Why does the 818 appeal to you? [Archive]

MuddyRoverRob

12-30-2011, 11:14 AM

In my case I really WOULD like a 65 coupe!
unfortunately a few poor investment choices have left me without the budget for such a cool toy.
My plan was for a GT-ised 65 coupe where I would have gone with a leather interior and all the power stuff to make a Ferrari-like GT. I really belive that if it had been built as a street car it would have gone that direction from the factory.

However the 818 (particularly RodneyO's orange bodystyle... but that isn't a deal breaker) appeals to me very much.
The missus has an 02 impreza wagon with 250000 km on it that has had very few issues so I like and trust Subarus...
I recently bought a used VW Golf GTi 1.8t as my daily driver and I find I REALLY like turbo's!
AND the price point makes this project do-able.

Hence why I'm interested!

I have seriously looked at building a "locost" I have all the books and have even picked up a few bits toward that end.
Including a small 110volt flux core welder.
(However; there is a VERY big question about my welding ability which is frankly very beginner!)
So I haven't commited to that project fully.

The idea of a prebuilt competently welded chassis is exciting on two fronts;
First of all it' will have been welded together by someone who knows what they are doing
secondly it will save somewhere around 100 hours of build time!

This little car seems to have the stuff I'd want.

It will be a street car in my case, so it needs to have a little bit of cargo storage ability, not a lot but enough for a couple weekend bags. Personally I'll add sound insulation to quiet the road noise and make it a better long distance "GT" car.
That's not a judgement on the stripped out racer type builds, it's just the way I'll go with my build.

How about you?

Oppenheimer

12-30-2011, 11:56 AM

I think someone started a similar thread before, but since FFR has said it will be a while before more updates go out, this seems like a productive way to keep us occupied and not arguing.

I've been following FFR for a long time. Always hoping to one day be in the position to build a Roadster. Its like the perfect combination of muscle car, vintage car and sports car. But I only have room (in my garage and in my life) for one fun car. And one as impractical as a Roadster just wouldn't do. I want a car I can drive to work most days (that the roads aren't frozen or its pouring rain). That I can take on weekend trips or even just running errands. That means a real roof (not some tent thing). Ideally it means roll up windows, and the potential to add heat and AC. You can get a hardtop for the Roadster, and for a while I considered that, but even at that I don't think I'd end up driving it as much as I want for my fun car.

So I've always been an FFR fan, and I've always liked Subaru's. So every once in a while I'd check in on FFR, lurk on the forums, etc. I saw the other Smith brother working on his Jetta conversion, and had some interest in that. Then one day I happen to look at FFR's site, and its was like the day after they announced their plans for this new Subaru powered car. That pulled me in right away. I could really see the potential there. A sort of baby GTM. Cheaper, lighter, more practical, still plenty fast. Lots of reasons why Subie power made sense.

Then Dave starts talking swatch-watch, and I realize the potential is even more than I imagined. This platform has the potential to fill many niches. Even though I'm currently only interested in one of those niches (baby GTM, roof, windows, some measure of practicality), I'm stoked about the other niches for a variety of reasons. Lots of other guys will be building these. That means more cool build ideas, tips, tricks. Stuff some track only guy dreams up might still apply to DD builders. It also means FFR will have more R&D resources to pump into it. More reasons to keep coming up with new stuff, new enhancements, some of which might retrofit to older builds. If the platform stays cutting edge, it can only be good for my needs. Plus if my needs aren't the original plan for the car, multiple niche platform means instead of having to roll my own to get what I want, FFR will eventually get to a version of 818 that hits my target.

Recap, FFR fan, subie fan, something Elise like would suit my needs well. 818 is more platform than car, intended to fill multiple niches, one of which will surely fit mine. Plus niches pays dividends to my build.

I know some people are going to use their 818 as just a weekend toy, and as such they want it barebones and with lots of power, lean and mean (which is cool). I will use a bike for that role. My 818 I want to be more practical. Like an Elise or an S2000. Cars many feel isn't suited to DD duty, but for me that is the ideal target for my 818. I see FFR building an 818 that fills that role, and when they do, I will be building one.

MuddyRoverRob

12-30-2011, 12:08 PM

We are definitely on the same page!

I'm more open to a soft top then you seem to be but otherwise that's it, something that will make me laugh that can also cover a couple thousand km over the weekend without beating us to death!

A targa seems to be closer to the ideal, but I think a lined soft-top might be OK too.

Xusia

12-30-2011, 02:16 PM

What Opp said!

Silvertop

12-30-2011, 02:22 PM

I've wanted to build a kit car for most of my adult life. I too have been aware of FFR for a long time, mostly because they have been (I believe) the premier replica maker of the AC C****a, which is a car I have admired since I was a teenager. However, it is only now as I approach retirement age that I can afford such a project.

I admire the 65 Roadster, but it really wasn't my personal dream, even though I considered it as a kit option. My taste in sports cars has always run to the European flavor, and I have a special love for all things Porsche. I looked long and hard at doing a Porsche 550 Spyder kit until I visited San Diego-based Thunder Ranch a few years back and sat in the company owner's personal 550. What I discovered was that I was just too old for the car. I'm just not flexible enough to efficiently get in and out of the thing, which sits about 5 inches off the ground. So I started thinking about doing a 356 Speedster kit, which is a bit taller. But they are just a little bit too spendy, at least the good ones that are built on real frames rather than on old VW tubs. So I put the dream on hold for a while.

When I became aware of the 818 project last Spring, I got very excited. While the new car is not going to be a replica of anything, to me it absolutely fits the automotive genre that includes Porsche (and other) mid- and rear-engined sports cars, right down to and including the boxer engine. And I actually kind of like the fact that the car will not be pretending to be something else..... And it will be $5.000 to $10,000 less expensive to build than most of the other stuff out there.

Also, I have been a Subaru fan for a number of years, though I have never actually owned one. They have a terrific reputation for both performance and reliability, which makes them a good choice for the mechanical base for the 818.

Even though I don't yet know what the car is going to look like, the hook is firmly embedded in my cheek. There will ultimately probably be more than one body choice, and one of them will suit my wants. I wouldn't be surprised if I wind up having a hard time choosing which model to build. I'm all but certain that I WILL build one.

The other big 818 appeal factor for me is simply the fact that it is being offered by FFR. There are a lot of kit car companies out there, mostly very small, and some of them are not always particularly reliable. You take a risk when you send in your deposit. You may or may not get the product you paid for, and you may not like it even if you do get it. It's a pretty safe bet that FFR is going to be there, and another safe bet that the product they sell you will be of high quality.

Although it will be a toy, my 818 will function as a three-season daily driver, but it will certainly not be my only car. As such, I will endow it with as many creature comforts as practical. It must have a roof of some type (a soft top will be OK, but a Targa-type removable panel is what excites me the most, and I believe that there will ultimately be one), and I will want to rig it with some sort of heating system and potentially AC as well.

I retire next September. Could be just in time for the launch of the 818 Roadster -- though I may have to wait longer if that particular body offered then isn't the one I want. In which case I'll wait for the next one. But I'll be waiting.

Tpa65cpe

12-30-2011, 04:11 PM

++1 to what all the rest of you said. I myself am a Ferrari nut, just way out of the price range!! Pretty much the same goals for the one that I build but still looking at the 65 coupe really hard (it is my fav FFR) although this is not set in stone!! Hope to see more updates on the 818 as they progress but still paitently waiting!! New to the subie scene but I like that it has lot's of aftermarket support! This will IMHO make a really fun car that I would like to build that is fairly enexpensive!!:cool:

NicksPapaw

12-30-2011, 04:20 PM

Mine is a little different viewpoint. I am a customer of Factory Five. I have built and own a Roadster. Until you build you own car, I truely dont think you will get all of what I am trying to say here. It is a journey. You will make missteps along the way. You will throw a few tools around the garage and call yourself and your car foul names from time to time. You will also come to appreciate what you are doing. It will begin to occupy parts of your normal conversation. It will begin to occupy parts of conversations with people you are close to. People you don't know very well in your neighborhood will stop by when the garage door is open just to chat. You will become known at the guy building the car. You will stop and stare at your work in the garage on the way to and from the office. You will become addicted to the build, and when you finish, whether you have any cash left over or not, you will want to do another one. My car has been done for less than 2 years and it already has over 5,000 miles on it. Is it a toy? Yes. Is it impractable? Yes. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY!!!! But, I would rather do something different. That's where the 818 fits in. Hopefully, I can have a more practical car that I can drive for work, (25,000 miles per year) and be comfortable in. Gotta have heat, air, and a radio in this one. Time will tell, but, I am ready today if the right version comes out. Sorry for the long post, but, I got a bit of a passion for Factory Five. :)

Draco-REX

12-30-2011, 05:51 PM

1800lbs!

That's HALF the weight of my daily driver.

It's 1500lbs lighter than my STI.

It boggles my mind what such a lightweight car is going to feel like. I've become so sick of the steadily increasing weights of cars. Two tons is considered normal these days. TWO freakin' TONS! "Added Lightness" makes everything work better, and I can't wait to really experience it.

I was originally enraptured by the Toybaru (Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ) due to it's light weight and focus on the driving experience. But when I heard about the 818, and the fact that it would weigh in at around 800lbs less than even the BRZ, I was sold. The fact that it will use a Subaru donor was icing on the cake for me. I love Subarus, and currently own three. So I know and trust the drivetrain and have worked with it already. The 818 is a win-win for me.

The Roadster is a classic, and the Coupe is a beautiful car I'd love to own. But the smaller size and lower weight of the 818 wins me over.

Another reason why I want one is related to NicksPapaw's post above. I used to work in the PC industry and I always built my own PCs. There's something that feels good about knowing that every piece of a complex item that you use regularly was chosen and assembled by your own hands. I loved that, and really enjoyed the process. So the idea of building a car really appeals to me. The 818 is an opportunity to to build my own car, just like my own PC. I've done extensive suspension work and even some drivetrain work and I'm always looking to extend my comfort zone little by little. Building this car will be an incredible experience that I'm looking forward to. As Nick said, it's about the journey, not the destination. And it's a journey I can't wait to start on!

Who knows? I may end up making and selling them for fun. ;) Anyone looking for an assembled and titled 818?

riptide motorsport

12-30-2011, 06:30 PM

Own and built evrything I want so far and this is TOTALLY new for me, THe learning experience for the Subie drive train and hopefully Vmans Ferrariesque body will just be a hum dinger for me...besides nobody out there will know what it is and if its as good lokking as it seems it will be , I'm going to be one popular guy at the gas pumps...
steven

GUNS

12-30-2011, 06:58 PM

The reason the 818 appeals to me is because it perfectly fits the my "fun car" needs. I'm at the point in my life where I can justify a dedicated fun car in addition to daily drivers and prior to hearing about the 818 I was exploring many options. I really liked the idea of building a a kit car, but at the time the only ones that intrigued me were the GTM and Ultima GTR which were way out of my budget. All of the less expensive options are all based on older designs and that's not my style (FFR cobra, Caterham Lotus 7 like designs). I never understood why there couldn't be an affordable kit car with awesome performance and a modern design. I was also looking at LSX swapped RX-7's, C5 vettes, and a Lotus Elise as a more dedicated track toy/weekend car. Then I heard about the 818 and it is exactly what I want in a car. I will make mine more track day oriented and street legal for nice days/weekends. I love the Elise, but you are looking at about $35k for an 05 and then supercharge it to get close to the 818's performance. I'm very excited about not only the performance of this thing, but also the building experience. I can't wait to show up at a track event, blow the doors off of everything, and have everyone ask "what the heck is that thing?"

Flamshackle

12-30-2011, 07:57 PM

So many reasons...

1) I can build it with my two sons
2) It is super light and powerful, so a giant slayer. Mine will be Super powerful for a 4 piston boxter...
3) I want to pull up beside a Porsche and leave them wondering what it was and why their car is so slow :D

el_jefe

12-31-2011, 02:17 AM

Because I'd rather start the build from the ground up, rather than tear a car apart and rebuild it to what I want (again). I'd really like a Ferrari 355, but the Ferrari tax scares me. Low weight, TARGA, and driving feel are my high points. I'm not really a fan of the subaru motor, it's a PITA to work on and anything over 500 hp is looking for trouble. BUT with this light of a car, you shouldn't need it (a friend of mine was a test driver for a company that built a turbo Elise, at 400 hp he said it was ridiculous). The GTM is tempting, but I would end up spending $20k on the drivetrain alone. The wife doesn't care for the Roadster, and yes she's driven one. So the 818 it is.

jimgood

12-31-2011, 06:21 AM

1) Because it's going to be built by Factory Five and I know they'll do it right

2) Because the price will be right

3) Because it will have a killer power to weight ratio

305mouse

12-31-2011, 09:45 AM

I have a 91 Camaro as my fun Summer car. It's my third one and I've had it for ten years now. I want something different and was looking at a used Porsche Boxster S. Then I found out about the 818. I've done a ton of work on my ******* child of Subaru, Saab 92X, and this will be more challenging and well worth it. I think it'll be a good bonding thing to do with my step-son as well. Like everyone else has said, 1800 lbs. I can't wait.

SchuMann

12-31-2011, 10:51 AM

Reasons for Factory Five:

I first found Factory Five as a young airman in the AF about ten years ago and have drooled over the 65 Coupe ever since. The 65 Coupe is definitely a dream that will not die for me, and one day I hope to build one as well. I build all my own PC's as well, and love the idea of building my machine with the options that I want with my two hands. My 11 year old is just getting interested in cars. I think it'd be fun to get her involved, and teach her that she can work on her own vehicles given the right equipment and time. Watching FFR over the years, seeing their commitment to the FF community, and the time, dedication, and patience they put into their product has me sold. I can't see myself building anything but a Factory Five.

Reasons for the 818

1. I can easily justify spending 15k-18k on this vehicle with the "Boss" and I think it's something she will enjoy too.
2. I'm looking forward to the high mpg, low CoD 818 that I can use as a daily driver.
3. At 70-80 mpg and conservatively a 12 gal tank I’ll have around 17 round trips to work, up from about 8.
4. At around 1800 lbs, and FF’s previously proven chassis designs who wouldn’t have fun in this?

I look forward to sending Dave my saved pennies, and joining this great community.

AZPete

12-31-2011, 04:30 PM

I'm looking forward to another FFR build and watching the 818, but NicksPapaw wrote exactly what I was thinking. So, go back up and read his post again to save me all that typing.
Pete

slopoke

12-31-2011, 06:06 PM

fast, inexpensive, and stylish

RM1SepEx

12-31-2011, 06:38 PM

I'm a retired/disabled Mechanical Engineer, I've been dreaming of building my own vehicles since college (1981) and have all the kit car magazines since then. I designed and built my own super insulated, solar house in 1984. The electric reverse trike is being upgraded and should be back on the road this spring.

I have too many vehicles and 5 convertable "toys", and a passel of bikes.

I autocross to work on my driving skills and for the comraderie of the club and am a mid engined ****... Mid engine is the configuration for a sporting car. I've been following F5 since inception of the company and autocrossed with Ralph Button (of 400,000 plus mile MK1 fame) back in the late 90's.

F5 does it right, their engineering focus just "fits" my entire philosophy. Engineering performance with less weight works and the 818 should be a fine example, no matter what it looks like.

Right now I'm working on hand formed .050 aluminum body panels for my reverse trike while finishing up the 1990/1994 Miata driveline swap, suspension upgrade. I'll need another project soon!

Thankfully my wife supports my efforts, I need a barn!

FFR-ADV

12-31-2011, 08:39 PM

+1 to Riptide Motorsport

Great looking Coup/Targa with performance which matches its exotic look
... Please make Vman's Vantage Targa
Something to build with my boys.
... My 13 year old wants to learn to learn Blender to model cars.
... My wife supports this ...

thane

01-01-2012, 06:19 PM

I love my '06 WRX wagon, but I want a 2 seater in my garage. This car hits all the right buttons: affordable, light, fast, neat, unique, capable. Plus, like so many others, I've had a fascination with the idea of building a kitcar, since I was a kid. A fancy body over a tubeframe chassis with a boxer motor? Sign me up! Gonna have to do something about a car in which I can put my mastiff, though. 2013 WRX?

thane

skullandbones

01-02-2012, 01:45 AM

I saw a "Top Gear" today that showed a small Lambo that really got me fired up. I couldn't keep from imagining if the 818 would be similar. It looked like it might be pretty close to the designs I've seen here. Did anybody see that?

The 818 would satisfy the "motorcycle" crave I still have. I'll bet it will give you a little of the light nimble feeling that you get on a bike. I was lucky to ride for 5 yrs without an accident and no broken bones or road rash from laying it down. But I think I should avoid the bike thing and stay on 4 wheels. Don't press my luck as statistics will catch up with me!

I am still in a roadster build but I can't keep from thinking about this "thing" as somebody said. I like Vman's and Rodney's designs for different reasons but both do the hof thing. I like the idea of a targa and roll up windows would be great (probably the hardest part of the build).

Happy New Year everybody from Arizona (temp 74)!!! WEK

shinn497

01-02-2012, 07:15 AM

video do you have a link?

skullandbones

01-02-2012, 01:32 PM

bbatts

01-02-2012, 02:11 PM

Draco-REX

01-02-2012, 02:26 PM

On the mechanical side: why is the Subi so hard to work on? I have heard that comment several times. I don't have any experience with this technology but I didn't have any Ford product experience either. The Ford stuff is different than Chevy but still not that big of a transition. So what do people like about the technology that makes it attractive? I'm not talking about the stock version but aftermarket and building the engine like a "hot rod engine".

Not changing the subject: just asking about the appealing features of the engine that make the 818 the way to go from those who have used it. Thanks, WEK.
It's a relative thing. Compared to a V8, the Subaru Boxer isn't that bad to work with. However, compared to a transverse-mounted inline 4 with the head up front and center, they are a pain to work on. One of the major factors to this reputation is that, in a Subaru, the heads are right next to the front frame rails. So you need to pull the engine to do head work, and plugs are awkward to get to (about the same as doing plugs on an F-body LT1). But in the 818, the heads have more clearance, and the body can be removed for more access.

On the plus side, the boxer is naturally balanced (no need for a balance shaft) so it runs smoothly, and it is a rather torquey motor for what it is. Low CG is a benefit for a car like the 818 (and the BRZ/FR-S). And also it has a very large aftermarket. Though the direct comparison is arguable, you could almost call the Subaru boxer an import equivalent of the Ford 5.0 as far as aftermarket goes. (4G63 owners would argue for that title, but Honda would beat both on sheer numbers alone. But that's a discussion for another time and forum)

Ultimately, though, the Subaru Boxer is like any other DOHC V# engine with the banks laid flat. It's no more or less complex than most.

projectrally

01-02-2012, 10:33 PM

My definition of a sports car: small, lightweight, excellent handling, precise manual transmission, two seats, roof optional. I've owned a lot of cars, including some that had a lot of engine. But the Miatas have always been my favorite just because they're the most engaging to drive at any speed. I spend a lot more time driving on back roads and in the city than I do on a track or the autocross course, so I like cars that are rewarding in every small movement. Each shift, even driving to the post office, should be enjoyable. The steering should be so communicative that I ALWAYS take the two block detour to take the 25MPH bend in my neighborhood. I shouldn't need to exceed the speed limit for my car to put a smile on my face.

Bigger, faster cars I've owned have felt too pedestrian most of the time in day-to-day driving. For the real world, I'll take the Miata all day long. That said, just because I want to enjoying driving at legal speeds doesn't mean I don't want a fast car. And that's where the Miata has always come up short. I've thought about a used Boxter S or an Elise to give me a similar thrill, but they're hard for me to justify next to my 2010 PRHT MX-5. Sure, I could turbo or supercharge it (and probably will before too long), but it still won't be hooligan fast.

I wouldn't trade outright speed for the kind of performance and driving experience described above. Otherwise I'd own a Mustang GT or a C5 Z06. I'd rather drive a slow car fast, as the saying goes. But the 818 might let me have my cake and eat it too. A wheelbase and engine configuration very similar to a Boxter with a curb weight like an Elise and a better power to weight ratio than either? And all-in it should cost less than my MX-5? With Subaru reliability? Yes, please.

It also doesn't hurt that FFR lets us build our cars ourselves. I've been a tinkerer since I was old enough to walk, and I can't think of many greater ways to spend a summer than building a car you actually wanted to drive...

skullandbones

01-03-2012, 12:54 AM

Didn't see a link yet, shinn. Thanks Draco for the quick Subi tutorial!

I forgot what specifically I would get from the 818. I want to be able to go from 0 to 100 in my roadster and 100 to 200 in the more aerodynamic 818. I've done 160 in a 911 and two other cars but I want 170, 180, 190..........200!!!!

See you later, WEK. :cool:

Duratec7

01-03-2012, 05:57 PM

I've been enamored with building my own car far as long as I can remember. For the last few years I've been hooked on building a Locost 7 type of car, but the ability to make a car with similar power to weight, arguably better balance, and enough bodywork to make it daily driver category has me dreaming of the 818 now. I'll wait for the Targa version so I can honestly use it as my DD and I'm hoping that will be VMAN7's design.

biknman

01-11-2012, 05:00 PM

Oppenheimer

01-11-2012, 05:49 PM

I've owned and raced suby's for over a decad now. A progect I always had in the back of my mind was the 818 exaclty, but for racing only. So more cage, bigger brakes, stiffer springs, 500 horeses, and ton of down force yahoooo!

Sounds you want the 818 track version. Just have to supply the engine mods to get that HP level (which it seems you already know how to accomplish). The rest of the stuff on your list is part of the planned 818 Track version.

First release of 818 will be Roadster, but Track version to soon follow.

keys2heaven

01-11-2012, 06:37 PM

1. Being able to share the build with my grandson.
2. Cost
3. Engine options. Possibly electric conversion in future.
4. Design(s). Love how the community has been involved in helping to shape this car.

I'd like to see a larger wheelbase version in the future for a 4 passenger vehicle. Very doable in my opinion.

D2W

01-12-2012, 05:38 PM

I'd like to see a larger wheelbase version in the future for a 4 passenger vehicle. Very doable in my opinion.

If Dave isn't thinking about this he should. There are a lot of people who would like to build a kit car that had room for more than one passenger. Not a 4 door sedan, but small rear seats like a 911.

Xusia

01-12-2012, 07:55 PM

Another possible use would be a sand rail. You could use the engine, frame and aluminum (no body) as is, coupled with longer suspension bits, and probably have a pretty awesome sand rail/car for not a lot of cash. In fact, it should be even cheaper because a lot of the components in the kit would only apply to a road going vehicle - items you wouldn't need for something off road.

JRL

01-17-2012, 05:46 PM

Honestly at this point in the project (very few details and no real design) it doesn't appeal to me at all. Perhaps in 6 - 12 months when something tangible is presented I can once again become enthusiastic. My fear is that we are going to have Jim's design (at least the major points) presented as the first iteration of the 818.

daschtick

01-17-2012, 09:01 PM

Wow - Most of the sentiments here align almost pefectly with mine! I too have always been enamored with the FFR kits, as they seem to be the best engineered and most complete available. I also liked the idea of the 'build school' in Michigan, and the huge support group right here for those times when you need a little advice. However, like many have already mentioned, none of the existing kits were really quite my style. I consider myself to be more of an import guy, and my preferred cars include the likes of the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster. However, since I am of limited means, a few years ago I purchased the most affordable, lightweight, mid-engined sports car that I could find at the time - A 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/daschtick/DSC_0848.jpg

To be honest, this car has far exceeded my expectations. At just under 2200 pounds, it is by far the most responsive car that I have ever owned, hence my obsession with light weight! Even with just 138 HP, it runs to 60 in under 7 seconds, and braking back to a stop occurs within 2 feet the most exotic supercars of the day. The light front end, coupled with a super direct 13.5:1 steering ratio responds very quickly with slightest nudge of the wheel. To further extend these responses, I added some chassis bracing, and a Koni/Eibach suspension kit. I have heard people describe cars as go karts, and this car is the epitome of that feeling.

I originally bought this car to serve as a pacifier until I could afford to make the next step. However, after spending the last few years with this car, I have become somewhat clouded by exactly what the next step should be. The Elise seems to be the proper weight, but the high cost, fragility of the body, and challenging entry/exit acrobatics have ruled it out for me. As like many of you have indicated, I want to be able to drive this car frequently for commuting, running errands, going out to dinner, and the like. That leaves me with the Boxster/Cayman. To me, these are both beautiful cars, but they do weigh 600-700 pounds more, but also include loads of refinement. These probably fit the bill the best, but I am somewhat apprehensive about spending Porsche money in addition to gaining 30% more weight. If the 'Baby Boxster' ever came into being, that would probably be the car that I am mostly after, however, since I have not heard anything about this possible new model lately, I am beginning to give up hope for such a car.

Enter the 818. Lightweight, check. Affordable, check. Superior chassis to my MR2, I sure hope so. Significant increase in Power to Weight ratio, check. A project to keep me busy, and give me significant pride in, check. It seems to really fit the bill. Since I still have my pacifier, I am in no hurry for this car to come out, just as long as when it finally shows up, it meets Dave's original criteria. I am personally glad that Dave has gone into somewhat of an isolation mode to focus on this project, as this forum has turned into far too many (whiney) chefs in the kitchen. Design by committee is rarely successful, and as long as he sticks to his original vision, I am almost sure this car will fit my needs also, however, only time will tell.

Best of luck Dave and team - I am extremely excited about his concept!

wantscobra

01-18-2012, 09:07 AM

We already have that long list of main reasons that this project is appealing.
-Price
-Looks (Hopefully)
-Performance (speed and/or mileage)
-Kit Quality
-Support (Factory and community)
-Fun Factor
-"I built it" factor
-Relative rarity

It appeals to me as a fun/economical/cool daily driver. However, I myself am quite disinterested in the Subaru engine choice. There are rumors that there will be other engine options, such as the VW Diesel or the Ford 1.6/2.0L VCT or Ecoboost. I am most interested in the Ford engine options personally. But, I am probably the only person in the world that feels that way. I have a lot of experience driving and working on small fords, and I like them.

To me this project has the potential to save me money on my next daily driver. If I can finish this car with a used or crate ford 4 cylinder, for under $19K, then I can save about $4K-5K over the car that I am currently considering as my next daily driver. If I can finish it cheaper than that, then I would save even more. I realize that there will be significant design challenges in making these options available, and that they may not even be options because of this. I just hope that isn't the case. :)

I think it would be economical and fun to drive when outfitted as a daily driver and not an all out speed car. My drive is about 25 miles. There are a few curves. There is some city driving. I just want something that isn't too expensive that I can enjoy taking to work on rainy and sunny days.

But, if I am going to buy and build it, it definitely has to look as good as we know it will perform.

Mike

flytosail

01-30-2012, 04:39 PM

I can not afford a high end kayak, car, or airplane. But, I can build them.

So it is the logical step after building two of these:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/BOATLAUNCHINMAINEMOD.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/IMGP7128-1.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/DSC_0334.jpg

But before building one of these:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/IMG_0193.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/zenith_stol_ch_750.jpg

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff124/flytosail/IMG_0073.jpg

bbatts

01-30-2012, 05:03 PM

The 818 build for me is:

Enormous Satisfaction of building my own. I'm already calling it my F5/R
Satisfaction of helping someone else to build one.
Satisfaction of building one (or two or three) for someone else.

This 818 (F5/R) project contains all the elements of; swatch-watch design/creativity, scary high performance, possible high MPG version, personal expression through and satisfaction of building it yourself at a reasonable cost.

My expectations are as high as anything I have, with my clothes on.

B Batts
Nashville, TN

I have been thinking more about this. The F5/R or as it known by others, the 818, is a concept with all kinds of options to suit all kinds of personal directions. This is a concept vehicle that will become a significant turning point and will become THE significant icon of FFR that will establish their future which launch them as a Global producer/supplier of such a useful, relative inexpensive, automotive platform.

This is going to be HUGE and I want to be associated with such a ground floor opportnuinty/concept/icon.