Plavan's 818R Build Thread

[C.Plavan]

How tall are you? Looking good.

Thanks-

I'm 5'11". The hard back race seat is not really helping the room in the back.

[JeromeS13]

What size spacer did you end up using on the bottom of the pedal mount?

[Scargo]

Is it just me, or could FFR have radiused these corners or designed it with tapering sides?
818 pedal area copy.jpg
My visit to the factory seemed to indicate that everything was laser cut and bent. This kind of detail would be easy to incorporate if that holds true for all the add-on bracketry like this. Small attention to detail that could result in less bloodshed while working on the car. Trimming off ounces here and there eventually equals pounds shed. Partial reason for me getting bare frame.

I am fervently watching you build. The fuel cell placement and size is a big ? for me. Safety-wise, mid-car and close to center seems better.
I saw where the tank is in the FFR car. I wonder how big it is? What are you thinking of for capacity?
In my heavy, 400whp STI I needed about five gallons an outing. That's 20-30 minutes worth. I think I last calculated 7MPG.

I'm going with a pedal box. One reason is because I like the feature of altering brake bias on the fly.

[C.Plavan]

What size spacer did you end up using on the bottom of the pedal mount?

10mm M6 spacers x2. So a total of 20mm. I'm using metric rivnuts instead of the standard ones FFR supplies.

[C.Plavan]

Is it just me, or could FFR have radiused these corners or designed it with tapering sides?
818 pedal area copy.jpg
My visit to the factory seemed to indicate that everything was laser cut and bent. This kind of detail would be easy to incorporate if that holds true for all the add-on bracketry like this. Small attention to detail that could result in less bloodshed while working on the car. Trimming off ounces here and there eventually equals pounds shed.

I am fervently watching you build. The fuel cell placement and size is a big ? for me. Safety-wise, mid-car and close to center seems better.
I saw where the tank is in the FFR car. I wonder how big it is? What are you thinking of for capacity?
In my heavy, 400whp STI I needed about five gallons an outing. That's 20-30 minutes worth. I think I last calculated 7MPG.

I'm going with a pedal box. One reason is because I like the feature of altering brake bias on the fly.

I hear ya. I think the 818 was released a little too early. We are all having issues that we need to improvise on.

As for the Fuel Cell- I will not go bigger than 15-16 gallons if I put it in the passenger compartment. If I manage a custom tank behind the firewall. I'm guessing it will be 12-13 gallons due to size limits.

As for the pedals/brake adjustment. You do not have to put the brake bias knob under the hood. Its going on my dash where it should be in a race car. FBW pedals are trickier with new pedal boxes.

[nkw8181]

I'm new at this so this may be a stupid question but why not put the seat all the way back and make the pedals move forward and back?

Nolan

[Mechie3]

If thought about dash mounting the bias but in a street car was worried about curious people turning knobs without asking. Track only cars shouldn't have that problem.

[Scargo]

I'm new at this so this may be a stupid question but why not put the seat all the way back and make the pedals move forward and back?
Nolan

Not stupid, and it has made me think about how I will mount my pedal box. Assuming that someone else might drive the car or race it, how easy would it be to retract pins or unbolt and shift the pedal assembly? While all this might be manageable by lifting the hood, I can think of some logistical and ergonomic issues that should be solved. There are many considerations.
There's the relationship of the driver to the steering wheel and distance from dash controls and shifter. What if a small person is going to drive it and you are six foot plus? Can they reach everything while bound in the seat by a six-point harness?
A pedal box on rails or rods can surely be done though you could not have a fixed master cylinder or clutch cylinder unless you had adjustable length actuator rods. If not, you'd need flexible brake lines, clutch line, etc. This is considering that you'd try and use all the stock pieces and you build a rigid framework to hold everything. I'm not sure if this is something that is potentially as easy, straightforward or as fast to adjust as repositioning the seat.
When it's a purpose-built racer many things might need to be moved and/or the seat changed out if a different person drives it.

It's already humorous for me to see big framed men squeezing into the skinny racing seat of my STI.

[C.Plavan]

It would be way easier with seat sliders. Then if needed, a spacer for the steering wheel.

I have never jumped into someone else's race car and asked them to move the pedals....

[nkw8181]

Thanks for the input

Nolan

[C.Plavan]

I got a little done today-

1. Axles are almost done- (tired of playing CV Roulette)
2. Welded a brace to the crappy FFR throttle mount. It stiffened it up nicely.
3. The dead pedals and coolant cover aluminum plates mocked up and riveted together. Longislandwrx was not kidding. FFR shorts us some aluminum panels on the 818R. It makes it look unfinished. Looks better just to leave some panels off.
4. Mocked up the top radiator mounts with a spacer. I'll rivnut it and take some pictures. I'm also going to design a proper radiator mount out of aluminum.

Accelerator pedal brace before touch up painting. Not my best welds- because I knew you could not see them once dash is on . Bird $hit quick welds.

[metalmaker12]

Most bird **** looks better than that!!! Lol
Coming along man, looking good

[C.Plavan]

Bahahahahahaha

[C.Plavan]

I'm back after a long hiatus.

I used my new 3D printer and made up some radiator mounts. These use the OEM rubber.

I had to make radiator mounts becasue like most others we found another error with the kit. When following the manual, the lower radiator hose would hit the steering boot. Not good. So like others I grabbed two rubber bushings that are on the supplied shifter and added those to the additional lower OEM rubber mounts. By doing so it raises the radiator to clear the steering. Then you need to make or modify the top radiator mounts.
I love being able to use my 3D printer to Prototype and print in ABS. I have two versions, but I liked the "stepped version" since you do not need a spacer.

Blue "Stepped" Prototype-


"Flat" Prototype-


Mounted Radiator with "Stepped" version. Crazy strong (100% fill). I just mounted it this AM. 6mm Rivnuts into frame.


Bottom of radiator with shifter bushings added to lower OEM rubber mounts.



Added Bonus!!!! lol

First lap of Qualifying at Circuit of the Americas- Group 10 (I had the smallest motor of all the cars! 2.5L) If you want to see what 211 RWHP vs 600-700 looks like on a straight. CLICK ON HD in settings

[metalmaker12]

Time for the 818 with 3-400

[Scargo]

Looks like you were out-braking a lot of cars...
That track's on my bucket list with the 818.

[C.Plavan]

Thanks- It was alot of fun. Such a great venue.

I called FFR today on my backordered parts. The short 818R windshield should be shipping out (they got them last week). They asked if I really wanted the door liners. I said "if you gave me a mount to attach the doors to, I would of let you keep them. I can use the door liners as a template, so send them."

They also told me they have changed the front race splitter to an Autoclave Carbon Fiber process. It will look like the aftermarket CF race wing. If it looks like that, i will be extremely happy. That wing is perfect CF. This new process will make it sturdier for the race cars. Not sure when they will ship it, but they did say they wanted the stronger one for "MY" R per Jim... Hmmmmm- they must think I'm going to crash...

[longislandwrx]

HAHA, I will watch for my windscreen and door panels I guess!

[Scargo]

Is there a separate picture of the splitter? Is it integral to the front aero or mostly flat? I am going to be really reluctant to put an expensive CF splitter on the car. I might could see glass, because it might not cost too much to replace or repair.
I am inclined to go with the NASCAR material. Forgot it's name.
I think it's neat that you are finding practical uses for the RP machine. I have really scratched my head about it's usefulness. I would be thinking in terms of what I could cast, in metal, with RP patterns. Make ventilated uprights for the front and sell them! http://www.lolachampcar.com/Suspension.htm

[C.Plavan]

Trust me. Once I get the front race splitter, I will be making my own template of it. Those are the first things to go.

[Santiago]

I am inclined to go with the NASCAR material. Forgot it's name.

I believe it's "Tegris." Tough, relatively inexpensive, easy to machine, bit heavy though compared to composites. Real nice stuff overall.

[C.Plavan]

I have been busy with work and other stuff. Here is a picture of the "Other Stuff"

I have to boast a bit, I'm sure you guys understand. We finally found our dream house. They just finished it in December. The 818R is getting a new garage! We will close in 60 days

The 3 car portion (With Scale car models printed off my 3D printer...Yeah I know, I nerded out.) Its extra deep so I can fit a total of 5 cars in there if I wanted. The sideways car will be my project car that I had to take to my Dad's house once the 818R showed up. we outgrew this house/garage )


The 2 car portion (This will just be for racecars- no need for the 3rd car in there, I was just playing around.


Epoxy floor is going in in a couple weeks- I WILL NEVER DO RACEDECK AGAIN. I cant wait!

[Canadian818]

Seperate "race car garage", wow, congrats!

[Scargo]

I believe it's "Tegris." Tough, relatively inexpensive, easy to machine, bit heavy though compared to composites. Real nice stuff overall.

If I move my radiator to the rear and have my battery back there and lighter front suspension components, I will need the Tegris up front... I am scheming.

[C.Plavan]

I just received the inner door liners (Fiberglass)- They look horrible compared to everything else. Good thing I'm only using them as a template. I'm still waiting on my 818R Shorty windshield and front CF race splitter.

[JeromeS13]

I just received the inner door liners (Fiberglass)- They look horrible compared to everything else. Good thing I'm only using them as a template. I'm still waiting on my 818R Shorty windshield and front CF race splitter.

Did you also get the note that the new CF pieces are at least another 2 months out?

[C.Plavan]

Jerome- Yeah they told me. Still waiting on Shorty windscreen still.

In the mean time I have been "Nesting" in the new house. Epoxy floors are in. Clear Coat is next.

[longislandwrx]

great view!.. and the mountains are also nice

[C.Plavan]

Hey Jerome- I just called on the front splitters. They said they could ship them to me this week (I was talking to shipping). I asked if they were the new autoclave version, they could not answer and did not know. I need to call back and check. My gut is telling me they are still making the old versions, but I need to clarify.

Getting ready to move to the new house...... Should be fun without wheels here yet. I got my axles all squared away. I cant wait to get the baby in the new garage.

[Rasmus]

All that room. Just think of the activities!

[C.Plavan]

All that room. Just think of the activities!

Yeah- I am going to get in all sorts of trouble. It also has a semi private "Test Track". Its a gated community with 90 2+ acre lots with only 6 houses so far.....Zoom Zoom while I can. My wife is already worried that I am going to piss off the few neighbors we currently have. haha

[305mouse]

All that room. Just think of the activities!

I'm just laughing here thinking of the movie Stepbrothers after they build the bunk beds

[C.Plavan]

I'm just laughing here thinking of the movie Stepbrothers after they build the bunk beds

Don't touch my Drum Set.

[icky]

Yeah- I am going to get in all sorts of trouble. It also has a semi private "Test Track". Its a gated community with 90 2+ acre lots with only 6 houses so far.....Zoom Zoom while I can. My wife is already worried that I am going to piss off the few neighbors we currently have. haha

No, you have to start from the beginning so they all know what's up!

[longislandwrx]

Yeah- I am going to get in all sorts of trouble. It also has a semi private "Test Track". Its a gated community with 90 2+ acre lots with only 6 houses so far.....Zoom Zoom while I can. My wife is already worried that I am going to piss off the few neighbors we currently have. haha

SOLD. Post the link, I'm going back back to Cali Cali!



NM found it! holy cow, there's one with a 6 car garage!

[Scargo]

Yeah- I am going to get in all sorts of trouble. It also has a semi private "Test Track". Its a gated community with 90 2+ acre lots with only 6 houses so far.....Zoom Zoom while I can. My wife is already worried that I am going to piss off the few neighbors we currently have. haha

I have to tell on myself. I am always looking for the private test track...
When I was 16 my brother let me take his pristine 283, '55 Chevy for a drive. On a Sunday morning, I thought I had found my private test track. It was Interstate 35 in north Dallas. The state was in the process of building it. I went onto it from an exit ramp and zoomed down a few miles, then turned around. I was flying when I reached the unfinished overpass where I had gotten on. By the time I realized there was no bridge it was too late. I locked up the brakes on sand and gravel covered pavement and slid off. Muddy, plowed dirt cushioned my nose first impact below. I survived with bruised ribs. The car did not survive.

[Xusia]

Wow. That's the stuff of fiction - I never actually thought that kind of thing happened to real people. Good story now!

[C.Plavan]

Sorry guys- Been in Vegas for work, now I'm a packing fool. Movers come tomorrow.

When I say "Private Test Track" I mean the development is gated with only 6 houses so far (5 finished, 6th house is starting). The roads are clear for some fun (within gated community). It is in no way a real track, nor will I be getting stupid (well, maybe a little). Haha. You will have to dodge Deer, Coyotes, Mountain Lions, Squirrels, and the elusive Roach Coach that is feeding the construction workers.

Lots of elevations changes that you cannot see.

Longisland- you are a great stalker! Haha. That 6 car garage house was out of our budget- heck, this one was! We liked the lot better on our current house too.

The ONLY reason I was "Allowed" to get this big garage, was because my wife saw this...


BOOM Done deal. She wanted the house more than me. Happy Wife, happy life.

Back to packing.....

[gwarden]

nice road course

[C.Plavan]

Figures-

I had two of my friends help me transport my wheel-less 818R to the new house. Kinda a PITA with the trailer door jam..... We used a couple of dollies, my trailer winch, and two jacks.


Then 8 of these showed up the next day.....



Murphy's law.

Once I organized the new garage, Ill be going full force!