Plavan's 818R Build Thread

[C.Plavan]

I need to make time to button her up and go to a test day on the 13th (next weekend). I'm racing at Laguna Seca this weekend (BMW), so I have be good all week with the wife.

Btw- the NP01 qualified 10th overall at the 25 hours of Thunderhill last night!

[C.Plavan]

Hopefully it does not rain on Sunday- and the 818R runs like this :P

[Pearldrummer7]

That's a sick video. You need to update that signature with your NP01! Any idea when it arrives yet?

[C.Plavan]

That's a sick video. You need to update that signature with your NP01! Any idea when it arrives yet?

I'm Chassis #20 so it is scheduled for March sometime. There will be some part redesigns, so I hope it does not delay it. The Sequential Trans 6-speed is epic. No Clutch upshift/downshift.... #NoLiftShiftBro

The 818R may have a buyer. Friend of a friend is really interested in Sundays test.

[Pearldrummer7]

I'm Chassis #20 so it is scheduled for March sometime. There will be some part redesigns, so I hope it does not delay it. The Sequential Trans 6-speed is epic. No Clutch upshift/downshift.... #NoLiftShiftBro

The 818R may have a buyer. Friend of a friend is really interested in Sundays test.

Sunday's test excites me for 818R track viability, but the potential sell is good news for you.

I really wanted a dog engagement gearbox for that exact reason....nothing is cooler than banging clutchless shifts at the speed of light.

[xxguitarist]

Having ridden Thunderhill, there are a few areas that would be terrifying without the normal visual cues, like the water tower for #9

[Tamra]

Sounds like you should hope your 818 runs like a Miata... http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/all-fo...ved-1746534598

Only 1 of 3 of the NP01's managed to finish the race. Hopefully they'll get an upgraded halfshaft in time for yours. They are pretty awesome looking though!

[Sgt.Gator]

Very cool video. I'd love to crank some laps in that!
However in looking at the driver exchange...there's no way I could get out that window in the event that "door" doesn't open. Maybe if the door had explosive ejection bolts.....

[C.Plavan]

Sounds like you should hope your 818 runs like a Miata... http://blackflag.jalopnik.com/all-fo...ved-1746534598

Only 1 of 3 of the NP01's managed to finish the race. Hopefully they'll get an upgraded halfshaft in time for yours. They are pretty awesome looking though!

Only 2 raced of the 3, the third was a display only/parts car. The one that didn't finish, well, was kinda driving dumb in alot of peoples opinion.

[C.Plavan]

Very cool video. I'd love to crank some laps in that!
However in looking at the driver exchange...there's no way I could get out that window in the event that "door" doesn't open. Maybe if the door had explosive ejection bolts.....

You could break it- it weighs 2.5 pounds.

[C.Plavan]

So I worked on the car tonight. I put the timing covers on, threw on the new pulley, torqued everything down. Then checked the accessory belts. I knew I would have to get new sizes with the underdrive pulley. The Drysump pump to pulley belt- no problem. I got that belt. The 5 rib Alternator to crank (No PS)..... No luck finding a shorter one... anywhere. I may just try and modify the alternator adjustment turnbuckle (I bought Mikes alternator kit) to take the additional slack out. I really do not want to pull the crank pulley off again, but might have to.

There is a Gates K050271 that is 27.16 inches, but my current gates is listed 28.2 inches. It might work, but I have to order it.

Any thoughts from the 818 Brain trust? I'm hoping Mike used standard on the turnbuckle instead of metric, I might just be able to grab a longer turnbuckle at the hardware store. I'll check it out in the AM.

[Hindsight]

The belt I'm using is a Micro-V AT K050275, which it looks like is the same as your current gates (28.2) and I'm using Mike's kit. I did relocate the lower attachment point of Mike's strut though (due to an oil temp sensor I added) which changed things a bit and required a different spacer sleeve. If it were me, in a hurry, I'd just do what you mentioned (longer turnbuckle). Should be easy to check to see if it's standard or metric. I'm betting standard.

[Sgt.Gator]

My Gates catalog says the K050271 is 27 3/4 " . There's nothing smaller in 5 rib until K050200 at 20 3/4".

You can usually run a 4 rib belt on a 5 rib system with no problem, lots of guys do it. Especially since you've eliminated the load of the power steering pump. Your Gates choices there are 27 3/4, 25 3/4, 25 1/4, 24 1/2, 22 5/8.

OR...Is there room to mount a gutted power steering pump, effectively acting as an idler pulley? Or something along those lines.... Gates also sells idler pulleys.

[C.Plavan]

My Gates catalog says the K050271 is 27 3/4 " . There's nothing smaller in 5 rib until K050200 at 20 3/4".

You can usually run a 4 rib belt on a 5 rib system with no problem, lots of guys do it. Especially since you've eliminated the load of the power steering pump. Your Gates choices there are 27 3/4, 25 3/4, 25 1/4, 24 1/2, 22 5/8.

OR...Is there room to mount a gutted power steering pump, effectively acting as an idler pulley? Or something along those lines.... Gates also sells idler pulleys.

Thanks once again Gator- 4 Rib does make more sense. I'll probably just go that route. I was just worried about the 4 rib walking off and taking out the Dry Sump belt.

[C.Plavan]

Luck would have it, it's supposed to rain on Sunday. I may have to wait another week to test.

[longislandwrx]

chad maybe you can put a stack of washers under the alternator bracket to space it up a half inch although it may not help without a longer turnbuckle.

[C.Plavan]

chad maybe you can put a stack of washers under the alternator bracket to space it up a half inch although it may not help without a longer turnbuckle.

I just ordered a couple turnbuckles from Summit. I did start the car up today. Just waiting on those turnbuckles to show up for alternator adjustment. No leaks, good pressure (higher also with 10cm oil pump, but it was also colder outside), no surprises. I'm trying to go test Saturday, but I'm not sure since I'm working out of town all week.

I also was sent a new NP01 video- 24 cars have been sold so far, 11 of them are in CA!

[metros]

Cool vid

[Aero STI]

That is a great video. I want one that's street legal.

[Sgt.Gator]

Great Video. I hope your resident gremlin doesn't find it attractive too.If I were buying your 818 I'd want to wait until the NP01 was in your garage so maybe the gremlin will move out of the 818!

[C.Plavan]

Great Video. I hope your resident gremlin doesn't find it attractive too.If I were buying your 818 I'd want to wait until the NP01 was in your garage so maybe the gremlin will move out of the 818!

HAHA. There is a big difference between the two. Since I have the only known properly built race ready 818R still, (for 20min races ) it's not fair. The 818R specific Gremlin falls on me. You can't count the FFR 818R's cuz I think their Gremlin is alot meaner than mine! (KABOOM)

I really, really, really, have a good feeling about the next test. When I was running the car yesterday- I could not get the oil hot like before after extended reving (burping coolant). I think the Gremlin jumped into the trunk of the Spyder when I sold it. The next day after buying it, the owner said the car would not start it. Battery was bad.

[Flamshackle]

HAHA. There is a big difference between the two. Since I have the only known properly built race ready 818R still, (for 20min races ) it's not fair. The 818R specific Gremlin falls on me. You can't count the FFR 818R's cuz I think their Gremlin is alot meaner than mine! (KABOOM)

I really, really, really, have a good feeling about the next test. When I was running the car yesterday- I could not get the oil hot like before after extended reving (burping coolant). I think the Gremlin jumped into the trunk of the Spyder when I sold it. The next day after buying it, the owner said the car would not start it. Battery was bad.

I have a good feeling that you have a good feeling!

All the best for the test!

[Scargo]

"Since I have the only known properly built race ready 818R still, (for 20min races ) it's not fair. The 818R specific Gremlin falls on me. You can't count the FFR 818R's cuz I think their Gremlin is alot meaner than mine! (KABOOM)"...

I have not been scouring the forum recently and am curious what FFR is doing with the gray mule? It is supposed to have a dry sump. I think it has a six-speed. What are their racing plans/development goals? Are we all left to fend for ourselves? They seem almost secretive. Embarrassed with their performance? I remember their first outing at Watkins Glen, when they ran away from everything, only to have the crappy five-speed break.
Have they even reached out to you at all?

[Mitch Wright]

I just reach out via e-mail to Jim Schenck every month or so or just when I have a question that pops up. I also ask how the 818R testing that FFR has been doing and what they have found. From what I understand FFR has had one or both cars out a handful of tracks over the summer.

[RetroRacing]

Trying man, really trying to get it done, testing in March
Cross fingers.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

I really, really, really, have a good feeling about the next test. When I was running the car yesterday- I could not get the oil hot like before after extended reving (burping coolant).

Hi Chad,
I know you went from a 11mm to 10mm oil pump. new timing belt and water pump. Undersize crank pulley.
What are the other changes since you last outing?
Bob

[Canadian818]

I just reach out via e-mail to Jim Schenck every month or so or just when I have a question that pops up. I also ask how the 818R testing that FFR has been doing and what they have found. From what I understand FFR has had one or both cars out a handful of tracks over the summer.

You'd think they would share a little feedback....

[Mitch Wright]

All I can tell you is Jim has been very helpful and willing to share information when I have asked. I am making an assumption here but I gathered the development of the Coupe and the testing that they did kept the crew really busy. I am not making excuses for FFR but I do have experienced being consumed in projects.

[C.Plavan]

I'm not testing today. It's raining again. I have no desire to be out with a 3rd party DE group in the rain (where the street car guys think they are racecar drivers in the rain -they tend to do bonehead stuff when near real racecars). All they end up doing is get stuck in the mud going off, mud the track, stop the session for tow trucks, and crash into each other.

I have the potential buyer coming to look at it today instead to check it out.

As far as FFR and sharing stuff. It is still the same and nothing has changed. They don't share anything. You have to talk with Jim to get any information. He is great about it, but they really should communicate better without us having to track them down. FFR has really dropped the ball.

I do have to add that FFR should take a page from the Elan Motorsport guys- WAY more professional and share everything with their customers. Granted, you spend alot more money for a car, but FFR is selling alot more cars. The Elan guys went out of their way to invite me to the factory when they start on my car. That way I can turn some wrenches on my chassis for a day, answer all my questions, pour my custom seat to my body, and get the full tour. They are also sharing info about the 25hr race with me, failures, and what they are changing and fixing (without me having to ask like with FFR).

(Bob) I have just changed the oil pump, all the used timing belt stuff and idler pulleys, crank pulley, the used water pump to the better version for racing (new), and changed the Drysump hoses (venting to the original way I had it).

[Mechie3]

I do have to add that FFR should take a page from the Elan Motorsport guys- WAY more professional and share everything with their customers. Granted, you spend alot more money for a car, but FFR is selling alot more cars.

I've always looked at things like that this way: Dress where you want to be, not where you are. Where I work (day job, not Zerodb) they don't promote you to the next level until you've proven you can perform at that level by actually performing a level above for at least a year. They don't promote and hope you don't fail. Granted, it affects our turn over as people think they're due for a promotion based solely on tenure and not performance, but people rarely are promoted and then falter. Want to be high level and high class? Don't wait until you are to act the part.

[Wayne Presley]

Want to be high level and high class? Don't wait until you are to BE the part.

Works well in all aspects of life, I made a slight change to Craig's quote...

[C.Plavan]

Works well in all aspects of life, I made a slight change to Craig's quote...

You both are Philosophical Car Masters. Well said.

[Zach34]

I'd like FFR to publish a lot more about the R testing/development just like everybody else, but FFR and Elan are not even the same type of company. FFR is still modeled around the sort of grass-roots, anyone-can-build-a-cool-car kind of concept. The driving force behind their development is value, and you can't deny they've nailed it - the kits are pretty darn good for what you pay. One of the selling-point quotes from that Elan promo video was "a set of (Toyo) tires will cost you $880 and will last you 2-3 weekends". Of the very few FFR customers that race their cars, how many do you think would balk at that kind of expense? Most of us would like to spend less than that on wheels.

If I had the money I'd be in line for an NP01 in a second, but I just don't. The way I see it, right now I can spend 60-70 grand for a car that will probably work very well (NP01), or I can spend 30-40 grand for a car that might work if I invest a ton of time and effort into it (818R). Well, I don't have 70 grand, so... I'm going to build the best 818R I possibly can. It might not work, it might not be fast, I might crash it and get hurt, who knows. I'm just going to try to stay positive about it and have fun.

[C.Plavan]

I'd like FFR to publish a lot more about the R testing/development just like everybody else, but FFR and Elan are not even the same type of company. FFR is still modeled around the sort of grass-roots, anyone-can-build-a-cool-car kind of concept. The driving force behind their development is value, and you can't deny they've nailed it - the kits are pretty darn good for what you pay. One of the selling-point quotes from that Elan promo video was "a set of (Toyo) tires will cost you $880 and will last you 2-3 weekends". Of the very few FFR customers that race their cars, how many do you think would balk at that kind of expense? Most of us would like to spend less than that on wheels.

If I had the money I'd be in line for an NP01 in a second, but I just don't. The way I see it, right now I can spend 60-70 grand for a car that will probably work very well (NP01), or I can spend 30-40 grand for a car that might work if I invest a ton of time and effort into it (818R). Well, I don't have 70 grand, so... I'm going to build the best 818R I possibly can. It might not work, it might not be fast, I might crash it and get hurt, who knows. I'm just going to try to stay positive about it and have fun.

Racing a car is expensive- if you are going to be balking about $880 for race tires that last 2-3 race weekends, you are really going to have your eyes opened when you do race a 818R or any other car. That is cheap!!!! Heck, 818R race tires are $1300......

Yes, I am lucky I can afford to buy an NP01, I sold a few toys to make it feasable, but it's still a big chunk of change- just in parts, my 818R is half the cost of a NP01. Now figure my labor.....

It does not matter if you spend $10k, $20k or $70k for a car. Customer Service is customer service, support is support. It is what separates the men from the boys in business. FFR really needs a PR person in their ranks.

[C.Plavan]

BTW- Sale of my 818R is Pending

[Scargo]

I hope that you have stipulated that he/she must report back to us about the car.

[C.Plavan]

I hope that you have stipulated that he/she must report back to us about the car.

I'm still going to test it for him. He is an Engineer, so it will be in great hands.

[Santiago]

BTW- Sale of my 818R is Pending

Congrats on the pending sale...wish I could've taken it off your hands. =)

I also second that I hope we keep getting updates on it when it's traded hands. Love to see what it's capable of when fully sorted.

Best,
-j

[Brando]

Hey Chad. Been out of the loop for a while and catching up on the threads. Insane you purchased a NP01, I have been eyeing those since you introduced that beast to me this past summer. I read one of the NP01's posted a best lap of 1:55 and the other a 1:51 at 25hrs of Thunderhill. Pretty impressive times running 185hp.

I'm curious what made the NP01 more appealing to you than the SLC?

[Wayne Presley]

Is there a ghost in the house? It's Christmas not Halloween Brando...