Did everyone lose interest in the 818????

[Doug from Jersey]

Is anyone really interested in the 818? Every time I go onto the forms there is always 15 to 30 people viewing the Roadster forum bit I never see anyone Viewing the 818 forum, so I am thinking everyone lost interest in the 818 because in several state it can’t be registered? (Kit car must be a replica of something) I wanted to build an 818 but think I should change to the Roadster. Anyway I must sell my Shay (1979 replica of a 1929 ModelA) first I need the room in my garage so I have time decide. I would love to talk to someone who registered a 818 in NJ or Fl.
thanks
Doug from Jersey:confused:

[redfogo]

Car can be registered as a kit car or a assembled car in most any state. You might run into smog issues in some states, but there are lots of guys running ODB2 and SMOG legal cars. Based on what I heard when I got my kit from Stewart is a lot of the young guys are getting the 818s.

However since I'm 24 years old and know my age range a lot of them just aren't into using forums or posting so I think one issue is a lot of 818 owners just don't post or use the forums. That seems to be an issue with a lot of forums today is the younger crowd is more driven to posting on Facebook and things like that. The problem is those posts are not cataloged and for something like the 818 its needed!

Lots of interest in the 818 though!

[Tamra]

That setting must not be turned on for the 818 forum or something. I just opened a build thread and it shows 4 people viewing it, but on the regular home tab it doesn't list if someone is viewing the 818 forum or not. You can see from all of the threads on this forum that it's a very active forum with plenty of people posting.

You should build whichever car you prefer :)

Also, we didn't have any problems registering our 818 in CT, and I think I've seen some others in NJ (but can't remember who they are right now). I've heard Florida is really easy. It can be done, you just have to check off all the boxes and follow your state's rules, same as with the roadster.

[David Hodgkins]

If you are looking at the forum list page the number of folks in the 818 section doesn't show because there is no "818 forum". There is an actual Roadster forum but with the 818 the top level is a category, not a forum. When we were just starting the forums there was a request to sub-divide the 818 forum into a bunch of sub-category forums. In contrast to that, the Roadster forum only has the Roadster forum itself and a single sub-forum of build threads.

That's a long-winded way of saying that the forum page doesn't pick up the number of people viewing the 818 because it's a category, not a forum.

HTH,

:)

EDIT PS: Welcome to the forum!

[flynntuna]

Thanks Dave I've always wondered why there wasn't a number, though on the bottom of the thread pg it shows how many are viewing the thread.

I'd guess that less than 10% of 818 owners post to the forum. My friend just finished his mk4 roadster build and never posted to any of the forums.

[Mechie3]

As a vendor, I've gotten emails from people and sold parts to people that never show up on the forums. Occasionally a fully completed 818 pops up that no one knew about. I know of 2 other 818's just minutes from my house, but neither has a build thread, though both have infrequently posted.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Look at the "Recent threads" displayed on the front page. At this minute there are 25 818 topics, 7 roadster related, 3 for the GTM and 2 each for the Coupe and Hot Rod. I'd say that's anything but losing interest!

Jeff

[Hindsight]

I also see a number of 818 folks on Instagram. I recognize maybe one or two of them from here, but the rest don't post here at all.

[AZPete]

It appears that sales of the 818 are growing at a good rate since Factory Five is shipping kits numbered over 400. The sales figures tell more about interest than forum views.

[svanlare]

I know of 2 other 818s in my area, but neither is on the forum. I'm here because I was always going to keep a record somewhere and I REALLY like having folks looking over my shoulder and providing advice. Wouldn't have made it this far otherwise.

I am happy the 818 sub-forum is more about builds these days, and looking forward to more stories about running ones.

[Doug from Jersey]

Thanks to everyone who posted, and explaining how this form works. It is good to know that the item I am interested in is very popular. I live in New Jersey but have a house in Florida and would register in the state that is easer.
Thanks again
Doug from Jersey

[insurance guy]

I live in Belmar
818s is almost complete
I will register it in nj

[Loring]

I just finished with my donor and will have my 818c show up next week. Also in FL.

[metros]

I think winter impacts builders pretty significantly as we don't want to work in the cold.

[redfogo]

I think winter impacts builders pretty significantly as we don't want to work in the cold.

Nebraska guy here I worked all winter negative degrees, throw on the propane heater and put on your jacket :D. I found so long as your moving and working you stay nice and warm haha.

[myjones]

has everyone lost interest in the 818 because in several state it can’t be registered? (Kit car must be a replica of something)Doug from Jersey:confused:
Doug
You are confusing owner built with the new turnkey legislation. IIRC the (turnkey) cars must be a replica is from the new federal law where Factory Five can build up to 500 a year turnkey cars to sell but those must be a replica of something. That rule does not apply to kits.
Welcome to the forum

[Pearldrummer7]

I mean, I like the 818.

[lance corsi]

I'm not posting regularly for two main reasons: first reason is that I'm not that good with a puter. Second reason is that I'm doing my own thing my own way and I don't need anyone trying to tell me how to build my car. I usually only post after the task is completed.
I've read a good number of build threads and I think I understand where most problems occur. I like to problem solve without intervention. Of course, nobody is interested until someone comes up with a solution that works, and if I posted prematurely, I'm sure I could make an *** of myself! But I read the forum regularly to see if anyone else has come up with the same solution as I have.

[Innkeepr]

I am in the same boat as Lance, I post when I have a specific question after reading threads for hours.

Did anyone think FFR was gearing this car towards the younger crowd ? My soon to graduate high school son is into imports, as are his friends.
I was shocked when he came home and said "so and so wants to build a FFR - not the Cobra/33/GTM- the 818"

There is a lot of interest in these cars, the number of vendors has grown at an amazing pace. My wife regrets the day my kit arrives ( as I have a list of aftermarket parts 2 pages long ! )

[wleehendrick]

Did anyone think FFR was gearing this car towards the younger crowd ? My soon to graduate high school son is into imports, as are his friends.
I was shocked when he came home and said "so and so wants to build a FFR - not the Cobra/33/GTM- the 818"

Absolutely; attracting a younger crowd was the precise purpose of the 818! Dave Smith has stated that from the very beginning. Besides the simple logistics of the Subie platform adapting easily to MR config, it is one of the reasons it uses an import as a donor. The V8 powered existing models appeal primarily to an older demographic (Baby Boomers), but Dave realized he needs to start bringing younger builders into the FFR fold to grow the brand. I personally am Gen X, and I get the impression a lot of builders are around my age (where one is more likely to have the resources). I think the 818 appeals greatly to an even younger (F&F) crowd, and there a probably a quite a few builders who technically fall into the Millennial generation.

[redfogo]

Absolutely; attracting a younger crowd was the precise purpose of the 818! Dave Smith has stated that from the very beginning. Besides the simple logistics of the Subie platform adapting easily to MR config, it is one of the reasons it uses an import as a donor. The V8 powered existing models appeal primarily to an older demographic (Baby Boomers), but Dave realized he needs to start bringing younger builders into the FFR fold to grow the brand. I personally am Gen X, and I get the impression a lot of builders are around my age (where one is more likely to have the resources). I think the 818 appeals greatly to an even younger (F&F) crowd, and there a probably a quite a few builders who technically fall into the Millennial generation.

I'm thankful that at least one company is trying to give us younger guys a chance to give them our money. People always say we don't spend money or don't have any money to spend. For me I always feel like no one has anything to offer that I want to buy. Outside of a Ferrari but I can't afford that one... I enjoy my 818c build its been a lot of fun! A few frustrations, but still 100% worth it. Far better then buying a new built car after I had graduated college.

[Innkeepr]

Besides the simple logistics of the Subie platform adapting easily to MR config, it is one of the reasons it uses an import as a donor. The V8 powered existing models appeal primarily to an older demographic (Baby Boomers), but Dave realized he needs to start bringing younger builders into the FFR fold to grow the brand. I personally am Gen X, and I get the impression a lot of builders are around my age (where one is more likely to have the resources)

Again - same boat ! as a Gen-Xer it seems we are now where our parents were in the 80s. My MK II is in pieces as I have a big list of upgrades. I am saving for the 818C, picking up things as I find them ( ej 207, 5sp trans, brakes, gauge cluster ).
I am amazed at the input from builders here. Every time I see Craig ( and others ) offer something new, I have to remind myself that these guys are younger and much more talented than I !

[NevaLift2Shift]

I'm in the same boat as most of these guys. I have found all of the answers that I could of asked in a thread. I'm a part of the google generation, where we would rather search for an hour for an answer, instead of posting a question and waiting a few days for an answer. I'll post a few pictures to Instagram or Facebook to friends, but no real interest in starting a forum thread, even though I grew up on forums. I'm also an IT person, so coming home to get on the computer is that last thing I want to do.

[Mechie3]

I'm an older gen Y (millennial), born in 83, though I would say I hardly fit into the stereotypical mold of the often poorly thought of whiny generation. This car certainly does appeal to a younger age, which is good. I think the roadsters and GTM are cool, but they aren't the cars I grew up with (cobra and gt-40). Those were my parents cars, so to say. I grew up in the import age and liked Supras, WRX's, RX7's, and exotic cars as dream cars, not so much american muscle. I never would have considered doing a roadster or GTM.

[Flamshackle]

I'm an older gen Y (millennial), born in 83, though I would say I hardly fit into the stereotypical mold of the often poorly thought of whiny generation. This car certainly does appeal to a younger age, which is good. I think the roadsters and GTM are cool, but they aren't the cars I grew up with (cobra and gt-40). Those were my parents cars, so to say. I grew up in the import age and liked Supras, WRX's, RX7's, and exotic cars as dream cars, not so much american muscle. I never would have considered doing a roadster or GTM.

Same... But the GTM has always tempted me

[Zach34]

I usually browse by just hitting the "latest posts" link at the top. There are some days when it seems the 818 forums account for almost half of all the forum activity. I think there's quite a bit of interest, but it's a much different crowd than the Cobra guys.

[TX-Lou]

We just got our 818C kit in this month and I've been swamped. Haven't been on as much lately.

- Lou

[skullandbones]

Doug,

The development of the 818 is probably similar to the way the roadster grew. The roadster however had the advantage of an iconic design and race history. The 818 will however grow on it's own because of many factors like entry level cost, engine platform, modern design, etc. None the less it will ramp up and eventually pass the roadster in production some day. As far as interest on the forum, I have been following it from the beginning with great interest. Even if I never build one, I still want to know as much about them as I can based on what is published on the forum. I learn stuff all the time from reading 818 related threads. Some of it is even transferrable to other applications. I don't particularly fit into the roadster or Cobra crowd. Most of the guys I know build their roadster or buy it and morph into a car show participant. I participate in some of the cruises and an occasional parking lot get to gather but it is for the most part boring. So I work on my car changing and tinkering on it ad infinitum. Sometimes when I come on the forum, I feel like it is dominated by the 818 subject matter. The categorization of who likes what and what age is likely to do that is much more complicated than just age, socio-economic level as a person's tastes changes as he or she goes along. So the numbers might not reflect it but there are a lot of people lurking around the 818 based treads that you would never guess were. That's what makes this forum so interesting, IMHO.

WEK.

[Mitch Wright]

I am a boomer and was drawn to the 818 due to the fact that it fit the bill of a light weight track car I had been planning in my head for years.

[lance corsi]

I am a boomer and was drawn to the 818 due to the fact that it fit the bill of a light weight track car I had been planning in my head for years.

Thanks Mitch, I'm a boomer too. There for a minute, i was thinking there was something wrong with me because I liked the car too! My ideas concerning cars have slowly changed over the years. For the past 5 years, I've grown to believe that less is more, and this car embodies most of what I want in a car.
With that said, I've run into a bit of a snag. Until recently, I was unaware of the difficulty of getting into or out of the car. I suggest to anyone else to check this out closely. With such a small cockpit interior, as well as a very low vehicle, it is very difficult to enter or exit the vehicle. Add to that the diminutive diamond shaped door opening, and this car difficult at best to enter or exit for anyone, much less a 60+ yr old. But I'm going to get used to it or else. I like the car regardless.

[ben1272]

The 818 for me satisfies on a level that is difficult, maybe even prohibitive, to reach with production sports cars. With other sports cars I have owned, they have been fun to drive but I did not feel connected to the car in the same way as with the 818. Having seen it develop from a contest to a prototype to the production releases, and now building one. I have a perspective on this car that I dont think I could ever match with any other car except maybe the GTM (which for me is cost prohibitive). I know FFR is going to continue to grow and groom this car into a powerhouse. I am pretty sure it will end up on the xbox and playstation. You can see it in the detail and care that is going into the continued development......that says nothing about all of the shared developments that builders design, build, test and share...even produce sometimes.

This is a great experience and one that I dont think can be matched in the car enthusiast hobby. Thanks Factory Five and all you other builders!

[wleehendrick]

With that said, I've run into a bit of a snag. Until recently, I was unaware of the difficulty of getting into or out of the car. I suggest to anyone else to check this out closely. With such a small cockpit interior, as well as a very low vehicle, it is very difficult to enter or exit the vehicle. Add to that the diminutive diamond shaped door opening, and this car difficult at best to enter or exit for anyone, much less a 60+ yr old. But I'm going to get used to it or else. I like the car regardless.

Without a roof, it's not too tough... you can step in and then lower yourself down like a go-cart. However, a soft-top or coupe does pose additional flexibility issues. At the 2014 Huntington Beach Cruise-In, I had no problems getting into and out of the red 818 with the soft-top installed, but did see a lot of older/heavier guys struggle quite a bit. A beer belly, or back/knee issues can make it tough. The Lotus Elise has the similar obstructions. Here's a video describing one technique:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8aJkf-VXio

There are plenty of funny fails on YouTube as well. (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=getting+into+lotus+elise)

[suttonb3]

My 818 is registered and on the road in Florida. I don't know what the process of getting it titled in NJ is like, but considering they won't even let you pump your own fuel at the gas station I'm willing to bet it's easier in Florida. I went in for my appointment all worked up. I knew I was going to have to show everything was in working order- but I was wrong. I showed proof of insurance, let them run the number on the engine block to make sure it wasn't stolen, paid my taxes and I was on my way with a brand new license plate hanging off the back. I was absolutely amazed by how easy it was. Feel free to contact me and I'll help in any way I can. Good luck with the build!!

Ben

[insurance guy]

Nj registration is a real pain. You need to submit Manuel, completed pictures inside and out. All receipts and go to a special inspection where they go over auto for all safety issues. After that it's to the regular inspection station for emissions testing.
No loose wires, no leaks, wipers, lights, reflectors etc.
And collect nj sales tax on everything.
They do not return anything

[Loring]

The Lotus Elise has the similar obstructions. Here's a video describing one technique:

Lotus ELIZZZZzzzzze


My 818 is registered and on the road in Florida. I don't know what the process of getting it titled in NJ is like, but considering they won't even let you pump your own fuel at the gas station I'm willing to bet it's easier in Florida. I went in for my appointment all worked up. I knew I was going to have to show everything was in working order- but I was wrong. I showed proof of insurance, let them run the number on the engine block to make sure it wasn't stolen, paid my taxes and I was on my way with a brand new license plate hanging off the back. I was absolutely amazed by how easy it was. Feel free to contact me and I'll help in any way I can. Good luck with the build!!

Ben

That was at the Tampa office near 275? I may have to pick your brain when I get closer to completion.

[suttonb3]

Lotus ELIZZZZzzzzze



That was at the Tampa office near 275? I may have to pick your brain when I get closer to completion.

It was the Tampa office on Hillsborough closer to I75 (I think the complex is called Net Park). My understanding is that's the only one in the area that does what we need to get our cars on the road. The staff there were fantastic, very friendly and even helped me with some of the paperwork. Well, they treated me well. I definitely saw that "DMV attitude" come out with patrons that weren't respectful. I assume you're in Tampa bay? We need to meet up! PM me and let's set something up.

Ben

[Kooldaddy]

Doug,
If you want the whole ins and outs get the back issues of Grassroots Motorsports from last year. They include the build (not done here, but in another shop), blowing up the used motor that came in the donor car and the ensuing rebuild. I rode in it and was going to drive it but it started misting and didn't push to ask. It's very quick! I am waiting to sell my 2000 Jaguar XKR Convertable that's in for a front respray and then sold! Then a 1970-73 Ford Bronco rebuild. Got all the tins and it has 73 Ford 4x4 running gear, including beefed C-4, PS, PB DISCSX4.and a dual triangulated rear end.
Then an 818 Coupe with a 2.3 ecoboost maybe the 3.2V-6 if it will fit. I learned a lot from the GRM BUILD. Buy the back issues or call them. They are around the corner from me in Daytona
Wayne, aka Kooldaddy

[Kooldaddy]

To get in I would suggest the Lotus Europa S2 Method.
Right foot in hand on roof left foot in left hand on door. Slide in. Still works for me and I'm 65, with 10 past knee operations (raced motorcycles) and need hips replaced.
I highly suggest a steering wheel quick attach and remove kit too. Once you are seated klick it on. It's definitely way easier!

[Mitch Wright]

Lance, you are looking at this as an opportunity to increcese your flexibility lol, yoga???

[lance corsi]

Yea, I've been looking at this all wrong! Think how limber I'll get!
An extra 3" of wheelbase would fix a lot of issues.

[Mitch Wright]

Part of the enjoyment of owning a car like a 818 or lotus is the lack of compromise ;-)

Seriously will a removable steering wheel help getting in and out of the coupe?

[flynntuna]

Part of the enjoyment of owning a car like a 818 or lotus is the lack of compromise ;-)

Seriously will a removable steering wheel help getting in and out of the coupe?

Exactly, the 818 is a performance oriented car. Any creature comforts are a compromise ;)

Having a removable steering wheel I'd imagine would help if the side bolsters on the seats are in the way of you squeezing in. :rolleyes:

[Mechie3]

I'm going with a removable wheel on my S. I can get in with it there, but I have some serious side bolters and not having it means not trying to get in the car while floating in a seated position.

[tgf05354]

To get in I would suggest the Lotus Europa S2 Method.
Right foot in hand on roof left foot in left hand on door. Slide in. Still works for me and I'm 65, with 10 past knee operations (raced motorcycles) and need hips replaced.
I highly suggest a steering wheel quick attach and remove kit too. Once you are seated klick it on. It's definitely way easier!

Ha! I'm selling my Europa so that I can buy an 818. I love the way the coupe looks, but I went down to FFR and found its harder to get in and out of than the Europa due to the frame rail that goes across by the bottom of the door. I'm going to order the "s" instead and get the soft top for long trips when weather predictions are more iffy.

[FFRSpec72]

I'm going with a removable wheel on my S. I can get in with it there, but I have some serious side bolters and not having it means not trying to get in the car while floating in a seated position.

In my R I'm going with a fixed wheel and a removable R

[wleehendrick]

Having a removable steering wheel I'd imagine would help if the side bolsters on the seats are in the way of you squeezing in. :rolleyes:

I adjusted my steering column position so that it's comfortable to drive near the lowest of the tilt column's range of motion. Raising it all the way up is not ergonomic with my seat position, but does allow some extra thigh clearance for ingress/egress with large bolsters. I don't find it necessary, but it does make it a bit easier, depending on how you enter the car. Just a thought for those that don't want to install a release hub, but might need a little extra clearance; a flat bottomed wheel could help as well.