818R - anyone want to try mounting the driver in the center?

[BrandonDrums]

I saw this shot of the go-kart chassis and it got me thinking about what it would take to put the driver and the controls in the center of the car. FFR obviously took great care to make sure the COG was low and centered and I feel the LH driving position with as light as the car is isn't ideal.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=13650&d=1353958787

The steering rack would be the main issue. I feel a RHD euro or JDM spec rack combined with the USDM wheel could work out aside from the input angle of the shaft being the wrong direction which would require one more bend in the steering shaft to fit on straight. However, you could easily cut the little input shaft on the rack, add a UV joint and make it work.

http://www.kgcphoto.com/Stuff/Subaru-Rack_7092.jpg
http://htsmall.ecklerstrucks.com/assets/trk/images/size/265x265/sku/153164.jpg

The only thing left would be to cut and re-weld about 6 bars total on the chassis, center the seat belt mounting bracket and the seat mounting bracket and viola! A true center seating position and good-bye passengers!

[Turboguy]

Hmmm. I thought of that too, when I saw the first prototypes.


Personally, I like the idea of being able to have a passenger with me on the odd lapping day. But then again, in it's current guise the 818R has a roll bar support that goes through that area anyway.

[PhyrraM]

Plenty of steering racks to choose from once you realize that you need to step away from a Subaru part.

I'd start by looking in various sand rail or race supply catalogs.


I'd be more concerned with any stuctural members FFR has (or will) put down the middle of the car.

[Xusia]

mrvwcastner is planning on doing a center driving position.

[mrvwcastner]

I've contacted both companies listed as raley companies specializing in racks (quick rack & ??). Neither got back to me. I am looking into 2 local options & resourcing circle track companies. No decisions made. As I see it if I remove cross brace thru passenger side of cockpit & replace with a smaller brace on both pass & driver side structural integrity should be unaffected if not improved. As far as the cables go for transmission that will need to be sorted after moving shifter over. The dash will need some work, but I dont plan on using factory gauges so easy enough there. Only real money/time needed will be the rack. Lets talk about it here. I would like some opinions/resources. I also tried picking daves brain @ FF months ago, but no response (really bad timing for me to expect any info from him then so what I expected).

[David Hodgkins]

FYI it was stated by Dave that the cross brace *probably* wouldn't make it to production.

The PDG GTM is center drive. I'm pretty confident it's just a matter of research to find out which rack to use. Maybe someone could ping crash to find out where it came from...

:)

[metalmaker12]

It is a cool idea

[Hayai]

^ I agree. If you're going for a track machine I think it would be ideal and very do-able. Personally, I'm going for a streetable track machine that I can take a friend or a girl out on a nice day :) But more power to those who want to do it! I cant wait to see pics when someone does this.

[mrvwcastner]

It has been part of my plan for more than half a year. Very close second was going to be center mounted seat in a Midlana. I have been emailing Kurt Bilinski about single seat Midlana as well, & it would be even easier as well as lighter with possibility for WRX driveline for less money. Came down to how cool 818R will be & my tendency to start projects I don't finish. The support here will ensure I can stay focused & finish.

I MAY HAVE MADE A POOR CHOICE WANTING TO GO CENTER SEAT. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION IT MAY CHANGE CLASSIFICATION BY SCCA. I MAY NEED TO RETHINK THIS AND THAT IS OKAY. VOICING YOURSELF TO OTHERS MAY BE A GREAT WAY TO PREVENT MAKING GRAVE MISTAKES.