Camera's 818C

[Dave 53]

It's a slippery slope going from a streetcar towards the direction of a track car trying to improve an already competent car. In general, I try to make car improvements in the order of safety, reliability then speed. And speed / fun comes from skill, braking, handling, then horsepower in that order. Some may have a different order, but I'd argue skill needs to be high on the list. I see a lot of lack of skill YouTube fail videos.

If the front end feels "a little on edge" and you haven't installed a bump steer kit, for sure do that next.

Of your short list above, an LSD might be a worthwhile improvement if you're feel one wheel spinning. I just did it. It wasn't as scary of a job as I thought it would be. DSR-3 has one for sale.

A day or two at some sort of performance driving school would most likely do more than hardware improvements. A few lessons and some practice on throttle steering and threshold braking will serve anyone far better than more horsepower. A friend tells me throttle steering around a 270 freeway off ramp can be a lot of fun. Without ABS and adjustable brake bias, knowing how to adjust the bias and having skill (through practice) in threshold braking is a safety necessity. I'd put learning to drive the car you have in the "safety" category.

Spend some money on a helmet and an autocross event before chasing horsepower.

[mcamera]

Ajzride,
That's a cool idea. I've seen people put a baffle above the radiator to force more air through the radiator but haven't seen ducting after the radiator. Have you had temp issues? I drove my car on the street all summer (up to 95F outside) and never got the temp gauge past half. Even in stop and go traffic.

Dave 53,
Yeah I've never been one to chase high power. I prefer simple and reliable.

I have a bumpsteer kit that helped but it could be better. I lost a degree of caster on my 2nd alignment and it shows. I get some minor bumpsteer over big bumps. That's why I'm interested in getting the car corner weighted/a more advanced alignment. I think I could refine the handling and gain traction all around with that one change.

I agree with ya. I've done a couple track days and autocross in other cars and it taught me a lot. Slightly concerned about the Subaru boogey man (losing oil pressure) while tracking the car though. I feel like I have to do an event though to figure out the car like you're saying.

[mcamera]

[Ajzride]

The duct I’m talking about is to exhaust the hot air exiting the radiator out over the windshield and keep it from heating up the cabin.

[mcamera]

The duct I’m talking about is to exhaust the hot air exiting the radiator out over the windshield and keep it from heating up the cabin.

Ah! Makes sense.

[mcamera]

[FFRWRX]

Another excellent video! I think the weight is very good. I never expect a F5 car to weigh what they say it does. My first Cobra from them certainly didn't. So it is like a Subaru with 1000 lbs taken off it......not bad!

Rick

[lance corsi]

I’d say your car’s weight is pretty typical of 818 coupes. I’m hoping to come in at less than 2200 lbs.

[Shawn818c]

I can get you the weight of the factory subaru mirrors with FFR brackets if you'd like! I have them sitting on a shelf, like Wayne said you won't want them for the coupe. They're useless.

**edit** Sorry, I mean mirrors but I can get you the weight of the Subaru wiper system too if you would like.

[mcamera]

Up until now, I've been telling people the car weighed 2000lbs and I believed that. So it doesn't change how well the car drives. It's still as quick and nimble as I wanted, but I'm slightly disappointed I couldn't stay under 2000lbs. I didn't add any big items like heat/AC. I kept the small Subaru brakes. Chose modest wheel sizes (8.5" rears). Replaced some big Subaru parts with smaller options (charcoal canister, handbrake, air intake, mirrors). Overall I saved weight compared to a standard build. I still don't think the hardtop, window motors, and 6 pieces of glass added 300lbs compared to the convertible body panels in the rear.

I wonder if my 07' EJ255 weighs any more than the 02-05 EJ205?

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Up until now, I've been telling people the car weighed 2000lbs and I believed that. So it doesn't change how well the car drives. It's still as quick and nimble as I wanted, but I'm slightly disappointed I couldn't stay under 2000lbs. I didn't add any big items like heat/AC. I kept the small Subaru brakes. Chose modest wheel sizes (8.5" rears). Replaced some big Subaru parts with smaller options (charcoal canister, handbrake, air intake, mirrors). Overall I saved weight compared to a standard build. I still don't think the hardtop, window motors, and 6 pieces of glass added 300lbs compared to the convertible body panels in the rear.

I wonder if my 07' EJ255 weighs any more than the 02-05 EJ205?

Here is a link to other's build weights. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...l=1#post228253

[mcamera]

[mcamera]

[lance corsi]

Mcamera, in order to fix your rear hatch alignment, raise the hinge points closer to the roof. This plays an important part in the dynamics of the hatch hinge design. You can only go as high as the roof will allow.

[mcamera]

Thanks for the suggestion Lance. I just checked and my hinge point is as high as it can go before the arm interferes with the roof. My hatch opens well, it just settled over a few months and started to rub at the bottom. Likely from the struts always pushing on it. Hope your build is going well.

IMG_0106.jpg

[lance corsi]

Yea, it’s going and going and going….

[BigDanSubaru]

[QUOTE=mcamera;443367]The fuel fittings I ordered work great. They fit underneath the firewall and installed easily. My driver side firewall hits the fuel inlet on my Boyd tank before it can reach its final position though. I'll have to bend the horizontal section of the firewall or shim the bottom up about an inch to clear that.

Attachment 141618

The fuel filter bracket I took a gamble on is perfect. The mounting holes are the exact same spacing as the old mounting holes for the AC compressor. I just need to drill out the mounting bracket holes a little bit, and buy 2 shorter bolts. This makes good use of dead space on the engine (where the AC compressor used to be) and I don't have to mess with mounting the filter to the frame rail and through my rear-rear firewall as the manual recommends. Here's the part number and a link if anybody wants a cheap and easy fuel filter setup using an 02-04 WRX filter. I had to switch over since my 07 filter was mounted in the fuel tank and now I need an externally mounted filter.

$19 - Canton Racing Filter Mounting Bracket - Part# 26-893 (https://www.summitracing.com/parts/CTR-26-893)

Attachment 141620

I have an 07 WRX donor and I am running the Boyd tank just like yours. I bought all the same fittings and the 02-04 fuel filter with the Summit bracket too. (Excuse me for copying your homework). I am curious about what you ended up doing with some other components of your fuel system.

1. Did you retain the 07 WRX OEM fuel pump control unit and factory wiring?
2. Did you retain the OEM fuel pressure regulator? Where even is this on the 07 WRX?
3. Did you retain the inline fuel damper things that were on the fuel supply and return lines right before they attach to the hard lines on top of the intake manifold?

I have seen some builders mention that the Aeromotive 340 pump draws more power than the OEM unit and I don't want a fire or anything. I have also seen some use an aftermarket fuel pressure regulator, but I don't really want to spend an extra 200 or more dollars on something that isn't necessary. How is yours running? Any starvation issues or anything? Sorry for all the questions. I just want to make sure I am taking care of these things as I go so I can avoid having to undo work later.

Also, keep up the videos on your interior work for YouTube. Good stuff!

[Dave 53]

I'd suggest using high pressure fuel injection hose in the fuel system and not heater hose.

[mcamera]

Hi Dan,
I put that info on here to hopefully save somebody time and money. Glad you're getting some use out of it!

1. Did you retain the 07 WRX OEM fuel pump control unit and factory wiring? Yes

2. Did you retain the OEM fuel pressure regulator? Where even is this on the 07 WRX? Yes, see pic below for location

3. Did you retain the inline fuel damper things that were on the fuel supply and return lines right before they attach to the hard lines on top of the intake manifold? I don't remember removing any dampers but there's nothing on my lines now. See pic below. Just a line in from the filter, and line out to the tank.

I've had no issues and my tuner wasn't maxing anything out. I'm still using the stock turbo, just turned up from 11.5psi (stock) to 16psi (current tune). I go over my dyno numbers including A/F ratio in this video if you want more details: https://youtu.be/ile68VJnZCk. He had no problem holding A/F numbers.

Thanks! Most of my interior materials are on backorder but I have some coming in today. Been working on other 818 things all weekend though!


Dave,
Early in my build I grabbed the wrong hose (heater hose) but I am running the correct fuel hose. Doesn't hurt to double check and I just did. Thanks for the note!

818 Fuel Pressure Reg Location.jpg IMG_0182.jpg

[mcamera]

Not a pro by any means but here are some of my tips for anybody that isn't familiar with vinyl wrapping.

[RPGs818SNA]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with vinyl wrap, especially the video. I decided to try it on my firewall and tunnel cover too. I got a 5x5 and a 5x2 sheet which was enough for all the firewall and tunnel pieces. My first application was the rear tunnel cover for practice. I only used 1 inch borders, so lining the vinyl up with the piece with just the right overlap was tricky. Later I taped cardboard pieces with a 1 inch overhang to the bottoms, making it much easier to line it up.

vinyl wrap tabs.jpg

I found the application was pretty easy, given all the surfaces are flat. I wrapped teeshirt fabric around a credit card to smooth the vinyl on. I found that heat did indeed shrink out any stretch marks, but it also tended to make the vinyl brittle, so I used it sparingly. Once in place, it needs to be heated above 90 degrees to set the glue. However, that does tend to pull the vinyl away from the inside corners.

vinyl wrap firewall.jpg

It looks and feels great, is tough against scratches and doesn’t move under a tightening screw head. It does attract dust, so it could use an antistatic treatment. I’m pretty happy with the result.
RPG

[mcamera]

Looking good RPG! Did you also use the leather textured wrap? I cut my pieces a few inches too big to make placement easier, and then cut the excess down to 1" later. I have everything finished just waiting for my carpet to be delivered. It was on backorder for 2 weeks, and now it's another 4 weeks so I cancelled and bought from somewhere else.

IMG_0301.jpg

[RPGs818SNA]

Thanks. I used the wrap you were so kind to link to in your post #498. Good stuff. Your firewall looks perfect! Nice work.

I'm trying to get all the pieces on the vinyl I have, so 1 inch borders. I'm also keeping the passenger side of the tunnel straight, so no need for the skirt that extends over the 2x5 piece.

firewall vinyl.jpg

Thanks for pioneering the vinyl wrap. I look forward to your carpet posts.

RPG

[mcamera]

Looks like you're using every bit of wrap! I kept my passenger side tunnel straight also. Much simpler and gives some extra foot space.

[mcamera]

I visited another builder in Kentucky to answer some questions on his 818R and 818C builds. He has a lot of projects going on in that garage. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

[mcamera]

[Dave 53]

Instead of painting the wheel well splash guards, maybe consider using your spray glue and Walmart yoga mat. I added a few rivets with washers in areas that looked like it might peel back. It also makes for a cleaner look because you can form fit the yoga mat instead of using the rubber bulb weather strippingyoga mat.jpg.

[FFRWRX]

Another very good video and a nice interior. I like the mesh in the front grill and may have to look into that.

[mcamera]

Instead of painting the wheel well splash guards, maybe consider using your spray glue and Walmart yoga mat. I added a few rivets with washers in areas that looked like it might peel back. It also makes for a cleaner look because you can form fit the yoga mat instead of using the rubber bulb weather strippingyoga mat.jpg.

That does look good Dave! I actually don't get many annoying noises from my front fender wells like some people complain about but removing the bulb looks nice.

Another very good video and a nice interior. I like the mesh in the front grill and may have to look into that.

Thanks I appreciate that! Having the bottom opening on the front grill always looked unfinished to me with that skinny fiberglass lip.

[FFRWRX]

Thanks I appreciate that! Having the bottom opening on the front grill always looked unfinished to me with that skinny fiberglass lip.

Is it plastic? I like the hex shape.

[mcamera]

Yep ABS plastic

https://a.co/d/j5SoSfH

[mcamera]

[Jetfuel]

You learned something new and had fun doing it.
Win. Win..

Jet

[mcamera]

[STiPWRD]

Glad to see your axles survived the drag strip, I could tell you were taking it easy on the launch. I thought you had the car tuned from one of your earlier posts, the boost creep didn't show up then?

[lance corsi]

Thanks for the videos!

[mcamera]

Glad to see your axles survived the drag strip, I could tell you were taking it easy on the launch. I thought you had the car tuned from one of your earlier posts, the boost creep didn't show up then?

Yeah I didn't want to grenade my trans or axles. Didn't realize how sticky dragstrips are. I see how people break things now. I have a stock EJ25 that's tuned to about 276hp/300tq. Creep has never showed up but this is the first time I've run the car through 4 gears at full throttle. By the end of 4th the gasses must get hot enough/have enough volume to overwhelm the wastegate. From my searches it looks like a common issue for this engine. Most people said the same thing about never having an issue until the top of 4th gear.

[mcamera]

More helpful for somebody who hasn't built this car yet and is wondering how difficult maintenance is on a finished car

[FFRWRX]

I had my first on road failure. While I was flooring it the car made a loud sound and stopped accelerating. I changed gears and the car wouldn't do much, so I immediately thought the trans had failed. I pulled over and realized my coupler had pushed off my throttle body while under boost. It didn't help that my intercooler is mounted on the passenger side, but the driver side mount isn't attached to anything. So the intercooler was able to rock backwards and let the coupler push off. I tightened the coupler with a pocket ruler I had in my work backpack and limped home.

This is kind of funny (it wasn't at the time though). I read this post when you first wrote it, and commented that I hadn't secured my IC at all. So I bolted down the passenger side and that seemed pretty good. I went for a short drive yesterday (car not road-legal yet) and was pleasantly surprised how nicely it drove. Decided to "give it the beans" in 2nd gear and there was this great rush of air and no power at all. Managed to limp home. Yup, the IC had pivoted back on the one side that was bolted down and the coupling tube came off. So this morning was spent making a bracket for the driver side.

my turbo jacket installed. Trickier than expected. Had to fish some wire around the turbo so I could get the springs pulled through and attached. Looks nice, matches my DEI wrap really well, and the wool on the inside leaves lots of fiberglass-like pokies in your hands.

Are you happy with that blanket? The other thing I noticed on my short drive is how stinking hot the turbo gets. And mine is pretty close to the trunk. I was going to order one but looking at the space around the turbo I didn't want to order something that wouldn't fit.

Thank you again for your tips and fixes.

Rick

[mcamera]

That is funny. Scary in the moment but luckily an easy fix. I also realized the previous owner had used a plumbing coupler on my intercooler instead of an automotive coupler. It was hard deformed plastic that I replaced with a silicone coupler lol.

I really like my Mishimoto turbo blanket. Modestly priced at $100 shipped. I wanted a "fitted" jacket because I thought it would look better but this one looks great and has held up well. I don't think the turbo blanket helps as much as the exhaust wrap until you start tracking the car. The exhaust has so much surface area I think it throws off more heat. Wrapping both definitely helped though.

Here's the blanket I bought. Fits the stock turbo.
https://www.mishimoto.com/subaru-wrx...2001-2017.html

DEI exhaust wrap and zip ties that I bought. Matches the Mishimoto jacket really well. I bought 15ft and it was tricky to cover my stock downpipe w/ cat and the FFR angled pipe off the turbo. Barely enough.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/DEI-010129
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-350129