Plavan's 818R Build Thread

[C.Plavan]

Busted out the grinder. The aluminum LCA rub on the frame up front in the R position.

Rub a dub dub-



Before grinding-


After:


And while you are there, grind the driver side rear bolt down on the LCA- It hits the firewall.

[C.Plavan]

Just a little update. Its starting to look a little STI Cherry Blossom on the rear.... The color is not as bad as I thought, but the spherical bearings are soooooo smooth!

Front firewall is all done except for caulking. I was able to cancel my CNC order for the "R" track height spacers until we get concrete numbers from FFR. Then I need to make the UCA spacer.... All the brackets/hinges/etc.(Bare Steel) are at the powder coaters getting hit with gloss black (22 or so pieces). I'm also waiting for some Hardware (My own order) from McMaster-Carr.
The carbon fiber diffuser is coming. No rear wing or front splitter yet.

Has anyone else had to rat tail file the heck out of the spacers on the rear suspension to get them to fit over the bolts? What a pain in the Arse.

I think I narrowed down the wheels I want- I'm sticking with 17's since race rubber is generally cheaper in that size. Stay tuned. I wont be working on it much the next 2 weeks.








How are we supposed to adjust the rear at track height? The OEM stuff does not engage.

[wallace18]

Looks good. Don't you want to use the adjustable lowers in the rear for toe adjustment? They should have came with the kit.

[longislandwrx]

The pink looks sharp.

I'm almost to the point of building at street height until FFR gets this all sorted out.

[C.Plavan]

Looks good. Don't you want to use the adjustable lowers in the rear for toe adjustment? They should have came with the kit.

I think those only went to the guys who had the early chassis. There was a problem with the adjustment. Nothing on my box list for those.

[C.Plavan]

The pink looks sharp.

I'm almost to the point of building at street height until FFR gets this all sorted out.

Trust me I know. I wish Bob would update his post with what he is doing on his R. Or at least FFR take some pictures of their R for us.

[Mechie3]

I made my own bolt spacers. The FFR one's were saw cut. They're good quality for a saw cut, but do require some deburring to work well. Thus, I made my own.

[AJW Performance]

Looking good Chad

[wallace18]

I think those only went to the guys who had the early chassis. There was a problem with the adjustment. Nothing on my box list for those.

If you end up needing a pair I have 2 extra I can sell at a good price.

[C.Plavan]

Wallace- You have a PM.

I mocked up the UCA's using washers for the R height. Three bolt location took 10 regular washers and a skinny one, the other mount only took 10. I measured the mount, and it was welded a little off (heat warp). I put the skinny washer on top of the problem mount to square the UCA's up.
I plan on making better CNC mounts for the Uppers, but it is not as critical as the LCA's- I sent a message to Jim to see if we could clarify the dimensions of the LCA spacers for R height. Jeff (Longisland) and I have been getting different sets of numbers.


My Ball Joints should be here soon, then I need the correct shocks to be sent to me. I also ordered a bump steer kit.

Quick question for you guys that received the wrong shocks- Do you have to return the ones you have before FFR send the correct ones? I hope not, I'm on the opposite coast.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Wallace- You have a PM.

I mocked up the UCA's using washers for the R height. Three bolt location took 10 regular washers and a skinny one, the other mount only took 10. I measured the mount, and it was welded a little off (heat warp). I put the skinny washer on top of the problem mount to square the UCA's up.
I plan on making better CNC mounts for the Uppers, but it is not as critical as the LCA's- I sent a message to Jim to see if we could clarify the dimensions of the LCA spacers for R height. Jeff (Longisland) and I have been getting different sets of numbers.




My Ball Joints should be here soon, then I need the correct shocks to be sent to me. I also ordered a bump steer kit.

Quick question for you guys that received the wrong shocks- Do you have to return the ones you have before FFR send the correct ones? I hope not, I'm on the opposite coast.

Just to let you know you won't get away with anything on this forum.
In the picture above, the long turnbuckle goes in the front of the car.
Have a good day
Bob

[C.Plavan]

Just to let you know you won't get away with anything on this forum.
In the picture above, the long turnbuckle goes in the front of the car.
Have a good day
Bob

I wish I had an Assembly Manual.... It was on backorder....LOL. I should have it soon. Thanks Bob-

[C.Plavan]

I had a "Kitchen Project" just show up. Best looking carbon fiber I have ever seen.

[Santiago]

Is there a "Patio Project" on the way in the form of a carbon diffuser? I'm on the fence about whether or not to order one or make my own. Haven't seen a decent image of it yet.

[C.Plavan]

Is there a "Patio Project" on the way in the form of a carbon diffuser? I'm on the fence about whether or not to order one or make my own. Haven't seen a decent image of it yet.

I should have it on Tuesday- But I will be out a town for awhile. I'll take pictures as soon as I can.

I planned on making a template of the Front Splitter once I receive that one. I know I will need extras at some point.

[RM1SepEx]

they sent out my new shocks and emailed a return authorization the same day. I prepped them for shipment and did the exchange on the fly. You don't need to send your's back first.

[Mechie3]

I ordered the CF bits too but don't have mine yet. The last form they sent me showed they were shipped and not on back order. I asked them to make sure it showed properly in their system since I'd really like to get them. . Post pics when they arrive!!

[RM1SepEx]

I wish I had an Assembly Manual.... It was on backorder....LOL. I should have it soon. Thanks Bob-

they sent me two for my "S" ... you can access it online!

[C.Plavan]

Yep- Downloaded it last night.

[longislandwrx]

Spoiler looks great with your Louis. Is that the hush money for the 818? LOL.

[RM1SepEx]

I ordered the CF bits too but don't have mine yet. The last form they sent me showed they were shipped and not on back order. I asked them to make sure it showed properly in their system since I'd really like to get them. . Post pics when they arrive!!

I'll have to follow up on my CF pieces then!

[Wayne Presley]

Is that a GTC 200 wing next to your Louis Viton purse?

[C.Plavan]

Is that a GTC 200 wing next to your Louis Viton purse?

I can't remember who said it on this forum before, but it's "Revenge Spending" by my newlywed wife of 3 weeks.....

And it's a GTC-300 wing

[longislandwrx]

How are we supposed to adjust the rear at track height? The OEM stuff does not engage.

There's going to be a group by soon on the msi billet lateral links. Thinking about picking up a set, if I could find someone to go halves on them.



Also my rubbing was pretty bad too, I took the casting marks off, and it was still tight. I'll have to take a little more material off, what a pain.

WP_20131023_002.jpg

[Wayne Presley]

The 818R's were made to use the FFR track lateral and toe links with the rod ends for adjustment

[longislandwrx]

The 818R's were made to use the FFR track lateral and toe links with the rod ends for adjustment

Thanks Wayne, I didn't know this, I wonder why it was not included, caveat emptor I guess. I figured the modifications made to the frame in terms of the camber bolt placement would carry over to the R ride height as well.

I will contact them and see if one can be sent to me.

[Wayne Presley]

The lateral link from the donor can be used but you will need an adjustable toe link.

[RM1SepEx]

I have an extra pair of the adjustable lateral links... FFR supplied set, I already had purchased adjustable lateral links with rod ends as my originals were bent. PM me if you are interested

[longislandwrx]

Here's what Joe from FFR says:

From your picture your still in the low ride height spot, which will not work with factory arms. We added frame provisions for a lower ride height, but the single donor capable height is the same on the R and S

Joe S

[C.Plavan]

Here's what Joe from FFR says:

From your picture your still in the low ride height spot, which will not work with factory arms. We added frame provisions for a lower ride height, but the single donor capable height is the same on the R and S

Joe S

I bought the Rear Adjustable toe links from Wallace- but I'm STILL waiting on the "correct" track height spacer measurements.

[C.Plavan]

I finally got some time today to work on it for a few hours. I got a lot of the front mocked up (minus the rear spacers)- I may just use washers as a temporary fix until I can CNC spacer blocks. I was told I would get a definite answer next week.
Sometime this week I will go through the front and torque everything down to the correct specs and paint mark them.

I added a bump steer kit that I will have to play with when I align it (track height). I did some more grinding, and may even need to do more on the LCA's. The Wilwood brakes/rotors will go on tomorrow, and maybe I can start prepping the Aluminum radiator and fan pack to go in. I have a 2007 steering rack, and I don't think I have the issues some of you guys were having. I could be wrong, but it looks even to me- I'll look more closely tomorrow. I also need to cover up the ABS sensor holes.

For the most part- I'm having fun building my "Lego" race car. When you have time to sit down and do it, and are not waiting for backordered/correct parts, it goes by quickly. One thing I'm finding out, is be prepared to improvise.

[Mechie3]

I like those tie rod ends. Are they aluminum?

[Xusia]

And where did you get them?

[wallace18]

You have the right attitude. Your build is coming along very nice. Good Work!

[longislandwrx]

Looks good, did the M16s fit? I think those tie rod ends are just new and blingy. I think I am going to order that bump kit as it looks like a great fit.

I also ordered my radiator, I ordered a GC radiator so the hose would be offset, I'll test the fan fitment when it comes. If it wont work I'll just get the mishimoto fan.

Keep up the good work.

Hopefully I'll have my shifter mounted, and my footwell sheetmetal templated this weekend and I can send you the patterns.

[C.Plavan]

The bump steer kit is from Baer. I bought it through Summit. Yes, it's aluminum and blingy

Jeff- yes, those are M16's in the upper hole. They fit perfect after some tapping with a rubber mallet. The bracket welds can make it difficult.

I'll also add another tip in addition to being able to improvise- do yourself a favor and buy a ton of metric hardware, then buy more. I bought a ton (McMaster-Carr is your friend- and have a great IPAD app for ordering). I'm using it all over. I don't like the fact they mix SAE and metric fasteners. It should all be metric, and I hope they consider that in the future. I only use SAE where I have to. There is nothing worse than grabbing the wrong wrenches at the track when you are in a hurry. Not to mention my track tools/crash box is all metric- haha.

[C.Plavan]

The front Wilwoods are on. All shimmed/torqued and ready to go. Now if my wheels would only show up.




Now its time to clean the garage/tools up. Not sure what I'm going to finish next.

[Frank818]

Beautiful brakes... really.

[C.Plavan]

Anyone have the Torque Specs for the actual Upper ball joint? They don't list it in the manual. They do list the upper ball joint bracket.

[Bob_n_Cincy]

Anyone have the Torque Specs for the actual Upper ball joint? They don't list it in the manual. They do list the upper ball joint bracket.

Hi Chad
The top ball joint on the 818 looks like the same as the lower joint of the 33 Hot Rod.
Someone else will have to verify this.
On page 48 of the hot rod manual "Front lower ball joint to spindle" is 80-120 Lbft.
On page 46 is says 125 ft-lbs.

Bob