Let's all meet at the track!

[Hobby Racer]

Ever wanted to run your Factory Five car on a famous and challenging race track? Ever wanted to meet some of the people you talk with on this forum in real life? Well, here is your chance.

Mitch Wright, General Manager at the National Corvette Museum Track, active forum member, and former 818R owner, is allowing us to “tag a long” on an HPDE they are running at Virginia International Raceway (https://virnow.com/). When you register through this link NCM HPDE at VIR (https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/ncm-hpde-at-vir-virginia-international-raceway-motorsports-park-342285) and use the discount code 818CLUB at checkout you will get an extra 20% off the normal event price. There will be 4 run groups: novice with instructor, solo novice, intermediate and advanced.

Cost after the special discount is $460 w/instructor and $440 w/o instructor for both days of racing and fun. Space is limited, so sign up early to guarantee your spot.

Bring your Factory Five creation and run with like minded people at VIR on 6/28/2021 & 6/29/2021.

139485

Subscribe to this thread as we will be updating it with new information when available, answer any questions, and track people interested in participating!

[Hobby Racer]

Q: Where is the event being held?
A: Virginia International Raceway (https://virnow.com/) the Full Course (3.27 miles).

Q: When is the event?
A: June 28th & 29th 2021

Q: How much does it cost?
A: $460 w/instructor and $440 w/o instructor for both days.

Q: How do I sign up?
A: Sign up here NCM HPDE at VIR (https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/ncm-hpde-at-vir-virginia-international-raceway-motorsports-park-342285)

Q: What discount code do I use at checkout?
A: 818CLUB

Q: Can I bring an 818S
A: Yes, so long as your helmet is below the height of the roll bar.

Q: I run in the solo/open track groups at other HPDE events, what run group should I sign up for here?
A: If you have been signed off as a solo driver in other HPDE events, I would recommend signing up for the Orange solo group so you can be on track with other 818 cars.

Q: Can I have an in car instructor?
A: Yes, just sign up for one of the groups that included in car instruction.

[Hobby Racer]

Hobby Racer Registered 818R
mikeb75 Registered 818C
Rob T Registered 818R
biknman Can't make it 818R
jforand Registered 818R
taco20 Registered 818S

[taco20]

Hey I am in for sure. Should have the car back together before then.

What club will we be running with?
Will we only be running with other 818s or the other cars in our run group?
Is there going to be an issue in tech with 818S roll bars being so low? I have had issues with other clubs and some of the VIR tech inspectors are very picky with the rules?
Will instructors be other 818 owners or just the general instructors from the club?

Thanks in advance for putting on the event. I have been wanting to run with other 818s for years now.

[Mark Eaton]

Damn, I'm on the wrong coast

[Logan]

Open to Daytona Coupes, or just the 818?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I'm In

[Hobby Racer]

Open to Daytona Coupes, or just the 818?

With limited space we are going to see if there is enough interest from the 818 builders first and then open it up to the larger FFR family, space permitting.

[Hobby Racer]

Hey I am in for sure. Should have the car back together before then.

What club will we be running with?
Will we only be running with other 818s or the other cars in our run group?
Is there going to be an issue in tech with 818S roll bars being so low? I have had issues with other clubs and some of the VIR tech inspectors are very picky with the rules?
Will instructors be other 818 owners or just the general instructors from the club?

Thanks in advance for putting on the event. I have been wanting to run with other 818s for years now.


We will be part of a larger HPDE club event so we will be mixed in with other cars in what ever run group you end up in.
The instructors will NOT be other 818 drivers but instead will be provided by the club running the event.
I'm not sure on the 818S roll bar tech issue, I'll get back to you on that.


Its going to be a great time :cool:

[Mitch Wright]

Hi all,
We will have the registration page up right after the 1st of the year for the VIR event in June and the NCM event in April. I will post the link to the Motorsportsreg.com page and discount code once it’s live.
This is a really fun event that we have hosted for years with a great group of people.
Feel free to email me with any questions you might have mitch@motorsportspark.org

[mikeb75]

So planning to jump on this!

[Hobby Racer]

Hey I am in for sure. Should have the car back together before then.

Is there going to be an issue in tech with 818S roll bars being so low?

There should not be a problem with the 818S roll bars so long as your helmet does not stick above the roll bar.

[Sgt.Gator]

Damn, I'm on the wrong coast

Ditto! I guess we'll have to put one together at Thunderhill, Sonoma, or Laguna Seca.

[Hobby Racer]

Ditto! I guess we'll have to put one together at Thunderhill, Sonoma, or Laguna Seca.

Tell you what Gator, I'll come out to your west coast event if you come east to ours! What's a little cross continental driving between friends.

[Dave 53]

Sign me up for Thunderhill, Sears Point, Laguna!

[lsfourwheeler]

This sounds fun. I want to try and make it out there.

[Blu]

This is such a cool idea.
I am inspired to have my build done for this event. Met Mitch a couple of years ago at NCM, look forward to seeing him again and all 818 builders.
Only 2600 mile round trip for me and an international border, no worries, pending pandemic restrictions i will be there, totally worth it as i always wanted to drive VIR.
After this event Watkins Glen here i come, another historic track to enjoy

[Hobby Racer]

This is such a cool idea.
I am inspired to have my build done for this event. Met Mitch a couple of years ago at NCM, look forward to seeing him again and all 818 builders.
Only 2600 mile round trip for me and an international border, no worries, pending pandemic restrictions i will be there, totally worth it as i always wanted to drive VIR.
After this event Watkins Glen here i come, another historic track to enjoy

I hope to see you there! Also, if you want to drive Watkins Glen, its my home track and I am there often. Contact me and we can set something up.

[Matt Ries]

How many FF car spots do you have available? I have a MKIII Cobra. It seams like you've have done events like this before? My wife and I would like to do an event with the FF family at a track event! We like to go to the Mid Ohio event with the London Cobra Show which your VIR event is too close to do both. Will you do other events in 2021 some what close to Cincinnati Ohio?

[Hobby Racer]

How many FF car spots do you have available? I have a MKIII Cobra. It seams like you've have done events like this before? My wife and I would like to do an event with the FF family at a track event! We like to go to the Mid Ohio event with the London Cobra Show which your VIR event is too close to do both. Will you do other events in 2021 some what close to Cincinnati Ohio?

We currently do no have a hard limit on the number of FFR cars allowed. This is the first time Rob and I are trying to get a group of FFR enthusiast together for a track event. If it goes well and there is more interest, other events could be setup. But for now this is the only event that is planned.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

How many FF car spots do you have available? I have a MKIII Cobra. It seams like you've have done events like this before? My wife and I would like to do an event with the FF family at a track event! We like to go to the Mid Ohio event with the London Cobra Show which your VIR event is too close to do both. Will you do other events in 2021 some what close to Cincinnati Ohio?

Hey Matt,
I'm over here in Colerain Township.
We should meet sometime to talk about building cars
Bob

[Matt Ries]

Bob_n_Cincy, private Message sent.

[Santiago]

Its going to be a great time :cool:

I just want to cry. No way I'll have my car ready this year.

Hopefully you and Mitch find enough interest to make this an annual tradition. Next year!
I'd love to see others from the 818 community out on track. Hope it's a huge success this year.

Best,
-j

[Hobby Racer]

I just want to cry. No way I'll have my car ready this year.

Hopefully you and Mitch find enough interest to make this an annual tradition. Next year!
I'd love to see others from the 818 community out on track. Hope it's a huge success this year.

Best,
-j

We'll take lots of pics and video to post.

Hopefully we can make this an annual event!

[Mitch Wright]

We like the idea of an annul event/invite to the 818 and FFR communities.

[metros]

I haven't been on the forum in quite a while. This thread caught my eye. Love that you're putting this together.

[Mitch Wright]

Sorry for the delay, we want to make sure our date was locked in with VIR.
Motorsports Reg link: www.motorsportreg.com/events/ncm-hpde-at-vir-virginia-international-raceway-motorsports-park-342285
FFR Discount Code: 818CLUB

FYI This is NOT a Corvette only event it is open to all cars that are track safe.

[mikeb75]

What are thoughts on accommodations? I've stayed at both The Lodge (pretty nice actually) and in a Pit Lane room (slightly less nice IMHO).

On site? Off site? Don't care/don't want to be in the same building as you weirdos :p

[Hobby Racer]

I just completed my registration! Can not wait for this one. Finally able to be on track with some other 818 cars.

I think I'm going to stay on site at the Lodge. Easiest and if I need to do anything on the car I'm right there.

BTW. I signed up for the Orange solo group as Rob thought it might be the least crowded and I wanted to run with him.

We should all sign up for the same group so we can be on track together.

[mikeb75]

BTW. I signed up for the Orange solo group as Rob thought it might be the least crowded and I wanted to run with him.

We should all sign up for the same group so we can be on track together.

Whoops, I signed up for green since I've only got 2 track days at VIR (quite a few at other places though); wonder if I can change that...

[Rob T]

I signed up Orange Solo....I'd be happy to stay at the Lodge as well if that is where most of us will be. I think that would be fun. Any pointers for how to make those reservations? I guess I will come up on Sunday (leisurely) and drive home on Tuesday when we finish. Looks like about a four hour drive.

Thanks, Mitch Wright for making this happen.

[Hobby Racer]

I signed up Orange Solo....I'd be happy to stay at the Lodge as well if that is where most of us will be. I think that would be fun. Any pointers for how to make those reservations? I guess I will come up on Sunday (leisurely) and drive home on Tuesday when we finish. Looks like about a four hour drive.

Thanks, Mitch Wright for making this happen.

I will arrive Sunday but I may leave on Wednesday as I have a 10 hour drive!

I vote for the Lodge as the official place to stay. Right now the reservations system is down at VIR.

[Hobby Racer]

I'm keeping post #3 updated with the members participating so please post in this thread when you register.

[Blu]

Registered. Look forward to this event and meeting everyone.

[Hobby Racer]

Hah! I just looked at the registration site and we are the only 4 people people registered so far. We must be very eager :D

I noticed that the official hotel is the Sleep Inn at Danville. Looks like about $120 a night, plus tech inspection is held there. What do you think about everyone staying there?

[mikeb75]

I noticed that the official hotel is the Sleep Inn at Danville.

Too swank for my blood... has beds, showers and a pool :rolleyes:.

Just kidding, I assume parking with trailers won't be an issue if it's the tech site... according to maps, there is an unpaved lot right next to it (and the Great Wall restaurant and a Food Lion)

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Too swank for my blood... has beds, showers and a pool :rolleyes:.
Just kidding, I assume parking with trailers won't be an issue if it's the tech site... according to maps, there is an unpaved lot right next to it (and the Great Wall restaurant and a Food Lion)

This was my last trip to VIR. I'm top right, my som mike and daughter Steph are in front of me. We slept in the Airstream.
In the third picture, there is a famous oak tree. I heard it's not there anymore.

141608 141609 141610

[Rob T]

I am happy staying wherever. My issue is my car. I only have an open top trailer and cloth cover. Not great for inclement weather or people looking to steal or damage stuff from/on my car. I would prefer someplace that is either fenced and locked (secure) or a garage. I want to be able to sleep at night, not worrying about my car.

[mikeb75]

I am happy staying wherever. My issue is my car. I only have an open top trailer and cloth cover. Not great for inclement weather or people looking to steal or damage stuff from/on my car. I would prefer someplace that is either fenced and locked (secure) or a garage. I want to be able to sleep at night, not worrying about my car.
I know there is the option to rent a garage under the Pit lane rooms. I have no idea of the price of such.


This was my last trip to VIR.
Amazing pictures! The Oak Tree fell a few years ago. When I was there last it had recently fallen. There was some chatter/rumor that some group was trying to clone or grow from a cutting a new Oak Tree; but I haven't heard anything recently about it.

[Hobby Racer]

I know there is the option to rent a garage under the Pit lane rooms. I have no idea of the price of such.


Garages are $100 per day for those interested.

[Newkitguy]

any chance you guys are interested in meeting up and having a get together around the same time/in conjuction with the track days? I have no desire to track my 818 right now but would love to hang out with other builders and see some other builds

[Hobby Racer]

any chance you guys are interested in meeting up and having a get together around the same time/in conjuction with the track days? I have no desire to track my 818 right now but would love to hang out with other builders and see some other builds

That sounds like a great idea. We all gotta eat right? See should plan a group meet up at a local restaurant after the day's track events. Anyone familiar with the area have any suggestions?

[biknman]

Emailed about alt vehicle use if my 818r isn't able to make it.

[Mitch Wright]

Biknman, no worries if you need to swap cars, see you at VIR.

[Mitch Wright]

Very pleased to see the number of FFR and 818 community members signed up for VIR, lets keep them coming.

Really looking forward to meeting everyone.

[Rob T]

Bumping this to the top. June is now in the planning horizon....Looking forward to seeing a lot people there.

[jforand]

Gonna try and get registered for this event this evening. I can't let the 818 be solely represented with all those pretty body panels. I am willing to take the bullet and show up there in naked steel (well, powder coated steel anyway)!

Rob, I have done many events at VIR and there are many open cars as you might imagine (miatas and such). I share the open trailer issue as well. I usually pull the truck and trailer into a paddack spot and set up a pop up canopy tent. I tie it off to the trailer and use spare tires and such to weight down the other side. Over night the open toppers drop the canopy down to hood the car and keep dew off as well as rain. It works pretty well. Also, the locking thing is generally not a huge concern at least at the track. Showing up the day before is typical for many people. The track usually lets everyone in around 5ish. I leave everything there trailer, jacks, stands, tires, even tubs with misc stuff. Tool bags I throw in the tow vehicle and lock those. The track is locked up and pretty secure. I have never heard of anyone having and issue. That being said, my stuff is no where near the nicest stuff out there.

I do also usually stay at the Sleep Inn. They do have a paved area and a dirt area across the little street. The only time I utilize that is after the event. I stay that night and hit the road in the morning (about 6 hrs for me). I don't have a great solution for any potential rain at this time for that night or transit...

I saw a mention that Tech will be at the Sleep Inn? That will be different for me. They have a pull through garage down by turn 3 in the paddock that every org I have run with has utilized. This might change some of the logistics about arrival and Sunday evening setup. Gonna go register now and see if the packet sheds light on the topic.

[Hobby Racer]

Great to see another 818 registering. When you get fully registered post back so I can update the post with the list of attendees.

Any Daytona Coupes, Cobras, or 33's interested?

Come join the FFR group, should be a great time!

[jforand]

Registered. I'm in.

Further, I am not able to get a drivers packet the link if giving the '404 not found' (https://ncmstaging.wpengine.com/hpde/). How can I get the packet?

I see that there are indeed differences here: no papers at tech (emailed), tech is going to be at the Sleep Inn. I also see they mentioned you could setup up beginning at 6PM at VIR.

[jforand]

I believe there is another oak tree but it is outside the track. This was supposedly a legacy thing. It was there so they allowed it, now that it is gone they are not allowed to put another large immovable object that close to the track. There is an hour documentary on VIR that I believe you can find on Netflix. It was pretty interesting.

[Blu]

Unfortunately i have had to cancel as the Canadian-USA border is closed to non-essential travel and expected to remain that way until late summer early fall. Additionally anyone who returns to our province from outside of the area must self-isolate for 14 days.
Lets hope 2022 is much better globally as i want to go south.

[Hobby Racer]

Hopefully we can make this an annual event and see you next year :D

[biknman]

Hobby Racer Registered
mikeb75 Registered
Rob T Registered
biknman Registered
jforand Registered
taco20


Registered on 2/11. Hope to have my 818 ready by then getting wrap in the next few weeks (see below concept pic) and waiting on parts from Ireland :-) if not will be in my Suby Coupe SM race car.

147427

[taco20]

148478

Well I have finally gotten registered but looks like the Orange group is wait list right now. Might have to switch to Black group like I normally run if nothing opens up. Little worried that the class is going to be full that will be a lot of cars for us to be in the middle off.

[jforand]

Glad to see you get in there. I did see it had filled up. I too am a bit worried shaking my car down with a totally full group. Hopefully things go smoothly and I can circulate with at least some respectable speed.

[Mitch Wright]

It's a long fast track so with 35 cars in the orange group, so plenty of space. For those sorting your cars you can do a few sessions in green and when comfortable move up to orange or black.

Looking forward to seeing everyone,

Mitch

[BC Huselton]

It's a long fast track so with 35 cars in the orange group, so plenty of space. For those sorting your cars you can do a few sessions in green and when comfortable move up to orange or black.

Looking forward to seeing everyone

Mitch

What is the date for the VIR event

Are non participants permitted or can I crew for someone?

I am 45 min from VIR and would like to see everyone...Thank, BC

[biknman]

Quick question do the sale fuel at VIR? Haven't been there in over a decade can't remember.
Thanks
Dave

[Hobby Racer]

They do. It is a self serve drive up pump much like a normal gas station. I have been trying to get the current prices but have not had any luck. Here is some information from the track itself.

Fuel information (https://virnow.com/about/policies/fuel/)

[Hobby Racer]

I just read through the drivers packet for this event and I am pleased to see that VIR allows you to walk / ride a bicycle around the track after 5 pm! This is not allowed at other tracks I attend.

Since this is my first time at VIR I plan to ride around the track to get a feel for it. Please bring your bikes and join me, especially if you have experience at this track so you can give pointers. ;)

[mikeb75]

Something I noticed in the drivers packet: helmets must be SA2015 or SA2020.

Earlier this year I was verifying the validity of my SA2010 helmet; and I found information stating that those helmets would be allowed for the 2021 season depending on the sanctioning body. I had planned on riding out the year on the cheap... but plans changed!

[Rob T]

I'm not sure I can fit my bike "in" my trailering and truck arrangement, but I'd love to walk the track on Sunday night, especially after spending 4 hours in a car....

[Mitch Wright]

Lash the bike down on top of your elaborate ramp set up;-)

[jforand]

Ha, funny. I was thinking the same thing. I don't think I can fit a bike in with the current setup. I just found out that I need to find a seat for one of the kids....maybe she can ride the bike up there! It is only a 5-6ish hour ride if she can average 60mph :D

[Rob T]

One of the best things about this Forum are the really helpful suggestions ;). I'll have to dust off my Boy Scout books. It's been a while since I've done any lashing....

I think the bike-a-round is a great idea. I appreciate Mitch's gentle prod.

[taco20]

Boy you all have more energy to waste then I do. VIR has lots of hills and is 3 miles long so you better bring some water with you.

Dad I and I will have the golf cart and we have two seats on the back for anyone without a bike that doesn’t have to go on the track to look around.

Nice part is you can actually drive the cars around the track between paddock areas without an issue and go and look at other parts of the track. May not be the same as walking it but you can get the idea.

[jforand]

Boy you all have more energy to waste then I do. VIR has lots of hills and is 3 miles long so you better bring some water with you.

Dad I and I will have the golf cart and we have two seats on the back for anyone without a bike that doesn’t have to go on the track to look around.

Nice part is you can actually drive the cars around the track between paddock areas without an issue and go and look at other parts of the track. May not be the same as walking it but you can get the idea.

Taco, I agree there will be some hills to contend with.

On the golf cart, not sure how strict they are there, but there is mention of no carts or other similar type stuff without a permit from VIR. You might want to call them to prevent any issue. I would give you an exact location if I could remember, (which I don’t), but it is in the event packet somewhere.

[Mitch Wright]

https://rockhousepartners.wufoo.com/forms/w7a0q9/
Golf Cart and Offroad vehicle permits for VIR

[taco20]

149841

Well dad got my new numbers on the doors today. Last couple things and will be ready to load up on Saturday.

149842149843

Got new mirror setup done also. I hate it when the stock mirror folds down on me at 120mph and above. Makes it tough to see the rest of the time if I don't fold it back up after each big straight away.

[Hobby Racer]

Where did you get the numbers? I'm looking for something similar.

[taco20]

Where did you get the numbers? I'm looking for something similar.

Hey Hobby
My parents have a vinyl machine. I have been using that design on my race cars for years. Just changed the number from 20 to 818. If you had an idea of what you wanted they might be able to make some for you if we still have a color you would be happy with.
149844149845

Couple of my old cars they did.

[Mitch Wright]

Looking forward to seeing you all at what I will call a historical event, having a bunch of 818’s together at/ on track. Our track photographer is coming and have asked him for some group shots as well as on track stuff.
See you all Sunday/Monday.

[jforand]

Looking forward to seeing you all at what I will call a historical event, having a bunch of 818’s together at/ on track. Our track photographer is coming and have asked him for some group shots as well as on track stuff.
See you all Sunday/Monday.

Very cool!!

I have used professional pics very much in the past to help understand the car in dynamic situations and guide the way to tuning the car's handling.

[biknman]

Quick question do the sale fuel at VIR? Haven't been there in over a decade can't remember.
Thanks
Dave

Sorry folks but I won't be able to make it. Due just not enough time and a recent illness I wasn't able to get the 818r ready in time and my other race car I was unable to fix after an off track excursion this past Memorial day.

Shout out to Sgt.Gator for getting some Murray Hose Clamps to me overnight! And to Zamp helmets for overnighting me new helmet bumped none will get used.

Hope yawl have tons of fun!

Rubber Side Down Shiny Side Up!
Dave

Pic from last week @ Speedesign getting wrapped.
149890

[Hobby Racer]

Sorry to hear that. I was looking forward to seeing your center drive setup.

And then there were 5 :p

[Jetfuel]

Well….how’s is it going?

Jet

[Hobby Racer]

Of the 5 that made it to the event only three finished :p

RobT had a rear hub break that allowed the tire to come off at 95 mph!

You can see his post and in car video here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20242-Rob-T-s-818R-Build-Thread&p=460864&viewfull=1#post460864)

I also was knocked out of running after three sessions when my transmission decided not to shift into 5th anymore :mad:

All in all it was a great time and I very much enjoyed meeting everyone in person. We talked about making this an annual event, perhaps picking a different track each year!

A big thanks goes out to Mitch for helping us make this happen through the NCM HPDE track day.

P.S. taco20's car is very fast! It was nice seeing him pass the corvette's.

[jforand]

Of the 5 that made it to the event only three finished :p

RobT had a rear hub break that allowed the tire to come off at 95 mph!

You can see his post and in car video here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20242-Rob-T-s-818R-Build-Thread&p=460864&viewfull=1#post460864)

I also was knocked out of running after three sessions when my transmission decided not to shift into 5th anymore :mad:

All in all it was a great time and I very much enjoyed meeting everyone in person. We talked about making this an annual event, perhaps picking a different track each year!

A big thanks goes out to Mitch for helping us make this happen through the NCM HPDE track day.

P.S. taco20's car is very fast! It was nice seeing him pass the corvette's.

UPDATE: Only 1 finished!!!!! Mike wins the award for the last man standing!

Taco20 broke his differential and drained the oil
Jforand wiped out the engine in the first session of Day 2. All I know at this time is that I have oil coming out of the air intake filter and the #2 plug has had the ground prong bent down into the electrode and is scared by some sort of trash in the cylinder (all other plugs look good except being oil soaked). I suspect a blown turbo and metal making it into the engine.....we will have to see.

Despite the issues it was a great event, tons of fun, and fun to meet all the great 818 people! We definitely need to make this a regular thing.

[Rob T]

I, too, had a great time, in spite of making a total of 4.5 laps at VIR. Three of those were parade laps. This definitely needs to be an annual event and it would be great if even more people came out. I really appreciated seeing everyone's approach, and most importantly, meeting the really great people behind the screen names and the posts.

[Hobby Racer]

OMG, I left the track early on day two so I could get a jump start on the long drive home. I'm sorry you both had issues.

Congrats Mike for making it to the end!

[mikeb75]

It's probably a booby prize! I had to cut my last session short because of vibrations that I'm thinking might be clutch/driveline or the under engine panel coming loose. Need a post-evet disassembly to take a look. And my sessions weren't clean either - I needed to visit Quantum Racing 3 times to address other (minor/stupid) issues.

Regardless, it was a fantastic event and a real pleasure to meet everyone. Huge thank you to Mitch for this! Definitely looking to the next time we can organize a gathering.

[Sgt.Gator]

Not to sound like a broken record...but... did all ya'll use an IR thermometer to check your tranny temps? Anyone logging tranny temps? Taco20, have you lowered your tranny in the rear? (I looked to see if you have a build thread but couldn't find one).

[Hobby Racer]

I've been logging trans temps for a long time now. Can't speak for the others but I never even got to 180 and it was 90+ there. I do have a very good trans cooler with sealed ducting.

[mikeb75]

I do use an IR thermometer to check tranny temp after a session - usually read 190ish; but I neglected to do so after the 3rd run on the second day (where I first noticed the issue). It's not lowered - yet.

[taco20]

Not to sound like a broken record...but... did all ya'll use an IR thermometer to check your tranny temps? Anyone logging tranny temps? Taco20, have you lowered your tranny in the rear? (I looked to see if you have a build thread but couldn't find one).


Hey Gator

I have not been checking my trans temp either. I have had plans to lower the trans but there hasn’t been time to get that done before the events have came up. This is my second ring and pinion I have lost. The first was a 4.10 and now a 3.90. I am believing it isn’t the fluid causing the issue more the power level being put all to the front gears which normally don’t see all the power going to it. I will be on the search for maybe an aftermarket gear to go back with if anyone knows of one please let me know.

The gear let go while coming out of a corner at a lower speed in third gear with my foot to the floor. I am in belief it must be a metal failure since it was only the second lap of the session. Car wasn’t even up to full temp yet.

The event was great. I enjoyed playing with other 818’s for once. Getting to pass all those Corvettes was just icing on the cake. We for sure need to find a way to get more of us together to enjoy our cars. Maybe if we get enough of us playing with the car FFR will show more support for the 818 again with new updates and fixes for problems that have come along that we all have to deal with.

[Sgt.Gator]

Taco20,
That's a possible explanation for sure since we are the about the only people on earth using the Subaru AWD transaxle as a 2WD transaxle. With the exception of the builders who use them in VW bugs & vans, and old Porsches, who flip them around. In that example Subagears makes a ring & pinion that is stronger: "The Subarugears 2WD hi-power ring & pinions have shown to handle approx 300fwkw (400 fwhp). This makes them a great choice for high turbo race applications as well as everyday vehicles." http://www.subarugears.com/About/About.html

I can't think of any aftermarket ring & pinion sets since they don't normally fail. Rallispec sells OEM 4.44 REM ISF treated which is supposed to make them stronger. https://www.rallispec.com/dif_fdr_rst1909_t.html

I'm surprised yours would fail before the CV axles let go, unless they have been repeatedly high heat cycled and turned brittle. I know Dragonfly "welded" their 818R tranny at the Cascade Enduro a few years ago, it got so hot. But I never asked them exactly what failed inside.

Maybe someone here can look at pics of them and determine what caused the failure. I would think overheating for a long time would leave telltale colors or metal fatigue.

Is yours a 5 speed or a 6 speed? How much power are you making? Can you post a dyno sheet?

I hope to heck it's not a matter of too much power alone. That means the fix is step-up to a motorsports type sequential shift transaxle, and there is no low cost solution there.

[Sgt.Gator]

Next year let's have it at Oregon Raceway Park :cool:
I'm sure I can get it for a lot cheaper than any of the others like Laguna Seca, Thunderhill, Sonoma, Pacific, Portland.

As a travel compromise I might be talked into NCM....:o

[jforand]

Rob brought a temp gun over and shot my transmission case for me. It was about 190ish on the top center and then about 205-210 on the side below the oil level if I remember correctly. I was pleasantly surprised as that should be no problem at all. In fact, just over boiling would be preferred to vaporize any water that enters through air exchange and condensation (possibly the occasional boat launch at the ramp :D Yes, sarcasm for any wondering). As a reference, my 2016 Mustang GT with a Torsen diff factory alarms at 285 deg F.

[Mitch Wright]

Great to meet you all and really pleased you all had a great time even with some mechanical issues.
Matt and I were discussing next years VIR event yesterday (my last day running NCM) and he is up for offering a similar program for the 818/FFR community.
Sorry I didn’t get a chance to spend more time with the group but next year that will not be the case.
Thanks again for making he efforts to come play with us.

[acmikee]

Sign me up for Thunderhill, Sears Point, Laguna!

NASA july 31-august 1 sears point august 28-29
you will have a hard time making sound at laguna

[Hobby Racer]

Garage mates the night before the first day. At this point both cars were fully operational!

Rob's car in white, mine in Copper / Black.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=150176&d=1625178338

[Pearldrummer7]

what an awesome picture. that's sick!

[jforand]

Certainly a better pic than these. I finally got around to opening up the engine from the VIR trip.

150439150440150437150441150438

Despite the carnage, it was still tons of fun to meet everyone (John, Rob, Mike, Cameron (and dad). It was also great to see the cars and the different problem solving and ideas put into place. I'll get to licking the wounds, not sure it is going to see the track again this year though. This is going to require some serious planning and funding.