.

[Scargo]

Good stuff! Will love to see the tire combo and flares on the car. Be sure and let me know when you are taking it Auto Xing nearby.

[Tamra]

Good stuff! Will love to see the tire combo and flares on the car. Be sure and let me know when you are taking it Auto Xing nearby.

Based on how busy we have been (back to back autox weekends out of town, building a rotary engine) we have not made any further progress on the flares. We ordered rivet on ones for this summer and will pick back up with the fiberglass work in the fall.

[Frank818]

Finally back! You left for too long. Don't do that again. :)
I see you progressed. Can't wait to see how those 4 tires are going to fit and provide traction.

[Rasmus]

Remote Accusump without the complexity of a electronic valve. Nice.

I too was looking forward to seeing those flare. What did you guys use as inspiration to get the curve into the flare in the foam you mocked up?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Remote Accusump without the complexity of a electronic valve. Nice.
I too was looking forward to seeing those flare. What did you guys use as inspiration to get the curve into the flare in the foam you mocked up?

I also am only using a manual valve.
A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with Bob at Canton Racing about my Accusump. He explained to me that most of my stored oil will be pushed into the engine during the braking approach to a corner. Then there won't be much left for starvation during corning. He highly recommended that I go to and low pressure activated electric valve. That way, I would have a full Accusump tank at 60-80 psi ready to push oil into the engine in case of starvation.
He also said that the pan wont be over filled during idle.
Adding the mod is on my long list.
Bob

[Tamra]

Finally back! You left for too long. Don't do that again. :)
I see you progressed. Can't wait to see how those 4 tires are going to fit and provide traction.

We hadn't touched the car until Friday... that progress was just Friday evening and Saturday! :)


Remote Accusump without the complexity of a electronic valve. Nice.

I too was looking forward to seeing those flare. What did you guys use as inspiration to get the curve into the flare in the foam you mocked up?

We will return to the "real" flares soon enough. No inspiration - just started shaving!


I also am only using a manual valve.
A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with Bob at Canton Racing about my Accusump. He explained to me that most of my stored oil will be pushed into the engine during the braking approach to a corner. Then there won't be much left for starvation during corning. He highly recommended that I go to and low pressure activated electric valve. That way, I would have a full Accusump tank at 60-80 psi ready to push oil into the engine in case of starvation.
He also said that the pan wont be over filled during idle.
Adding the mod is on my long list.
Bob

We could see that happening. However, we are less concerned about a low rpm pin turn, and more concerned about a high rpm high speed sweeper, which should normally have moderately high oil pressure until there's a problem.

Also, we picked up wheels and tires for the car. We know lots of local people with 315/30/18 and 275/35/15 Hoosier A7 take offs! All tires have enough life in them to get some good testing in for significantly less $$, and then we'll just pick up some more.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/13227406_1098511593540558_7622068120825027613_o_zp senfmjk9f.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/13227406_1098511593540558_7622068120825027613_o_zp senfmjk9f.jpg.html)

[Tamra]

Andrew bent the sheet metal for the center console, and installed it last night. Wrap is on its way for the final touches soon.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/EAAB2B87-75D0-4730-B1D4-506FAE9940F5_zpsqj96aqyp.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/EAAB2B87-75D0-4730-B1D4-506FAE9940F5_zpsqj96aqyp.jpg.html)

Finished up a few other things such as extending a few wires, clearancing the calipers for our 15x10 wheels up front, and a little filing of one fender to make it fit a touch better. Tonight our lightweight battery arrives so we will be fabricating a bracket for it. It will live behind the passenger seat. Not sure if we will be ready in time for the FFR open house (especially since we will be out of town Saturday-Thursday, so only have 4 evenings left to work on the car), but it's still a possibility.

[Tamra]

Does this battery make my hand look fat?
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/E1392419-88C3-47BC-B183-5868F7E6ADE1_zpsug9xui42.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/E1392419-88C3-47BC-B183-5868F7E6ADE1_zpsug9xui42.jpg.html)

240 cold cranking amps, 1.7lbs!


Also installed the Works Bell hub tonight. All of the instructions are in Japanese. #JDMyo
It was relatively easy to install. In our 2002 WRX steering column, all of the wiring except the green/red wire was deleted. The hub retains the auto canceling features and also the horn function. The green/red wire has to be connected to ground, so Andrew used the steering column as ground and the hub grounded to the steering column and the wheel grounded to the hub. When the horn button is pressed it connected a stripped portion of the wheel to the fast on connector, which was connected to the horn wiring. None of the wiring provided in the kit can be used on the 2002 WRX steering column (that we could figure out). Perhaps the resistor to cancel the airbag light if it hasn't already been snipped elsewhere.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/8094AB3F-F5FC-4B3D-8F2D-B6E85CA1B023_zpsxh8wswld.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/8094AB3F-F5FC-4B3D-8F2D-B6E85CA1B023_zpsxh8wswld.jpg.html)


So much nicer than the OEM wheel...

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/34EFD9FA-5A1A-4C4D-A3F0-096B9536D23D_zpshydoowja.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/34EFD9FA-5A1A-4C4D-A3F0-096B9536D23D_zpshydoowja.jpg.html)

[Hindsight]

Good to see you back at it. That console looks great and makes me wish I had access to a brake!!

[Frank818]

Nice motorcycle battery! How sufficient (what are its limits) will it be for the car? I mean can you crank, shutdown, crank, shutdown, etc. many times without charging it?

Deltran says 240LCA not 240CCA. Not sure the difference between normal batteries CCA and LithiumCA...
The other thing I don't understand is they says max charge 10Ah, but an alternator will produce 100-200ah. Oh well, I have not yet learned much about these batts. :)

[Tamra]

Good to see you back at it. That console looks great and makes me wish I had access to a brake!!

Thank you! Can't wait to wrap it.


Nice motorcycle battery! How sufficient (what are its limits) will it be for the car? I mean can you crank, shutdown, crank, shutdown, etc. many times without charging it?

Deltran says 240LCA not 240CCA. Not sure the difference between normal batteries CCA and LithiumCA...
The other thing I don't understand is they says max charge 10Ah, but an alternator will produce 100-200ah. Oh well, I have not yet learned much about these batts. :)



Andrew would probably know more than I do, but I went based on other autocrosser's recommendations. I know some people who use this battery with good success. It probably won't work well below 45 degrees, and we will need to keep a jump box handy at all times. From my understanding, the LiPO4 batteries last longer and provide full cranking amps until they are discharged (don't get weaker like a typical battery). So basically, we will be able to crank and shut down repeatably, until it dies (not sure how many times we can do that until it dies though). We'll let you know soon enough! :)

[Frank818]

I like that!! So it seems pretty good. In my case I doubt I would ever crank that engine under 40-45F, but nothing prevents me from getting a 360LCA at 2.6lbs. Although even the 120LCA has the same operating range as the others (40F to 140F). I also like Deltran, they make excellent battery tenders.

Normal situations I won't crank under 55, but some rides would probably be shorter than the time required to recharge the battery, which is why I asked about how many times you think you can crank-shutdown before it discharges.

I'm very interest in knowing what Andrew knows about this thing and also seeing your crank-shutdown cycles results if and when you conduct them. :)

[Tamra]

We intend to pull the battery between every drive and it will live on a tender. I wouldn't think this battery would be good for someone wanting their 818 as a daily or to leave the battery in the car.

We probably won't do any testing beyond "does it start the car" and if it doesn't start the car reliably, we will have a jump box handy.

[Frank818]

Yeah I see. I don't intend to daily myself and like you the battery will always be on a tender, except I won't remove it. The difference with you is I will crank often 2-3 times during the day or when I stop at the gas station (which you never) and I don't know if it'd give it enough time to recharge. Let's first see how yours crank, if it does, like you said.

[Rasmus]

Does this battery make my hand look fat?
Sweet Freya! Keep it in the circus, Elephanto. :o

If you all have good success with that battery I'll just follow your lead and get one just like it. I was thinking of making my own but it's just so much easier to not; and get one that's ready to go.

[Tamra]

Sweet Freya! Keep it in the circus, Elephanto. :o

If you all have good success with that battery I'll just follow your lead and get one just like it. I was thinking of making my own but it's just so much easier to not; and get one that's ready to go.

LOL

We know plenty of people that use this battery in their race cars, so I don't anticipate any problems. We may be able to let you know really soon... hooking it up tonight hopefully, and then technically the car is ready to be fired up for the first time since last fall. :)

It was cheap too. Only $90 on Amazon Prime.

[insurance guy]

LOL

We know plenty of people that use this battery in their race cars, so I don't anticipate any problems. We may be able to let you know really soon... hooking it up tonight hopefully, and then technically the car is ready to be fired up for the first time since last fall. :)

It was cheap too. Only $90 on Amazon Prime.

You will find that chemistry battery will last in excess of 5,000 charges. They are amazing batteries with fantastic power. The only issue with lipo batteries is not to let them discharge below a certain voltage as once they are discharged completely they are usually dead.

[Sgt.Gator]

I used the Battery Tender BTL35A480C and Battery Tender 022-0198LI Green Lithium Junior Battery Charger in my LGT race car. The 480 has plenty of power to start your engine a several times in a row. However don't leave it without the charger more than during the day at the track. I left mine for 4 days once in the garage and the ECU drew it down to zero. Luckily it was undamaged other than I had to hit with a more powerful battery charger, the little battery tender charger wouldn't kick off the charging.

[Hindsight]

What are you planning on wrapping the console with? I'm planning on wrapping mine in a carbon fiber wrap. Another forum member did it and it looked really nice.

[Mitch Wright]

Using the same battery, only 30 miles of driving but many starts, no issues.

[Frank818]

The only issue with lipo batteries is not to let them discharge below a certain voltage as once they are discharged completely they are usually dead.

Let me guess. No one knows the value of that "certain voltage". loll
I thought the opposite, that lithium you could discharge completely and these things would never die.


I used the Battery Tender BTL35A480C and Battery Tender 022-0198LI Green Lithium Junior Battery Charger in my LGT race car. The 480 has plenty of power to start your engine a several times in a row. However don't leave it without the charger more than during the day at the track. I left mine for 4 days once in the garage and the ECU drew it down to zero. Luckily it was undamaged other than I had to hit with a more powerful battery charger, the little battery tender charger wouldn't kick off the charging.

The ECU? It was still on when the engine is off?
The only thing I leave on is my cluster LCD displays (2 values are showing with a very very low brightness that I almost can't even see). Doesn't draw much and I charge it every week. I also have a kill switch which kills everything.


Using the same battery, only 30 miles of driving but many starts, no issues.

Street or race?

[Scargo]

Street or race?
How many GoPros hanging off the car, satellite feed, cool suit pumps, dry sump heater ...?

[Tamra]

Battery is installed!
Andrew fabricated up this battery box and hinge. The battery doesn't move at all and the hinge is easy to operate.
Still need to do the wiring but that won't take long. Tomorrow night we probably won't do much (if anything) since we fly out first thing Saturday to go spend the week with my family.

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/E20D0247-31B2-4627-B7B0-FF05508ECCC3_zps0pnmrwt7.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/E20D0247-31B2-4627-B7B0-FF05508ECCC3_zps0pnmrwt7.jpg.html)

[xxguitarist]

Just for reference, with auto-x, we do have multiple starts in one day, with a pretty short drive between.

Our hope, based on other autox'ers is that this battery will easily make it through the day, and that we can just disconnect it for the weeks between. If not, we have a pretty serious jump box & will swap out for a battery that can. Race cars not starting is no fun, when you need to be pulling up to the line.

"bug" fired up very quickly on the lead acid, so hopefully the same will be true with this battery, so it shortens the cranking time & WH consumed, so there are more starts per charge. We will just limit the AWIC pump time without the car running.

[Tamra]

Sneak preview....

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/E85EDD4D-B172-421E-8A7A-011CA8C8185D_zps5one6q8d.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/E85EDD4D-B172-421E-8A7A-011CA8C8185D_zps5one6q8d.jpg.html)


and....
No looking back now! Go big or go home!
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/4808DA21-0F7D-4D00-BCBD-758F55F778CA_zpsw0sc6dsp.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/4808DA21-0F7D-4D00-BCBD-758F55F778CA_zpsw0sc6dsp.jpg.html)

[ben1272]

wow!

[Hindsight]

Those are huge! Nice work.

[Kurk818]

I take it the flares that you purchased didnt work out too well?

More pics of the flares please :)

[Tamra]

I take it the flares that you purchased didnt work out too well?

More pics of the flares please :)

No, not at all unfortunately. Since the 818 already has flares built in to the body, when you cut the body away for tire clearance, you are essentially removing the built in flare and replacing it with the Ebay flare which isn't any wider. On a Miata, sure, but not the 818.

We will post photos of the entire process when we are done, don't worry! Still lots of work left to get it to a finished product.

[Kurk818]

Thanks for the reply. There is definitely a lot more to deal with on the 818, as far as angles and shapes, than you would find on a typical production car. As you may know, ill be doing a full wide body as well and still have not finalized what it would look like exactly. So many ways of approaching it. The goal being that the final product looks intentional and cohesive.

Nice work tho. Keep up the progress.

[Oppenheimer]

...I had to hit with a more powerful battery charger, the little battery tender charger wouldn't kick off the charging.

A Battery Tender won't engage charging unless it sees a minimum amount of voltage present (this is part of how it doesn't spark if you touch the leads together when its plugged in). If you have a very dead battery, you can trick the Tender to start Tending if you just put some juice across it. A 9V battery will do. Use a bare 9V battery harness. Just hookup Tender to dead batt, then put the leads of the harness across the Tender terminals for a sec, until Tender light shows charging has started (observe polarity!) Then you can remove the 9V battery. You could also use another charger that doesn't have any sensing tech built in to get a Tender going.

I connect alligator leads to the 9V harness, and I also use it to keep radio presets and ECU programming intact if I need to remove battery from DD. Connect the 9V leads to cars batt terminals, remove terminals from car batt, remove car batt. The 9V is enough to keep electronics going, as they typically run off 5v. Obviously this only works a short time, and don't open doors (interior lights!) or do anything that will require real 12V juice, as the 9V won't have enough oomph.

[WRXForward]

Flares look very cool.

[Shawn818c]

I've been following this build for a long time, one of my favorites!

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Way to GO Tamra!!!!

http://sololive.scca.com/L1.html

[Tamra]

Thanks Bob! :)

[Scargo]

Looking at the scores... Aren't you faster than the majority of cars and comparable men's classes? #12 overall? Awesome.
Pax Index Overall

1 SS 78 Patrick Salerno 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 58.696
2 CSP 199 Billy Davis 1999 Mazda Miata 58.985
3 SSR 57 Grant Reeve 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.089
4 KM 33 Larry MacLeod Honda Tonykart 59.218
5 SSR 89 Matthew Braun 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.280
6 AS 27 Mark Daddio 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.303
7 STS 69 Benjamin Wagstaff 1991 Mazda Miata 59.454
8 SS 178 Brian Conners 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 59.503
9 CSP 98 Neal Tovsen 1990 Mazda Miata 59.529
10 B2 157 Scott Giles 1985 Honda CRX Si 59.538
11 STX 192 David Marcus 2013 Scion* FR-S 59.622
12 L1 99 Tamra Hunt 1999 Mazda Miata 59.639

[Tamra]

Looking at the scores... Aren't you faster than the majority of cars and comparable men's classes? #12 overall? Awesome.
Pax Index Overall

1 SS 78 Patrick Salerno 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 58.696
2 CSP 199 Billy Davis 1999 Mazda Miata 58.985
3 SSR 57 Grant Reeve 2003 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.089
4 KM 33 Larry MacLeod Honda Tonykart 59.218
5 SSR 89 Matthew Braun 2004 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.280
6 AS 27 Mark Daddio 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 59.303
7 STS 69 Benjamin Wagstaff 1991 Mazda Miata 59.454
8 SS 178 Brian Conners 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 59.503
9 CSP 98 Neal Tovsen 1990 Mazda Miata 59.529
10 B2 157 Scott Giles 1985 Honda CRX Si 59.538
11 STX 192 David Marcus 2013 Scion* FR-S 59.622
12 L1 99 Tamra Hunt 1999 Mazda Miata 59.639

Yep :) Thanks Glyn

[Hindsight]

Tamra or Andrew - I believe you mentioned an S2000 car cover fit your 818 well. Which brand and type are you using and is it fully waterproof? I'm looking for one that I can take with the car when I go to shows to keep the cabin covered if it starts to rain.

Thanks in advance!

[Tamra]

Tamra or Andrew - I believe you mentioned an S2000 car cover fit your 818 well. Which brand and type are you using and is it fully waterproof? I'm looking for one that I can take with the car when I go to shows to keep the cabin covered if it starts to rain.

Thanks in advance!

It's an OEM S2000 one, and I don't *think* it's waterproof. It does bead up a little so I would call it water resistant.

Also, I'm selling my S2000 in case anyone is looking http://newhaven.craigslist.org/cto/5660475950.html

[Hindsight]

Thanks for the info.

Selling the S2000 huh.... what's next?

[Tamra]

Thanks for the info.

Selling the S2000 huh.... what's next?

I don't know yet! :) Keeping the RX8 and making it DSP trim for autocross though, so I need a new winter car ;p

[Hindsight]

Cool cool - Get a Ford Focus RS ;)

[xxguitarist]

Fender progress has been... slow and intermittent, but it is coming along. We blew out the bearing on the random orbital from shaping all the foam, replacement going in tomorrow, but need to do some tire mounting.

Also, last week I got a toy (yes, me! not Tamra yet)
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13718725_10101958342976914_3490996357564033570_n.j pg?oh=f35c0eac82f45454a24af1e408b9880e&oe=582143EA

It's on trials as a 4 wheeled motorcycle replacement, which is somewhat safer.
I have commuted in it twice now, and It's pretty fun!
It's a locost 7 (book chassis) with a 2003 R1 engine & the incorporated sequential transmission. Whee!

[Hindsight]

You guys have no lack of toys! I admire the passion.

[Frank818]

That is nice! :)

And I won't post my comment about the "toy" and "Tamra".

[AZPete]

Hey, Andrew and Tamra, with no posts for 6 weeks I hope you are okay. Have you shelved your 818 in favor of the new toy?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Hey, Andrew and Tamra, with no posts for 6 weeks I hope you are okay. Have you shelved your 818 in favor of the new toy?

Hey Pete,
I believe they are at autocross nationals in Lincoln Nebraska for the next week.
I hope she reports her results.
Bob

[ben1272]

How go the flares!? Have you had the chance to make any progress? How's the Locost? I have the original Ron Champion plans book and always thought I would build one.....until the 818 showed up!

-Ben

[xxguitarist]

Hi Guys,
Sorry for the disappearance!

We built Tamra's RX8 for DSP, and it is lots of fun!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39kq3EmCa9Q


We did go out to Solo Nats for a week and a half, also fun! Tamra won CSPL in a different CSP car than her normal, following a switch due to the normal car breaking.

My locost7 has been a little fussy (starter issues), so I've been trying to get it back on the road.

Bug the 818 is partially flared, but other things have been taking priority from it.

[Hindsight]

Too many toys, not enough time :) Good to hear things are going well for the both of you. We miss your updates :)

[ben1272]

Tamra looks so calm at the wheel....no death grip, just a casual embrace of the wheel! Telling I think. Nice job!

-Ben

[xxguitarist]

OK, so tonight was actually quite productive.

My 7 has had issues starting (cranking, really) consistently, so I rebuilt the starter, installed it, and it was worse than ever. It turns out that there is an alignment required for the permanent magnets in the case. I pulled it, clocked it properly, tested (good!) installed, and it now cranks enthusiastically.
Just a little FYI for anyone rebuilding a motorsports starter.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/694F8C01-F02B-446C-9AA5-66C327F80178_zps2jjitqmw.jpg

Back to FFR things, I also went ahead and did the smelly messsy fiberglass thing again!
The passenger flare had been nearly shaped for a while, with some bondo sitting on it for a final block sanding pass. I dove in and got that worked through, quite happy with the final contour consistency.
The really rewarding part came next: Gel coat!
It's fantastic to see the fender in white after so much time of yellow & pink. I'll have to give this a light sand and another coat later, but it will cure overnight.
Definitely felt like a milestone though, to have color on the flare.
We still need to trim the inside of the wheel arch, so don't mind the wavy line there.
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/611C18F7-05A1-445F-B487-DD3DFFEFE035_zpsnedi03qh.jpg
http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/9A7956E5-354A-4CBB-8EC7-436DC01A1142_zpskpbytq3x.jpg

[Canadian818]

Looks great! Building flares from scrap intimates me too much, I think I'd pull my hair out trying to get it even.

[xxguitarist]

Looks great! Building flares from scrap intimates me too much, I think I'd pull my hair out trying to get it even.

Sounds about right ;)
We're past the "get it even" point, and more to the "get it smooth" and make it real points.

[Frank818]

Wow, I want that!

[xxguitarist]

Last night I fiberglassed the driver side fender with another 2 layers and then painted on another layer of gelcoat on the passenger side.

Tonight I did two rounds of bondo on the driver side, and a bit of block sanding on the passenger side.

Things are definitely starting to come together with the solid hours I've been able to put in. Once the fenders reach a close-enough point, I want to get the car back on wheels and roll it outside to get a look at it from more than 2' away!

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/8BD2D9B6-6DB6-41CA-B966-D03A7917CCFB_zpsq98y2meh.jpg

[ben1272]

Looks good. I agree on seeing it from more than 2'!

[Tamra]

I know it's been a long time coming with race season keeping us busy.... but here you go. First 818 to my knowledge with flares. Currently pictured with 315's on 18x11's out back (25 offset). Required moving the suspension inboard and the body outward (wanted to keep the car as narrow as possible).

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/Bug%20flares_zpsu64jvhls.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/Bug%20flares_zpsu64jvhls.jpg.html)

[ben1272]

Well, are you pleased with the flares? I think they look pretty good!

[Canadian818]

Looking good! Definitely need to post a rear strait on shot.

[turbomacncheese]

very nice

[Tamra]

Thanks guys, we are very pleased. Still some cosmetic work to do. Trim the inner edge, clean up some gel coat spots. obviously finish the wrap job. But, they're functional!

Here are a few more photos:

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/Bug%20flares%203_zpsu484zd68.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/Bug%20flares%203_zpsu484zd68.jpg.html)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/Bug%20glares%202_zps2txosove.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/Bug%20glares%202_zps2txosove.jpg.html)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Build/Bug%20flares%204_zps8xdidlfo.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Build/Bug%20flares%204_zps8xdidlfo.jpg.html)

[Hindsight]

Nice work! Good to see you two are still at it.

[Pearldrummer7]

Looks awesome guys! I'd love to do the same(without moving suspension inboard). They look awesome and you are fitting some serious tire under there!

[Frank818]

Can we see pix of the suspension changes? :)

[Mitch Wright]

Thumbing through the latest SportsCar Tamra is smiling back at me on page 18, along with a nice story.

[ben1272]

Excuse me, but do these make my butt look big?.....yes!

Nice work. I have been wondering where you went! I hope you make it to the open house at FFR this year. Would love to meet you and see Bug in person.

[Tamra]

Thumbing through the latest SportsCar Tamra is smiling back at me on page 18, along with a nice story.

Thanks :)


Excuse me, but do these make my butt look big?.....yes!

Nice work. I have been wondering where you went! I hope you make it to the open house at FFR this year. Would love to meet you and see Bug in person.

What's the date of the open house this year? The past two years it conflicted with national events. Hopefully we can make it to this one!

Also, sorry for the lack of updates. We've had some exciting stuff happen. First.... Andrew put a ring on it! :)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/ring_zpsxm8xdw2m.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/ring_zpsxm8xdw2m.jpg.html)

The next exciting news is that we bought our first home together! It's a cosmetic fixer so we've been putting 100% effort into getting the renovations mostly complete in <30 days... because we have to be out of our rental at the end of the month! The garage is 1000sq ft and heated. We are putting a fresh coat of paint on the interior and should start moving the cars/garage items this weekend :)

http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/21%20burt%20purchase_zpstg6cmnel.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/21%20burt%20purchase_zpstg6cmnel.jpg.html)

[Shawn818c]

congrats on the engagement and the house!!

[1932]

Happy for Both -- very good! I am working on a 33 but always check in to your build and racing.

[Hindsight]

Wow that's awesome congratulations!!!!!

[Frank818]

Congrats on the garage!!!



Oh and the ring too. lolll

[AZPete]

Congrats on the ring, the house and the BIG garage! You have an obligation to keep posting because a lot of us are addicted to your adventures.

[flynntuna]

Congrats Tamra...About time Andrew. Maybe you can convince my son to pop the question. He and his girlfriend have been together for more than 9 years.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Congrats Tamra...About time Andrew. Maybe you can convince my son to pop the question. He and his girlfriend have been together for more than 9 years.
Don't screw up a good relationship by getting married.

[RM1SepEx]

Don't screw up a good relationship by getting married.

Ouch... But I do understand

Congrats on moving forward, nice looking place.

[Mitch Wright]

Congrats you two, exciting times for sure. Like you guys we just bought a shop with a house attached.

[xxguitarist]

Thanks for all the congrats, guys!
The house is coming along, and Bug is in his new, freshly painted home!

https://scontent.fbed1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/16831212_1348600838531631_1082526037697344443_n.jp g?oh=efbf1c4d5edf9d727daee95224e5867b&oe=59411898

[Canadian818]

So jealous of that space! Wow!

[flynntuna]

That is a very nice space, room for cars , a shop, lots of options. You may want to check out this forum...http://www.garagejournal.com/

[305mouse]

The work it'll be to epoxy coat that floor, but it would be so worth it.

[ben1272]

Yay!

Congrats! Wonderful news! Yours strikes me as the kind of relationship that gets stronger with time, so marriage will suit you well me thinks!

Nice garage too.....<drool><wipe>

[wleehendrick]

Congrats on the engagement and new home! The garage looks as big as house... I like that. :cool:

Paint looks great, and I agree that an epoxy floor would really really finish the space off; we put one in last summer (in our small 2-car, about half that size). Thought about doing myself, but we noticed a house down having one put in that came out nice, so we got a quote and it was very reasonable ($1300, done in a weekend). There was a ratty industrial carpet in the garage when we bought the place, so they ground down the old adhesive to fresh concrete before patching and epoxying. It came out great, and for that price, I'm so glad I paid someone else to do it.

Lots of lighting in there, but I always worry about hitting exposed tubes like that... Something you might consider: Last weekend I replaced all our overhead garage florescent lights with 4' LED fixtures (Lithonia Lighting, $45 each from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PDHX6EM)). Instant on, great light, no flicker, and never have to change tubes or ballasts. They're nothing fancy (wouldn't put them inside the home) but I'd definitely recommend them to anyone for an affordable garage lighting update.

Have fun with the renovations, but watch out... My build has slowed to a crawl as work and home projects take priority; my mantra has become "If you want to finish a car project, don't buy a house".

[FFRSpec72]

Very very nice on both fronts !

[Mitch Wright]

This is what I am doing with my new shop/home (should be moving in the next 45 days) http://racedeck.com/racedeck-products/ works great in my shop in Colorado and Utah homes. My experience has been bad trying to repaint(epoxy) well used once painted floor. Another nice option.

[Tamra]

Thanks for all of the comments, guys!

We are interested in doing the floors at some point, but for now, they are already dirty concrete so they will require a significant amount of prep when we go to do something (leaning toward the tiles mentioned). With the other renovations, and significant electrical updates that we are making to the house (paying licensed electricians for it so $$$), the floors (which will run us over $2k) will have to wait. We built our 818 in a 10'x19' garage, so no matter how you look at it, this garage is a huge upgrade :)

The lighting is in a similar boat. For now we have tons of 8' ballast lights, but we would like to eventually convert to LED.

At least we have a huge, well lit, heated garage - we are excited about that!!!

[Mitch Wright]

Feel your pain on the upgrades, the home we are buying was built in 1949. One of the first things before we move in is updating electric panel and wiring plus add 50 amp service to the shop.
BTW congrats again on the house, garage and engagement.

[Wayne Presley]

Thanks for all of the comments, guys!



The lighting is in a similar boat. For now we have tons of 8' ballast lights, but we would like to eventually convert to LED.



I just did that to my shop, kept the fixtures and replaced the bulbs with 8" LED tubes with the ballasts removed. More light, less energy used and work even when cold.

[Tamra]

Feel your pain on the upgrades, the home we are buying was built in 1949. One of the first things before we move in is updating electric panel and wiring plus add 50 amp service to the shop.
BTW congrats again on the house, garage and engagement.

Thanks!

This house already had a 50amp panel in the garage, but the power wire running to the garage was only rated for 35amp... not good. We are in process of getting the fix quoted, including possibly upgrading to 100amp in the garage. The house panel was 100amp and maxed out, including some quadruple tapped spots, and in general the house had a lot of other sketchy diy wiring. The house is getting upgraded to 200amp, tons of can lights put in, and all of the safety issues brought up to code.

We knew the house had electrical issues going into the purchase at least (although didn't know the extent), but at least the rest of the house was still in pretty original 1960's condition (including pink tub, toilet, and vanity!!) and hadn't been futzed with. We are now doing a whole house remodel ... nothing crazy, but we did get a wall removed to open up the living/dining/kitchen, carpet ripped out and hw floors refinished, new vanity, toilet, sink, and getting the tub refinished in white, painted the kitchen cabinets, new countertops/backsplash and appliances, lots of paint everywhere, and various other things. We are DIYing almost everything that doesn't require a permit. We will post some before and after pictures when we are done!

Good luck with your new home too!

[FFRSpec72]

Thumbing through the latest SportsCar Tamra is smiling back at me on page 18, along with a nice story.

Yes, I just finished going through the article, congrats, well done.

[1932]

In the middle of all the work , do not forget to have FUN doing it!
All the best- Tom

[aquillen]

Nice ring - nice couple - nice thread. Love that you both are 'drivers' and do this together. Enjoyed every bit of your story so far. Keep it up.

Ah - home ownership. Between the 44 cars we've gone through so far since 1974, we've owned (mortgaged) 11 homes. 2 were built in the late 1800's. One had fire damage, another massive smoker damage, current one water damage. All were fixer-uppers except one - new construction condo. Liked the condo the least looking back. But we love fixing, modifying, changing things. That's what made the 818 kit a must. Enjoy everything you do or find something else to do. You only live once.

[xxguitarist]

Our Enkei PF01 wheels & tires are up for sale, so that we can fill the rear flares with a new street setup.
Details here:
http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?24277-17x8-45-Enkei-PF01-5x100-with-Dunlop-Z2-*spec-215-40-17-amp-255-40-17-818-fitment&p=277395#post277395

[Hindsight]

Hey Stranger :)

[xxguitarist]

Hey Stranger :)

House is coming along, RX8 did awesome at the last event, and doesn't need a ton more work... so now I'm itching to get the 818 back out on the road! :D

Here's me being a little over-enthusiastic in the RX8 this past weekend. Fun course! Tamra beat me as usual :rolleyes:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9QMuYZJ0J4

[Hindsight]

Glad to hear you are back at it and doing well. I hear you about the house work.... I have to try to put the 818 aside a bit to focus on a kitchen remodel. I've been saying that for about 9 months now though......

Great video, by the way! Please do keep us posted on your progress. Miss seeing updates from you and Tamra.

[ben1272]

yeah, I second the 'miss seeing updates from you and Tamra' comment!

[xxguitarist]

We got Bug's new wheel setup on (315/18 rear, 245/15 front, both Rival S), got some more work done on the body, and installed the passenger seat. The matching one is in the RX8 as the driver's seat. Oh well!
We took him out for a short evening drive around town. The lack of windscreen is noticeable! Going to need to make something for that.
We are intending to be at Wicked Big Meet with EFI Logics in a week. We mostly need to do wrap work between now and then.

https://scontent.fbed1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19059684_1472369126154801_4546299165946546155_n.jp g?oh=8d2a5e3f97713ba9fda5dfe8f73a4bc1&oe=599D776F

[Scargo]

Looks great with the big shoes. Will it get Auto-X'd at all? I was wondering about aero. It looks naked. Beautiful but naked.
PS: thanks to youze guys I was pulling 1.35-1.45 G's at Palmer. Not bad for a big-butted hatch?

[ben1272]

Hey! An update! Glad to see it and glad Bug is still breathing.....now looking forward to your race results. Hope all is well with you both!

-Ben

[brian b 36]

Looks really nice I will see you two next week I will be at wbm with my car in the ecs booth

[xxguitarist]

Ben,
Race results this week are the SCCA devens champ tour.. Tamra was in a CM car, I took home 2nd in the RX8 in SSM (moved up classes to get tires), and we picked up a surprise SM codriver/friend for day 2 (who won), and our intended codriver was in SM and won against some serious $ and prep STI/EVOs. Full set of tires for us between all drivers from the weekend!

Video to come.


Brian, See you next weekend!

[RM1SepEx]

Nice job at Devins you two!

[Tamra]

We went to WBM this weekend with EFI Logics. The event had a great turnout, tons of cool cars, and a total of three 818's representing. Bug got a lot of attention and many people thought the flares were part of the kit not DIY - that's a complement to our (mostly Andrew's) body work skills!

Couldn't see the car most of the day: http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/BUG%20WBM_zpscjkdpha3.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/BUG%20WBM_zpscjkdpha3.jpg.html)

Closer up view of the flares/wrap the morning before we left. These flares fit 18x11 and up to a 335 tire size:http://i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag408/wrx818/Bug%20Flares_zpsdj8tvf9c.jpg (http://s1374.photobucket.com/user/wrx818/media/Bug%20Flares_zpsdj8tvf9c.jpg.html)

We hope to get the 818 out racing again this month now that the body work is done enough, for now :)

Once again, can't say enough good things about EFI. It's awesome that they not only do tuning and mechanical work, but the entire team actually races (mostly Spec Miata) so it gives them all a true appreciation for people who really want to drive their cars. They are just outside of Danbury, CT.

[Tamra]

First autocross in the car in WAY too long. 315's in the rear, 275's up front. Took 10th raw out of 150 drivers, and if I wouldn't have coned this run I would have been 4th overall. Still need to dial in the setup but OMG this car goes in a straight line. Took passengers every run - greatest part was hearing the giggles and some small screams :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rrlxmNDoCA&

[Tamra]

Been awhile since our last post. We made some minor improvements to the car this year, the primary of which was a custom bump steer kit. The car drives so much better on the street now, and the front end also felt significantly better at our autox yesterday.

Ended up fastest raw time at NNJR SCCA by almost 8 tenths of a second (FTD!!). The car was an absolute riot to drive! We were on some pretty old front tires, so we are going to pick up some fresh ones (hopefully) before the event we are planning on next weekend. Hoping to get the car out at a bunch of events this fall now that we are done campaigning the RX8 for the season.


https://youtu.be/dFb0X9shV2E

[1932]

Thank you for the update, and please post when you can!

[Mitch Wright]

Fun and the car looks great BTW

[turbomacncheese]

hahahahahahahha, I had to check my youtube player speed. The way it looks when you accelerate is the same way it looks when I play other videos at 1.5 speed. Great job!!

[Rob T]

That was amazing. I used to autocross another car, but it looked nothing like that. Very impressive.

[Frank818]

Awesome as always! :)


the primary of which was a custom bump steer kit.

Front or rear?
If rear, can you share? I haven't seen any custom rear kit or maybe none are required, I don't know.

[Wayne Presley]

Rear is adjusted with the upper trailing arm...

[Mitch Wright]

Nice Q & A with Tamra about her first track day.
https://www.mazdamotorsports.com/2018/11/01/how-an-autocrosser-prepared-for-a-road-course/

[Sgt.Gator]

Tamra, Is that your car I see for sale on Facebook 818 Owners? Wow!

[Tamra]

Tamra, Is that your car I see for sale on Facebook 818 Owners? Wow!

Yes it is. I also posted it for sale here on the forums

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?32853-FFR-818-297-Street-Legal-SCCA-Autox-Race-Car-Wide-Body-Twin-Scroll-Turbo-setup